Conflict and Polarisation in Open Societies

We live in highly politicised times in which conflict and polarisation seem to have become the norm rather than the exception. This poses complex challenges for those who advocate the idea(l) of an ‘open society’, which is, on the one hand, inextricably linked to the existence of legitimate spaces for dissenting voices, controversial opinions, and the clash of different worldviews, and, on the other, also depends on political stability, social solidarity, and respect for democratic institutions. 

This workshop, accordingly, aims to address two overarching questions:

1. What is the role of conflict and polarisation in open societies? More specifically, are conflict and polarisation existential threats to, necessary evils of, or (potentially) productive and progressive phenomena in open societies? 
2. How, if at all, can the concept of open society help us to analyse the phenomena of conflict and polarisation? More specifically, does a (re)engagement with the concept of open society allow us to reimagine mechanisms of democratic action and overcome the current moral, social, and political impasse?

All are welcome to attend. Please register here: https://opensocietyuniversitynetwork.org/opportunities/open-society-res…