The Populist Challenge
Lothar Probst
Populism and Politics in the U.S. and Germany
German political scientist Lothar Probst will examine the effects of contemporary populism on elections in Germany and the U.S. during a lecture at Dickinson titled, “The Populist Challenge: Germany and the United States before the Elections.” It will be held Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. in the Stern Center Great Room.
This year, both Germany and the U.S. are experiencing elections where politicians use populist rhetoric to mobilize the electorate. As anti-establishment sentiments and anti-Muslim prejudices in both countries have become increasingly pronounced, Probst argues the distinct political cultures in each country are important considerations when comparing the platforms of Donald Trump and the right-winged Alternative for Germany party. Probst will focus on the similarities and differences between Germany and the U.S. with regards to contemporary populism, and he will explain how this political movement has emerged as a key aspect of the coming elections.
Probst is a former professor and managing director of the Institute for Intercultural and International Studies at Bremen University, where he also served as the chair of the department of research in elections, political parties and participation at the university’s Institute of Political Science. Probst’s teaching and research primarily focuses on political parties and elections. Additionally, Probst works on theories of democracy, political culture research, social media movements and citizens’ movements.
The event is sponsored by the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues and co-sponsored by the Max Kade Foundation and the German department. It is part of the Clarke Forum’s 2016 Presidential Election series.
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Published October 1, 2016