Backsliding Democracy: The Current State of Civil Society in Turkey and its Effects on the German Diaspora
Datum
15.09.2025
15:00 Uhr - 16:00 Uhr
Backsliding Democracy: The Current State of Civil Society in Turkey and its Effects on the German Diaspora
Backsliding democracy refers to the gradual dismantling of democratic rights, values, and institutions. This process is often driven by populist or authoritarian actors who deliberately instrumentalise social crises for their own gain. These developments have far-reaching consequences for civil society’s agency worldwide, the rule of law, and international cooperation.
Next date:
Monday, 15 September 2025, 3:00–4:00 PM (CEST)
Online via Zoom
As part of our ongoing event series on backsliding democracy, we are pleased to invite you to the online discussion „The Current State of Civil Society in Turkey and its Effects on the German Diaspora.“ Together with expert speakers, we will explore current political and social developments in Turkey and examine how these changes affect the Turkish diaspora in Germany.
Speakers
- Dr. Sinem Adar is an Associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). Her work focuses on Turkish foreign and security policy as well as domestic politics. Since 2024, she has co-led the working group “Autocratization as a Challenge for German and European Foreign Policy” at SWP, together with Muriel Asseburg. Dr. Adar holds a PhD from Brown University (USA) and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
- Emrah Gürsel is a civil society and philanthropy professional born in Turkey. He founded a European civil society network and has coordinated major projects on discrimination for a prominent German nonprofit organization. Gürsel also advises nonprofits, including a global network based in the Netherlands, on philanthropy and fundraising. He holds M.A. degrees in Philanthropic Studies and Development Economics.
- Dr. Bilge Yabanci works at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain, where she holds dual appointments as an Ikerbasque Fellow and Ramón y Cajal Fellow. Her research explores the complex interplay between populism, religion, and nationalism. She holds a PhD from the University of Bath, UK.
Moderation
Dr. John McManus is a social anthropologist whose research focuses on migration and multiculturalism in Europe and the Middle East. His current project, ARAMIZDA, funded by an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, aims to understand divisions and foster dialogue among Turkish-speaking communities in Berlin.
The event will be held in English. A Zoom access link will be sent to all registered participants one day prior to the event.
