On June 6, Professor Michael Bechtel from the Department of Political Science at the University of Cologne contributed to an ongoing public lecture series on democracy, organized by Professor Andreas Speer, Chair of the Department of Philosophy.

The event featured a keynote lecture by Professor Francis Cheneval, Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Zurich, who made a compelling theoretical and empirical case for the advantages of political systems that enable direct citizen participation in lawmaking. Building on this foundation, Professor Bechtel offered political science insights into the potential limitations of direct democracy, including risks of biased or short-term decision-making, selective political mobilization and policy bias, and the difficulties of addressing complex policy issues through popular vote.

This lecture series exemplifies how political science at the University of Cologne actively interacts with neighboring disciplines such as philosophy to deepen our understanding of democracy’s challenges. Beyond disciplinary boundaries, this engagement reflects the department’s broader commitment to collaboration with other universities and across academic fields, recognizing that solving large-scale societal problems requires integrated knowledge and diverse perspectives.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty, and community members, who engaged in a lively Q&A session. The discussions connected academic theory with real-world issues such as political polarization, declining political trust, and the pursuit of sustainable, long-term policies in democratic systems—illustrating how political science contributes indispensable analytical tools for understanding and addressing today’s pressing policy challenges.

This interdisciplinary dialogue, linking rigorous research with public concerns, underscores the role of political science in navigating the complexities of governance and policy-making in our rapidly changing world.

Picture (left to right): Prof. Michael Bechtel (Political Science, University of Cologne), Prof. Andreas Speer (Philosophy, University of Cologne), Prof. Francis Cheneval (Philosophy, University of Zurich).