Plenary Session of the Leibniz Society of Sciences

Venue: Berlin-Friedrichshagen Town Hall

Lecture: Raj Kollmorgen (Zittau/Görlitz, MLS)

The Foundations (and Abysses) of Democracy: A Critical Reflection on the Taken-for-Granted Nature, Crisis, and Transformation of Our Political System Abstract From the perspective of historical and political sociology, this lecture addresses three key themes. First, it examines the widespread assumption that there exists—both historically and in the present—a fixed or exemplary set of democratic norms, procedures, and political system architectures. Second, it explores the inherent improbability of liberal-democratic orders within modern societies, detailing the complex prerequisites and conditions that underpin our parliamentary-representative systems. In this context, the lecture also analyzes significant processes of change over the last 30 years that have contributed to the perception of a "crisis of democracy." Finally, based on this diagnosis and current challenges regarding transformation, the lecture discusses potential alternative futures for our democratic orders.