During this event, we will discuss Let’s Agree on Poland in the broader context of comparing the experiences of Turkey and Poland with polarization, populism, and the challenges facing democratic governance. The book, co-authored by a group of 28 well-known intellectuals across political divides, was first published in Poland in 2023, becoming a national bestseller and sparking a wide-ranging public debate on how to address political polarization. Its English edition is now published by Oxford University Press https://global.oup.com/academic/product/lets-agree-on-poland-9780198979562?cc=pl&lang=en&#.

Building on the proposals developed in the book, we will explore how can deeply divergent worldviews coexist within one state while safeguarding democracy for the future? The discussion will draw on the Polish case, presenting specific evidence and insights as a contribution to the broader debate on mitigating democratic challenges. We will also reflect on public policies affected by polarization and the erosion of consensus.