The relationship between nations, economies, and societies is currently the topic of varied global discussions. The European financial crisis of 2008 has highlighted and revealed national governments’ apparent inability to check global economy players, resulting in lessened trust. This current state of affairs, described by Colin Crouch as “post-democracy,” has led to wide-spread discussion about the functionality of existing democratic systems. In response to these developments, the panel will focus on the relationship between politics and economics, and present Chinese and European takes on the following topics: Where are mutual dependencies, shared interests, and lines of conflict between politics and economics lie? Are crucial sectors of society withdrawn from political oversight and control? How is the relationship between the individual, the state, and the economy to be regulated in such cases? How political systems worldwide are put under pressure by the economic crises? How do neo-liberal economies affect social justice?

This talk is part of a four part series of panel discussions entitled “Receiving the World: Mapping Democracy”. The series deals with current narratives of democracy, politics and society worldwide. The discussions will be connected via video conference to discussions that are held simultaneously in two other cities. The participating cities change with every event.

The panel in Beijing will be connected with panel discussions in London and Munich. All three panels will be linked into a joint discussion-round.

The discussion will be in Chinese and English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

Reservations required.

From Tuesday to Friday 11:00-18:00 please call +86 10 5780 0200 to book. Please note that you can only book 1 seat at a time.

Members can also book by email: members@159.138.20.147 (Email bookings are reserved for UCCA members only).

In Beijing:

Cui Zhiyuan is Professor at the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University in Beijing. He received his Ph. D. in Political Science/Political economy from the University of Chicago in 1995.

Lu Xinghua is Associate Professor for Philosophy at the European Culture Research Institute of Tongji University in Shanghai. He also works as a curator.

In Munich:

Axel Honneth is Professor of social philosophy at Johann Wolfgang Goethe University and Director of the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt/Main. He is regarded as one of the most significant representatives of Critical Theory in the tradition of the Frankfurt School.

Ingo Schulze is a free-lance author living in Berlin. His numerous publications have been frequently distinguished with awards and translated into more than 30 languages.

In London:

Mark Fisher teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London, the University of East London, and the City Literary Institute.

Simon Stephens is one of United Kingdom’s most important dramatists. Among his best-known works are “Harper Regan” (2008) and “Punk Rock” (2009).

Goethe-Institut China