MQ Talks: Philipp Blom in conversation with Ivan Krastev

MQ TALKS
Philipp Blom in conversation with Ivan Krastev

Tue 22.10., 18h l MQ Libelle, free admission
please register here

Together with guests who have made a name for themselves internationally as outstanding analysts, Philipp Blom discusses social, political and scientific issues of the present in order to illuminate their structures and driving forces from different perspectives. A co-operation between IWM(Institute for Human Sciences), BKF (Bruno Kreisky Forum) and RD Foundation and MuseumsQuartier.

Twenty-First Century Vertigo

There is a widespread feeling that the early 21st century, our own time, is torn between two world orders, one decaying, the other not yet established, or not yet understood. The crises of Western democracies, increasing polarisation, a new aristocracy of the super rich, and populist revolts against all kinds of elites and the return of widespread political violence, are symptomatic of powerful forces tearing apart a world that seemed stable. But which powers are behind this? How important are migration, economic globalisation, new wars and new alliances, digitisation, smartphones, and artificial intelligence in this mix?

Ivan Krastev grew up in a time of revolution in Bulgaria and has made it his life’s work to understand what drives them and how to protect and encourage liberty in a rule-based order. Series host Philipp Blom is fascinated by turning points in history and believes that our present may be the biggest of them all. Philipp Blom speaks with Ivan Krastev about the social, cultural and political tensions that may well end democracy and usher in autocracy, and what can be done to strengthen both individual potentials and social cohesion in a time of crisis.

Dr. Philipp Blom is a historian, philosopher and bestselling author. His books combine historical research, philosophical explorations and occasionally fiction. Against the backdrop of current upheavals such as global warming and digitalisation, his book ‘Was auf dem Spiel steht’ (2017; tr: What's at stake) also focuses increasingly on contemporary and future issues. His works have been translated into 16 languages and have received numerous awards. Philipp Blom has been the director of the Dachstein Dialogues since the beginning of 2024.