27.02.2025

ConTrust Podcast Episode #1 “A Critical Theory of Trust” with Rainer Forst released

In a world where conflicts seem to escalate again and again – be it in the Middle East, Ukraine or the growing tensions between Europe, China and the USA – it often seems more difficult than ever to find peaceful solutions. The rise of right-wing populist parties and extremist groups in Europe and beyond is also contributing to an increase in conflicts. But do conflicts necessarily have to be destructive?

ConTrust the podcast, is dedicated to the central topics of “trust and conflict”. How can we prevent conflicts from escalating into violence and destruction? What alternative, more productive ways are there for conflictual developments? And above all, how can we ensure that institutions protect us and society remains stable?

In the recently published first episode of the podcast, Rainer Forst talks to Thomas Biebricher under the title “A Critical Theory of Trust” about the complex and multi-layered meaning of the term “trust”. The conceptualization of trust is primarily discussed as a cognitive phenomenon that can vary in different social, political and cultural contexts and therefore requires critical examination.

Further episodes of the podcast will be released in the coming weeks, presenting interdisciplinary perspectives on the topic of “trust in conflict”.

To the first episode and further information: Here…

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