Streitraum 2026/27
»Prinzip Hoffnung oder: das (Un-)Mögliche denken«

Utopian thinking has of late been primarily consumed by destructive fantasies. Whether shaped by the hubris of the tech entrepreneurs or by the totalitarian dogma of authoritarian regimes, the notion of the .not yet. looks to artificial intelligence or other planets rather than human society. The principles of the Enlightenment, the humanist promises of liberty and equality, the constitutional democracy, the social welfare state and international law and commitments are all being hollowed out or dismantled. And it is not only the rightwing populist and the radical who are peddling bleak narratives: recently, climate activist and progressive discourse has also been dominated by a similar sense of insecurity and rather dystopian doomsday scenarios.

To counter all this, the 2026/27 Streitraum series is proposing to return hope to public discourse – which first requires a philosophical clarification of terms: What does hope actually mean? What role does it play in religious and secular visions of society? How can alternative narratives be put forward to challenge the apocalyptic ones that are dominating? We also need a return to practicing thinking about what it might be possible to hope for. So how could it succeed, this reformulation of utopian democratic ideas? Which social hardships and cultural yearnings would have to be addressed? And what would such an equitable, supportive and sustainable society look like? How do we want to live? How do we want to grow old? What visions exist for alternative forms of community building, for different approaches to ownership, mobility and relationships?

Streitraum is a monthly discussion series at the Schaubühne that has been moderated and curated by publicist and author Carolin Emcke since 2004. Scientists, writers, politicians, artists and other public figures are invited to join the debate. The Streitraum focuses on a new topic every season.

Webseite: www.carolin-emcke.de
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