Sunday 3 May 2009

The Republic of Ideas for re-inventing democracy - re-enchanting civil society

There have been a number of books on varied subjects in recent years with the words "re-inventing" or "re-enchanting" in the title (Re-enchanting Christianity by Dave Tomlinson, Réechanter le ministère pastoral by Raphaël Picon).
Next weekend in Grenoble the Republic of Ideas will hold discussions, lectures and round tables on ideas around "reinventing democracy". You can read the programme here and follow reports on France Culture. I rather like the idea of going to one of the three "democratic laboratories" or to listen to the round table on issues to do with immigration where someone from the CIMADE will be speaking.
As Europe prepares to go to the polls next month, re-thinking, re-invigourating and re-inventing the various democracies which make up the European Union is an important and ongoing task. Disaffection with politics is not easy to combat in the post-modern era. Using that disaffection to bring about positive change in our politics and the culture of our civil society is the challenge.
Now I just have to decide whether I shall overcome my own inertia and go to Grenoble next weekend ...

2 Comments:

Hansuli John Gerber said...

There is one thing often not mentioned and generally ignored by the media: Europe's silent but steady militarization. There is a good article on this in the recent issue of Reconciliation, the periodic publication of MIR France. Can't recall the name of the author right now...

Jane said...

Thanks for mentioning this Hansuli I shall try and look it up - you're right the arms manufacturers are getting far too easy a ride these days.