Urban Commons as democratization strategy | U!REKA online-lecture series: Democracy under threat
Democracy is one of the ‘core values’ of the European Union. Together with the rule of law and human rights, it forms the normative basis for open, inclusive and just societies committed to tolerance, solidarity and non-discrimination. However, scholars and commentators have been speaking about a ‘crisis of democracy’ for decades, and it appears that this crisis has magnified in the last years.
In our online lecture series, we analyse the present moment and discuss what conditions it – in economic, political, socio-cultural, technological and ecological terms. And in so doing, we explore what democracy is, and what it could be, how it is threatened and why and what can be done to defend and extend it in a sustainable way.
02/02/2027, 16:00-17:00 (CET)
Urban Commons as democratization strategy
Urban commons are resources that are created and managed collectively by city communities. They range from public gardens and parks to communal kitchens and cultural initiatives, and they hold great potential for democratizing society. However, they are also vulnerable to disruption, in particular in urban environments affected by gentrification and commercialization. The contribution explores how urban commons in theory and practice can be a driving force to strengthen democracy in urban environments, and what kind of challenges emerge.
Speaker: Raul Gschrey (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences)
Chair: Minna-Kristiina Ruokonen-Engler (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences)
Target Group
Lectures are open to everyone interested in questions of democracy and especially to all members of U!REKA universities including students and life-long learners.
Registration
is required – please click here. The online links will be provided by email together with the confirmation of the registration.