Balancing Freedoms: How to Protect Pluralism and Freedom of Speech in Western Societies

Описание: In an age where disinformation, polarization, and antipluralism threaten the integrity of public debate, freedom of speech itself has become a security issue. What used to be a cornerstone of our open, western societies is increasingly under attack - from state-driven censorship and algorithmic manipulation to social and institutional intolerance toward dissenting voices. Building on U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s remarks at MSC 2025, which elevated free speech to the level of strategic concern, this side event brings together transatlantic and European perspectives on the role of open discourse in sustaining democratic resilience.

Recent incidents, from the assassination of U.S. political commentator Charlie Kirk to the dismissal of German journalist Julia Ruhs over politically sensitive reporting, underscore the urgency of a renewed transatlantic commitment to free expression. The event will assess how western societies can protect pluralism, uphold the free exchange of ideas across ideological divides, and resist the erosion of democratic cornerstones by both authoritarian regimes and internal pressure.

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PANELISTS:

SARAH ROGERS, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs

JULIUS VAN DE LAAR, U.S. politics expert

LUKAS WINKELMANN, President of the Youth Transatlantic Initiative

NAZIM RAHIDI, author and journalist

TILMAN KUBAN, member of the German Bundestag (CDU)


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ORGANIZERS:
Amerikahaus - Bavarian Center for Transatlantic Relations, Munich Security Conference, Initiative Junger Transatlantiker e.V.

This event is part of MSC@Amerikahaus—Emerging Leaders.
Learn more: https://www.amerikahaus.de/msc

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LINKS:
https://www.amerikahaus.de

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