Keep Going: lessons from civil society on both sides of the Atlantic

In countries like Poland, Serbia, and the US, far-right governments are strategically dismantling democratic institutions. This has devastating consequences for local civil society. But civil society initiatives are not abandoning democratic values and civil engagement. Even under increasingly difficult conditions, democratic engagement remains possible. We provide a platform for international civil society initiatives. From them, we can learn what authoritarian attacks look like, how to prepare for growing authoritarian tendencies, and how civil society resists through creativity, strong alliances, and perseverance.

Our panelists work in an environment shaped by a rising far right. Their experiences are also relevant for activists in Germany: How do they respond to intimidation and escalating violence? How do they mobilize people to stand up for a diverse and open society? Their stories can offer us hope: Even under the most difficult conditions, democratic civil society stays active. It develops creative ways to bring people together and stand up for democratic values because giving up is not an option.