Freedom and Solidarity - opposites or complementary

On 10th November, 2026, we will stage a colloquium in cooperation with Allianz Rechtssicherheit für politische Willensbildung. The question we wish to discuss is whether solidarity and freedom are opposing concepts and might even be exclusive of each other, or whether a responsible use of freedom presupposes a degree of solidarity. Given that freedom is increasingly threatened worldwide, and in Germany in particular, we believe this question to be gaining relevance.

Dr. Marie Wachinger, a political scientist with Allianz Rechtssicherheit who wrote her PhD thesis on the subject of solidarity at the Free University of Berlin, will introduce the subject and provide an overview of current solidarity isssues in civil society networks. Dr. Rupert Strachwitz, a director of the think tank Maecenata Foundation, and also a political scientist, will reply with some remarks on freedom. After a brief exchange between the two speakers the audience will be invited to join the discussion and highlight practical implications. Hopefully, some arguments and viewpoints for a broader discussion will emerge.

The colloquium will be in hybrid format, will take place at the Maecenata Foundation, and run from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, to be followed by drinks.  

In German.

Ort:
Maecenata Stiftung
Wallstr. 15a, 10179 Berlin (U-Bahnhof Spittelmarkt)

Easy accessibility.