Societies are in a constant state of change, often evolving gradually. However, political, economic, and social events can trigger significant shifts in societal dynamics. In recent years, both Germany and the United States have experienced economic fluctuations, oscillating between financial crises and rising GDPs. Additionally, demographic changes, such as an aging population and increased immigration, have contributed to growing structural disparities, including a widening urban-rural divide. These disparities have not only affected economic and social structures but also seem to have influenced moral and political perspectives. Reaching out to one’s neighbor or patriotically supporting one’s nation is no longer taken for granted. In “Bridging the Divide,” our objective is to explore the question, “Why are we not getting along anymore?” We aim to examine how societal morals, values, and beliefs changed in recent years and how these changes are impacting social cohesion.

With Kerstin Kohlenberg and Dominic Ponattu, moderated by Ilya Marritz