DEBATING THE WORLDS FUTURE

THE HYPOTHETICALS
PRESENTED BY AARHUS 2017 WITH CLEMENT KJERSGAARD

QUERIES: Do we remain convinced that democracy – as we know it – will spread around the globe? Is new technology most useful for those who wish to remain in power or those who wish to challenge them? Will our definition of (and commitment to) democracy be changed by the challenges of the coming decades?

BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, the steady advance of democratic rights has been dramatically eroded in countries around the world – including nations for whom dictatorship and authoritarianism very recently seemed a thing of the past. In both Europe and the US, new political parties have arisen with a force that testifies to the fact that 'ordinary' people hold very strong (and very conflicting) convictions – inhabiting, according to some observers, altogether different 'fact-worlds'.

WHAT do WE want TO KNOW: How will democracy answer these challenges - and its own challenges?

Debates are in both English and Danish and occur from 13.00 - 21.30 at Aarhus Theatre. Including a dinner break from 17 - 18.30. Food is not included in the price.

The programme
We will bring together a number of sharp and influential thinkers, politicians, journalists and researchers. The programme will develop further, as we approach the event. Below you can see the names confirmed:

Birgitta Jonsdottir: Chairman of the Icelandic Pirate Party, that after the elections in 2016 became the third largest party in Iceland. Birgitta Jonsdottir is an Icelandic poet, artist, activist and politician.

Carsten Jensen: Author, critic and social commentator.

Mikael Jalving: historian, radio host and political commentator.

Noa Redington: Journalist and former spin doctor for Helle Thorning-Schmidt.