For the last decade we have observed that representative democracies in Europe and in the United States of America are endangered. A growing segment of the population is not only losing trust into the political elites, but also in democratic institutions. One consequence is the success of populist leaders and their anti-democratic and anti-pluralist politics. Another consequence is that social cohesion is becoming fragile. Polarization is increasing. What can be done? In her talk, Professor Landfried will discuss whether new forms of citizens’ participation, such as citizens' assemblies, are a way of rebuilding trust. Citizens, selected by lot and representative for society, are developing on the basis of an intense and informed debate recommendations for the solution of urgent political problems. Do such new forms of participation have an impact on real politics and do they effectively strengthen democracy?

Goethe Pop Up Seattle and the Thomas Mann House present a conversation on "Democracy Redesigned - New Forms of Citizens' Participation" between Christine Landfried (University of Hamburg and a 2022 Thomas Mann House Los Angeles), Joyce M. Nushaben (Georgetown University) and Mark A. Smith (Department of Political Science, University of Washington).

The event is open to the public. To RSVP please click here.

Christine Landfried is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Hamburg and a 2022 Thomas Mann House Fellow. A central focus of her work is on political finance, constitutional jurisdiction, European integration and the role of art in democratic societies. In her studies of the EU, she analyzes the conditions under which cultural, economic and political differences can be a potential for democratic governance. During her fellowship at the Thomas Mann House, Christine Landfried wants to investigate whether new forms of political participation, such as citizen conferences, can help to regain trust in democratic politics.

Joyce Mushaben is an Adjunct Professor in the BMW Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown University and reitred Curators' Distinguished Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her work focuses on German and European politics, gender, migration, and identity. She is the author of multiple books including Becoming Madam Chancellor: Angel Merkel and the Berlin Republic. Other articles of hers have been featured World Politics, Polity, West European Politics, German Politics & Society, the Journal of Peace Research, Democratization, Citizenship Studies, Femina Politica, and the Journal of Ethnicity & Migration Studies.

Mark Alan Smith is a professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington. His work focuses on American politics culture, religion, as well as economic issues and the rhetoric of conservatism. Most recently, he is the author of the book Secular Faith: How Culture Has Trumped Religion in American Politics which argues that there is a commonality between all American (secular and religious) moral and political viewpoints. His debut book, American Business and Political Power: Public Opinion, Elections, and Democracy won the Leon Epstein Award from the American Political Science Association.