The next Presidential Election in the United States (November 2024) is widely perceived as a critical juncture in world politics. A potential re-election of Donald Trump as US President would represent the clear evidence for the global and permanent rise of populism. It could further lead to a major crisis of the liberal order and many established practices of global cooperation. The election and the dueling narratives of both parties can be also seen as a prime example for the increasing polarization of democratic societies and new practices of political communication and campaigning in democratic life. The seminar uses the Presidential election in the US to reflect on major challenges and problems of our democratic societies and how we can react on these developments. In a first part, we will focus on the specific character of the Presidential election in the US and look at the election system, political culture and US history. In a second part, we will contextualize the election within broader debates in political science on populism, polarization, identity politics, culture wars, and new forms of political communication (social media etc). In the final part, we will think about the US case as a symptom for the crisis of democracy and try to identify similarities and differences between the US and European countries, in particular Germany.
Assignments:
Basic Requirement for ALL: Engagement in Forum
All participants need to engage in the Forum via Learnweb (comments on the guiding questions). Each of you should actively engage in the Forum at least two times and respond with an original and substantial comment (make your own point/argument and refer to the relevant seminar readings or further literature by active or indirect citation).
Studiennachweis: One essay OR one group presentation
You choose one of the thematic sessions (5-13) and write a short essay (5 pages). You can follow the guiding questions, but you should develop an own standpoint and argument. The writing style can be more prosaic in comparison to research papers.
Alternative: You can be part of one presentation group.
Prüfungsnachweis: Group presentation PLUS research paper
Sign up for one of the group presentations. Prepare a power point presentation on your topic and think about modes of interaction with other students (questions to discuss, group work etc.). Slides need to be uploaded before the seminar session. Presentations should be no longer than 30 minutes. Plus: Research paper (12-15 pages, 4.500 words). Please make sure to book a time slot for my office hour for discussing your paper’s topic.
- Lehrende/r: Frank Gadinger