We are living in an age of Trump and Brexit, and the rise of an intensely polarized politics and news media. The old rules of shared discourse and information seem to have been discarded overnight, replaced by sharp divisions: rural versus urban, the college educated versus those without degrees, blue collar versus white collar, immigrant versus native born, us versus them.

This panel discussion will explore how the twin impulses of fear and belonging are shaping both our daily lives and global politics. What technological, demographic, economic, and cultural factors are driving people’s perceptions and allegiances? Are we living through exceptional times, or can we learn from similar eras in recent history? Do we need to talk more about cohesion and unity in order to protect diversity?

Panelists:

Khaoula Channoufi, Islamic Association in Malmö

Filip Filipek, Malmö Pride

Andreas Hasslert, Ibn Rushd

Anders Hellström, Associate Professor in Political Science, Malmö University

Pernilla Ouis, Associate Professor in Health and Society, Malmö University

View the full calendar of the Opportunity Space Festival.