The relevance of political education is of central importance today, in a time of profound social upheaval. It is no longer on the sidelines of our public discussions, but is moving – or at least should be – at the center of debates about our future. In an era characterized by digital disruption, economic upheaval and an increasingly fragmented public, political education is the key to securing the foundations of our democracy and promoting critical thinking across broader sections of society. But this key is often not recognized and overlooked in a world characterized by haste and simplification.
As an author and journalist, I have spent many years dealing with the question of how political education in Germany needs to be designed and developed in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The importance of this topic cannot be overestimated, because political education is the space in which the essential questions about our society, about democracy and participation, about power and responsibility are negotiated. Without it, there is a risk that citizens will be decoupled from the mechanisms that control our political system.
The conversation with Thomas and Christoph, which felt like a catalyst for many of these considerations, was not just about the history, but also about the urgent topicality of political education. The Federal Agency for Civic Education symbolizes this long path to enlightenment. From the classic formats – seminars, workshops, lectures – to the digital platforms that enabled a new form of exchange during the pandemic, there is a development that, on the one hand, gives hope, but on the other hand also reveals the existing gaps.
It would be naive to believe that political education has already fulfilled its purpose today, when it is theoretically accessible to everyone through digital tools. The reality looks different. The fragmentation of the public sphere that I mentioned earlier is particularly evident on social networks, where disinformation, conspiracy theories and polarization are taking up more space than ever before. In my conversation I made it clear that political education today has the task of starting right here. It’s not just about knowledge transfer, but about promoting critical thinking, exposing the mechanisms of manipulation and enabling active citizen participation.
Companies bear a responsibility in this development that should not be underestimated. As an author, I have repeatedly explained throughout my career that companies are more than just economic actors. They actively shape society – be it through their business practices, through their communication strategies or through the way they participate in political and social discussions. In the podcast I underlined this role and put it up for discussion: It is no longer enough to retreat to the neutral position of “we won’t get involved”. Companies must take action; they must integrate political education into their corporate culture.
Why? Because social cohesion and the functionality of our democracy depend on as many people as possible understanding the complexity of the political processes and being able to take part in them. We need political education that is accessible to everyone – an education that is not only aimed at academic circles and political elites, but also reaches the broader population. Digitalization offers opportunities here, but it also brings with it new dangers. Disinformation is spreading faster than ever before and the pressure on democratic institutions is growing.
Here comes the central point that I addressed several times in the discussion: Civic education must become more digital without losing its depth of content. It’s not just about adapting to new formats, but about the challenge of addressing new target groups while maintaining the substance. At a time when trust in institutions is dwindling and populist discourse is gaining ground, it is essential that civic education is not only viewed as an academic or theoretical construct. It must play a practical, tangible role in people’s everyday lives.
Civic education must not rest on its laurels over the achievements of its 70-year history. The challenges are too urgent, the dangers too acute. In my conversation I pointed out that it is not enough to lose yourself in nostalgic reflection on the past. We have to design the political education formats of the future now. Digital formats are just a start here. They must be supplemented by real dialogue platforms, by hybrid forms of learning that meet people where they are – be it in the company, in public discourse or on social media.
Ultimately, it’s about promoting a responsible citizenry that not only knows how the political system works, but is also prepared to defend and develop it. Here, as I made it clear in the conversation, lies the greatest challenge and at the same time the greatest opportunity for political education in our time. It is our responsibility, as authors, as teachers, as citizens, to recognize and utilize this potential.
See also:
A visit to Bonn: Nancy Faeser and the question of the future of political education
