Latest posts by Hans Blokland (see all)
- Migrationspolitik auf der Flucht reviewed by Simon W. Wolke - April 10, 2025
- New book published: Talking Politics and Society Again: Reengaging with Fellow Citizens. - March 17, 2025
- Ali Ghaznawi joins Social Science Works - March 7, 2025
Talking Politics and Society Again: Reengaging with Fellow Citizens is the title of the new book of Hans Blokland. It will be published by Transcript Verlag in Bielefeld and will be available from March 27, 2025.
The product flyer of Transcript is here: Talking Politics and Society Again flyer
The back cover reads as follows:
The belief in democracy and democratic institutions is waning. Political malaise, populism and radicalization are widespread. Everywhere in the Western world not only newly arrived, but also native citizens need to be integrated in the social and political fabric. Hans Blokland discusses projects starting courteous conversations again with citizens on politics and society, and addresses the underlying ideas on democratic deliberation.
Why do we need dialogues in all kinds of social settings about what keeps our societies together? How would this help to counter current antagonism, alienation and radicalism? What do we as political communities want to achieve in a world that seems to get more and more out of democratic control? How can we build up meaningful discussions on values and beliefs? Are people always right about their interests and goals? How to take people seriously despite questioning their reasoning?
This book offers answers based on the deliberations the NGO Social Science Works implemented in Germany. The plight of democracy in Germany and beyond is thereby made poignantly clear.
A thoughtful reflection on the state in which we are and on what needs to be done.
Interview with the author.
Why did you choose this topic?
Around the world, democracies have come under pressure due to a lack of political participation, competencies and knowledge. Political malaise, populism and radicalization are widespread. To counter this, we need dialogues in all kinds of social settings about what keeps our societies together and what we want to achieve in a world that increasingly seems to get out of democratic control. However, we need not only theoretical analyses, but also practical tools to make a difference.
What new perspectives does your book offer?
This book provides a basis for much needed deliberations. What forms are possible to achieve which goals? How can we build up meaningful discussions on values and beliefs? Are people always right about their interests and goals? How to take people seriously despite questioning their reasoning? Additionally, the experiences gained by the NGO Social Science Works in numerous deliberative projects are examined. The plight of democracy in Germany and beyond is thereby made poignantly clear.
What makes your topic relevant for current research debates?
Too often, research is limited to a description of the existing predicament and there is no room for an informed prescription of the direction in which we should move. Similarly, there is rarely attention to analyses of attempts to bring normative ideals closer. This book attempts to do just that. The practical experiences made with numerous deliberative projects help form the basis for this. The question is how we can generate and apply useful knowledge to improve the state we are in.
Choose one person you would like to discuss your book with!
My friend who died too soon, Charles E. Lindblom (1917 – 2018).
Your book summary in one sentence
A diligent reflection on the state of our democracies and political competences, and on what needs to be done to create a brighter democratic future.