Reading and discussion with Jakob Springfeld (The West Has No Idea What's Happening in the East) and Börries Nehe (Beyond Molotovs: A Visual Handbook of Anti-Authoritarian Strategies)
Around the world, we are witnessing the decline of democratic structures and the rise of reactionary, anti-democratic ideologies and movements. Relationships of exploitation and power are increasingly being defended through authoritarian means.
Jakob Springfeld is an author and activist from Saxony. In his second book, *The West Has No Idea What’s Happening in the East—Why the Rise of the Far Right Is a Threat to Us All*, he examines the normalization of far-right thinking and behavior. He considers it both wrong and dangerous to view this as an East German problem. Among other things, he calls for the democratization of the economy and a serious engagement with ecological and justice issues as a response to authoritarian tendencies.
*Beyond Molotovs: A Visual Handbook of Anti-Authoritarian Strategies* presents 50 examples from around the world. Countless individuals, collectives, and movements are developing creative anti-authoritarian strategies that resist nationalist, fundamentalist, racist, and anti-feminist forces. Börries Nehe shares stories that go far beyond the “defense of democracy” or “resistance” and focus on more just and democratic forms of coexistence.
Following the two book presentations, a discussion with Jakob Springfeld and Börries Nehe will take place at 8:45 pm. The discussion will focus on the question of which strategies against authoritarianism can be successful. How can people’s cultural and sensory needs be addressed in anti-authoritarian strategies? What role do material issues play? How can broad alliances function, and how can we learn from one another worldwide? What approaches can we apply to our local situation?
Schedule Starting at 6:30 pm: Doors open 7 pm: Reading by Jakob Springfeld – “The West Has No Idea What’s Happening in the East” 7:45 pm: Reading by Börries Nehe – “Beyond Molotovs: A Visual Handbook of Anti-Authoritarian Strategies” (in German) 8:45 pm: Discussion on strategies against authoritarianism with Jakob Springfeld and Börries Nehe
Admission: Free
There will be a book table in collaboration with the Scharfe bookstore (cash only).
The event will take place in spoken German with Polish translation.
A further education event organized by verquer. at the Kultur- und Initiativenhaus Greifswald e. V., supported by Neonlila. Funded by ENGAGEMENT GLOBAL with financial support from the BMZ, and by the NUE from proceeds of the BINGO! lottery. The Environmental Lottery, through the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs, and the Heidehof Foundation. The reading with Jakob Springfeld is part of the ID:Pomerania project, funded by the Interreg VI A Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania / Brandenburg / Poland 2021–2027 program. An event as part of Greifswald’s Culture Night and the Polish-German-international ID:POMERANIA FESTIVAL #2, ZUSAMMEN TUN · POŁĄCZMY SIŁY · GET TOGETHER.
(c) Quadriga Verlag
(c) transcript Verlag