Landmark endeavor establishes a benchmark for embracing disparities and various viewpoints
In recent times, there has been a growing concern worldwide about the state of liberal democracy. Thorsten Holzhauser, the managing director, has emphasized this, highlighting attempts to rebuild democracies in an authoritarian manner in the USA, and forces questioning liberal democracy and the open society rising in Europe.
To counter this trend, an initiative called 'Historians for a Democratic Society' (hist4dem) has emerged, although there seems to be no specific initiative with this exact name. However, there are similar organizations and initiatives that focus on democracy and societal engagement, such as Historians for Peace and Democracy (H-PAD) and Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).
H-PAD, formerly known as Historians Against the War, advocates for peace and diplomacy internationally, and for democracy and human rights domestically. It was founded in 2003 to oppose the invasion of Iraq and has since expanded its focus to broader foreign policy issues and civil liberties at home.
SDS, a national student activist organization in the 1960s, promoted democratic ideals and social justice. Its Port Huron Statement highlighted issues like international anarchy and racial inequality, advocating for a new left committed to deliberation and reflection.
The action week for hist4dem, if not a specific initiative, is planned to take place from May 5th to 9th. All those who deal with historical education are invited to participate with their own actions, under the motto "Strengthen Democracy". Events are taking place nationwide as part of the action week, with various seminars, community engagements, and petitions planned.
The exact details of the action week have not been specified, but it appears that hist4dem aims to continue raising awareness that history is not being instrumentalized in a science-free way and that democratic principles are indispensable for historical education. In the future, they could also bring expertise into the public and mediate appropriate persons.
The number of supporters is increasing daily, with around 240 signatories already on board. If you're interested in specific action weeks or events, consider contacting these organizations directly for information on upcoming activities.
Remember, the action week is also meant to set a sign - for democracy, solidarity, and diversity. So, let's stand together for a stronger, more democratic society.
- The education-and-self-development and personal-growth aspects of this context are reflected in the 'Historians for a Democratic Society' (hist4dem) action week, which aims to strengthen democracy through historical education and diverse events.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, H-PAD, previously Historians Against the War, advocates for peace, diplomacy, democracy, and human rights both domestically and internationally.
- The concern about the state of liberal democracy, as observed in war-and-conflicts and forces questioning liberal democracy, is addressed by historians and student activists through general-news initiatives like hist4dem and SDS.
