Eva Ricarda Lautsch & Uwe Jun

How do social polarization and political division arise – and how can democracies and the media deal with them? In this event, Prof. Dr. Uwe Jun (party researcher at the University of Trier) and Dr. Eva Ricarda Lautsch (political editor at ZEIT ONLINE) will discuss the causes, consequences and possible solutions to this challenge. Prof. Dr. Uwe Jun will shed light on the phenomenon of polarization from a political science perspective: What issues and dynamics are driving it? What consequences does it have for parties, political processes and society? Dr. Eva Ricarda Lautsch provides insights into journalistic practice: How does polarization influence reporting? What responsibility do the media have in dealing with extreme positions and populism? After two short keynote speeches, the two experts will enter into a dialog and discuss with the audience. How can a constructive culture of debate be promoted? What role do the media and political actors play? Actively shape the discussion with your questions and thoughts!

Dr. Eva Ricarda Lautsch is a lawyer and journalist. She studied law in Heidelberg, Berlin and Istanbul. She has been political editor at ZEIT ONLINE since 2024. First in law and now as a journalist, she deals with the topics of law and democracy.

Prof. Dr. Uwe Jun is Professor of Political Science (Political System of the Federal Republic of Germany) at the University of Trier and spokesperson for the “Party Research” working group of the German Political Science Association (DVPW).

In cooperation with the Heidelberg Symposium

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