In the past years liberal democracy has been challenged throughout the world, together with the entire postwar international order. Globalization with its economic disparities, increased mobility and social media have fueled skepticism and forces that are critical of established political systems. With nationalism and populism on the rise in more and more countries around the globe, the foundations the liberal order are substantially challenged.

Where should we look for the causes of current illiberalism? Are there any lessons to be learnt from Europe’s troubled past? What is the role of intellectuals in these times? These and other issues will be tackled by the two distinguished scholars.

Dieter Grimm, a graduate in law and political science and an expert in law history, has had a special interest for constitutional history and the role of constitutions in shaping Europe’s social and political order. Besides his scholarly activity, Professor Grimm also served (from 1987 to 1999) as a judge of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany.

Dirk Lehmkuhl, a political scientist with a PhD at the European University in Florence, has been interested in public policy issues of European integration, comparative regional integration and the legalization of international politics. He currently holds the chair for European Politics at the University of St. Gallen, where he has coordinated several research projects focusing on Eastern Europe and the European Neighborhood Policy.