How to Save Democracy? | Lecture and conversation with philosopher Lisa Herzog and political scientist Gaard Kets

Announcement 

Who truly holds power in our economy? Do citizens still shape society—or have we been reduced to passive consumers? Philosopher Lisa Herzog argues that our unequal economy poses a serious threat to democracy. Join us to hear how, according to Herzog, we can save democracy—by transforming the economy.

Lisa Herzog’s latest book, The Democratic Market, was praised by Thomas Piketty as “a great book and a must-read!”

From Power Couple to Inequality

For decades, democracy and capitalism were seen as the West’s power couple. But with the rise of neoliberalism, deep inequality emerged. Western societies now face a choice, says Herzog: if they fail to reform their economic systems, democracy will vanish. When economic power is unequally distributed, those with money can easily convert it into other forms of influence—shaping public debate and steering politicians. Over time, people with little financial means lose their voice in democratic processes.

Reining in the Economy

In a just democracy, political institutions keep economic power in check—not the other way around, Herzog argues. After all, capitalism and democracy aren’t natural allies: democracy treats everyone as equals, while capitalism pits people against each other as competitors. Herzog calls not only for economic reform, but for a moral revolution—a shift in the stories we tell about how the economy works, and who it serves.

After her lecture, Lisa Herzog will engage in conversation with political scientist Gaard Kets. Philosopher Tjidde Tempels will moderate the discussion.

About the Speakers

Lisa Herzog is Professor of Political Philosophy at the University of Groningen. Her research focuses on economic justice, ethics in organizations, and democracy in the workplace. Her latest book, The Democratic Market, was praised by Thomas Piketty as “a great book and a must-read!”

Gaard Kets is Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Radboud University. He studies the historical and contemporary development of democratic practices, with a special interest in democratizing the workplace.

Tjidde Tempels is Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Radboud University and coordinator of the research hotspot Sustainable Democracy.