Transatlantic Bridge Professorship

Abdication? Civil Society Leaders and the Defense of German Democracy

Democracy is usually regarded as safest in wealthy, long-established countries. Yet recent developments show that the future of democracy is uncertain since even strong democracies weaken when key societal actors fail to defend democratic norms. This project examines Germany at a critical moment as democratic institutions face pressure from political polarization and rising anti-democratic forces.Rather than focusing only on politicians, the project studies the role of civil society leaders—such as business executives, union leaders, university presidents, church officials, and media heads. These actors have the resources to defend democracy, but they may also remain silent or adapt when norms are challenged. The project examines how civil society leaders respond to anti-democratic forces by acting or failing to act.The research is built around a “double transfer.” Germany’s experience offers lessons to the United States about democratic self-defense through a robust collective memory (Erinnerungskultur) and cross-sectoral cooperation. Simultaneously, recent U.S. developments serve as a warning for Germany about how erosion unfolds when civic leaders fail to coordinate. Through interviews and surveys, the project aims to enrich policy discussion on how democracies can defend themselves in a shared moment of vulnerability.

Transatlantic Bridge Professorship is aimed at internationally recognized researchers in the humanities and social sciences who are currently working in the USA in the fields of democracy, fundamental rights, academic freedom or transatlantic relations and who would also like to continue their research at German universities or research institutions. The funding enables annual periods of residence in Germany to strengthen exchanges between colleagues alongside research, with a view to building transatlantic bridges.