Erfurt Transatlantic Dialogue: Division and Polarization

Societies in other parts of the world are also under considerable tension. In the United States, the world's oldest democracy, the controversies surrounding former President Donald Trump and the storming of the Capitol in January 2021 have become emblematic of this.

The countries of Latin America are as divided as they were last during the military dictatorships of the 1970s and 1980s. Extremist politicians are winning elections, democratic structures are being discredited, and young people in particular are open to authoritarian movements. South Africa, India, Hungary, Turkey - the list goes on.

We want to discuss the phenomenon from three perspectives – the U.S., German and Brazilian perspectives. What exactly do the threats look like in these respective societies? How can it be explained that so many different societies are under pressure? What is being done in the countries to counter these tendencies?

You are cordially invited to discuss together with our experts and an international audience in a fish bowl.

Jointly organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the U.S. Consulate General in Leipzig and the Brandt School