Series: Research for Democracy – The Institute for Democracy and Civil Society meets Jena

Democracy cannot be taken for granted. The rise of the far right, social polarisation and attacks on an open, democratic society pose major challenges for politics, civil society and academia. The Institute for Democracy and Civil Society (IDZ) in Jena examines these developments, investigates their causes and consequences, and presents research findings for public debate.

On this evening, you will gain insights into the latest research being carried out by the Institute for Democracy and Civil Society. In short keynote talks, researchers will outline their current research and the implications this has for Thuringia and beyond. You will learn how the influence of the far right affects society and democracy, what the investigation into the NSU case reveals, how research into right-wing extremism provides insights for policymakers and civil society, and how democratic culture and participation – particularly in rural areas – can be strengthened.

The programme is complemented by two keynote talks focusing on the 1990s in Jena: Pia Boller from Ernst Abbe University will speak about the (lack of) victim protection in youth work with far-right youths in Jena-Winzerla. Leonie Dellen, the current Rosenthal Fellow of the City of Jena, will address right-wing violence in Jena and the question of how it was perceived and contextualised at the time.

At the information stand, you can chat with the researchers, ask questions and find out about handouts, studies and other information materials.