Anti-Democratic Thought in Democratic Public: Reflections on Curtis Yarvin and Beyond

This year, the St.Gallen Symposium hosts Curtis Yarvin, an anti-democratic U.S. political blogger generally classified as extreme far right. Yarvin's speaking tour in Europe has generated considerable controversy, with media outlets such as Zeit and The Guardian wondering whether platforming is the same as legitimizing.

This teach-in will feature different perspectives on what it means to engage with anti-democratic or extremist thinkers, be they on the far right or far left, and whether it is possible to responsibly do so in a space of learning. Yarvin's visit will serve as the catalyst, but the discussion will also go beyond this.

The format of a teach-in is intended to be interactive and collaborative. Each speaker will offer a short input of 5 minutes or so, after which there will be room for discussion and questions. This event is not intended to moralize, and it will include contrasting viewpoints to encourage an open debate about what it means for universities and other public spaces to platform thinkers whose beliefs run counter to the values of liberal democracy.

Speakers: Contributions including Christine Abbt, Paula Bialski, Blagoy Blagoev, Claudia Brühwiler, Raphaela Cueni, Suzanne Enzerink, Gunnar Hauptmann (St Gallen Symposium), Caspar Hirschi, Judith Stroehle, and a representative of the open letter initiators. Audience participation is expressly welcome.

Language: Speakers in English, audience contributions welcome in German and English