Cleveringa bijeenkomst 2025

Democracy under Threat

• By: prof.dr. Sarah de Lange, prof.mr. Ferd Grapperhaus and dr. Marenne Mei Jansen
• Language: English

In the aftermath of the Second World War, democracy became the assumed norm across Western Europe. Dictatorships were viewed as relics of the past – underdeveloped, uncivilized, and not part of our world. But recent global developments have shaken that confidence, reminding us of a hard-earned lesson from the 1930s: democracy is not invincible. It can be eroded from within. In fact, as Aristotle warned even much longer ago, when the rule of law is neglected, democracies become dangerously susceptible to demagogues. A democracy can, in fact, destroy itself.

This year’s Leiden Cleveringa Meeting invites you to examine the fragility of democratic systems. We will explore both internal weaknesses and external threats, and ask: How can we safeguard our institutions and strengthen democratic resilience? What roles should democratic institutions play? Is there a responsibility for the military? And what part can—and must—we in Academia play?

Join us for a timely and urgent conversation about the future of democracy.