This is the inaugural panel of the seminar “Change through (Dis)Agreement: Reforming the Rule of Law in a Divided Society,” organized jointly with Democracy Reporting International and hosted at Humboldt University in Berlin. The session will take place from 9:30–10:45 CET and will be accessible virtually.

The panel is open to online participants. Registration is available at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ywsngt4KQ9eck80iL9ADqQ

Could territorial power-sharing form the basis of a durable constitutional settlement for the 21st century?

Drawing on the cross-partisan insights of the local bestseller Let’s Agree on Poland: A Case Study in Strategic Constitutional Design, which brought together progressive and conservative voices to propose bold and comprehensive constitutional reforms, the seminar convenes leading experts from across the political spectrum. Together, they will examine how democracies can engage electorally successful illiberal movements without compromising core constitutional values.

The election of Karol Nawrocki as President of Poland in June 2025 underscores the enduring appeal of revolutionary conservative movements across Europe — even when their challenges to democratic institutions are publicly exposed or partially reversed. Reflecting on Poland’s contested process of rule-of-law restoration, the event offers broader lessons for constitutional systems grappling with democratic repair in deeply divided societies — a challenge of growing relevance across Europe and beyond.

Full Seminar Program

9:30–10:45 – Panel 1: Failed Counter-Revolution?
11:00–12:15 – Panel 2: Should We Negotiate with Rule-of-Law Breakers?
13:00–14:15 – Panel 3: A Progressive–Conservative Constitutional Deal?
14:30–16:00 – Panel 4: What Are the Polish Lessons for Europe?