Book Presentation: “The Splendor and Misery of Conservatives”

Every democracy needs conservatives: in politics, in parliament, often in government, and in the media. They represent the steadfast segment of the population – and it is a large one. Christian Democrats and other moderate conservatives are a pillar of democracy.

But in times of crisis, many readily open themselves up to the “enemies of the open society” (Karl Popper). Center-right parties borrow from populists who rely on radicalism. Many in the media are also feeling unsettled.

The main opponent of “moderation and the center” now lies on the right rather than the left. Conservatives are the force that can counter right-wing authoritarians, as Péter Magyar in Hungary and Donald Tusk in Poland have demonstrated. But they are also the force most likely to be swayed by them.

No one can defend democracy more effectively – or weaken it more severely– than conservatives: It all depends on them, writes Roger de Weck in his new book The Splendor and Misery of Conservatives (Suhrkamp), which he will present at Publix in October.

On the panel:

Roger de Weck is a visiting professor at the College of Europe in Bruges and president of the “Jean Monnet European Foundation,” which manages the archives of the EU’s founder. He was editor-in-chief of *Die Zeit*, host of “Sternstunden Philosophie” (3sat), and director general of Swiss Radio.

Moderation: Dr. Julia Reuschenbach is a political scientist at the University of Hamburg and co-author of Defekte Debatten – Warum wir als Gesellschaft besser streiten müssen.

The event will be held in German.