Trialogue Series Future of Democracy

"Who bears responsibility for the future of democracy? – A perspective-rich discussion series on the relationship between business and democracy in times of global change, protectionism, and populism." - a joint trialogue series hosted by the "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future" Foundation and the Berlin Governance Platform.

Liberal democracies today offer their citizens a level of prosperity like no other political system. As a form of government, democracy generally enjoys very high approval in society – but its daily practice is increasingly viewed skeptically.

Globalization and digitization are changing people's lives. On the one hand, there are new opportunities and possibilities, but on the other hand, there is uncertainty. Many citizens wonder whether politics – but also business, science and civil society – is capable of finding the appropriate solutions to the new challenges. It is high time to discuss how business, politics, organized civil society and science can interact in such a way that democracy and business function together sustainably.

Viable solutions need the participation of all relevant stakeholder groups. The special method of the Berlin Governance Platform's trialoge opens up this necessary diversity of perspectives and creates the opportunity to exchange arguments and explore options for action in an atmosphere of trust. Trialogues are designed to be both practical and participatory by linking theoretical, often complex backgrounds with vivid current and practice-relevant topics and issues.

In our series "Who bears responsibility for the future of democracy?", three one-day events initiated a long-overdue discussion and, in particular, discussed the role of business in interaction with politics and organized civil society in an open, controversial and enriching way for all.

DURATION

2018 - 2019

PARTNER

PUBLICATION

1. future of democracy: democracy and market economy - only strong together?

The trialogue series "Who bears responsibility for the future of democracy?" was a joint initiative of the Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility and Future" and the Berlin Governance Platform. In three one-day events
we discussed in particular the role of business in an open, controversial and enriching way for all.

The first event in the series took place on September 17, 2018 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. Together with the input providers and participants, we identified and discussed the fundamental values on which democracy and the market economy are based. Are they systematically different? Are central principles such as justice and profit maximization in conflict with each other? Do market-based systems need democracies and civil society at all? But also: What connects business, politics and civil society, what are the central commonalities, on which goals do they agree?

Click here for the short final report.

2nd Trialogue: Companies in the Tension between Profit and the Common Good?

The second event in the series took place on December 4, 2018 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. Together with the input providers and participants, we discussed what expectations society and politics can place on business: on its location policy, on its willingness to pay taxes or to fulfill environmental protection requirements. Of central importance was the question of which expectations are legitimate and justified and which additional obligations companies have toward society and the state.

Click here for the short final report.

3 Future of Democracy: "Working Poor, Minimum Wage and Basic Security" - How Must Good Economic and Social Policy Be Formed?

The third and final event in the series took place on March 15, 2019 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin. The focus was on the question of how sustainable economic and social policy must be designed today. Together with the input providers and participants, we discussed the importance of work for society. We analyzed the consequences of neoliberal economic policies and – closely related – talked about rising social inequality and its political consequences, including the success of right-wing populist parties. And of course we debated what responsibility companies in Germany today actually (can) assume for society and democracy.

Click here for the short final report.

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