Democracy under pressure – students in conversation with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer and Karen Celis
Tue 21 Apr 2026Price
Free
Timetable
12:30 / Doors
Location
Pilar Box (Ground Floor)
Triomflaan, VUB Entrance 6, 1050 Brussels
Triomflaan, VUB Entrance 6, 1050 Brussels
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Pilar invite students to a conversation with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer. This initiative is part of PACT: the Caroline Pauwels Academy of Critical Thinking.
Prompted by his new book *Absolute Democracy*, VUB Professor of Political Science Karen Celis will discuss the major challenges facing democracy today with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, ranging from populism and growing inequality to pressures on the rule of law and truth. The conversation will then open to the audience, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and think critically about possible solutions and new forms of democracy.
Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer first gained recognition as a poet and has since become one of the most widely read and discussed voices in Dutch-language literature. His novel *La Superba* won the Libris Literature Prize, and his historical novel *Alkibiades* also received widespread acclaim. Beyond his literary work, Pfeijffer frequently engages in public debate on politics, culture, and the future of Europe. Based in Genoa, he observes European politics up close, writing sharp essays and columns on the state of democracy.
Karen Celis is a Professor of Political Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and head of the research group Democratic Futures. Her research centers on one key question: how can we make democracy more just and inclusive? Celis studies how political systems handle inequality and underrepresentation, developing new ways to improve democratic decision-making. She describes herself as a "democratic designer"—someone who not only analyzes where democracy falls short but also designs concrete innovations to strengthen the connection between citizens and political institutions. Through her work on democratic design, representation, and the role of emotions in politics, she aims to contribute to a democracy that listens better, works more inclusively, and restores citizens' trust.
Seats are limited. Students who wish to actively participate in the debate are encouraged to register quickly.
Prompted by his new book *Absolute Democracy*, VUB Professor of Political Science Karen Celis will discuss the major challenges facing democracy today with Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer, ranging from populism and growing inequality to pressures on the rule of law and truth. The conversation will then open to the audience, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and think critically about possible solutions and new forms of democracy.
Ilja Leonard Pfeijffer first gained recognition as a poet and has since become one of the most widely read and discussed voices in Dutch-language literature. His novel *La Superba* won the Libris Literature Prize, and his historical novel *Alkibiades* also received widespread acclaim. Beyond his literary work, Pfeijffer frequently engages in public debate on politics, culture, and the future of Europe. Based in Genoa, he observes European politics up close, writing sharp essays and columns on the state of democracy.
Karen Celis is a Professor of Political Science at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and head of the research group Democratic Futures. Her research centers on one key question: how can we make democracy more just and inclusive? Celis studies how political systems handle inequality and underrepresentation, developing new ways to improve democratic decision-making. She describes herself as a "democratic designer"—someone who not only analyzes where democracy falls short but also designs concrete innovations to strengthen the connection between citizens and political institutions. Through her work on democratic design, representation, and the role of emotions in politics, she aims to contribute to a democracy that listens better, works more inclusively, and restores citizens' trust.
Seats are limited. Students who wish to actively participate in the debate are encouraged to register quickly.
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