Photo : Théâtre de la Concorde
A series exploring democracy at the Théâtre de la Concorde
Forget dry academic lectures and step into a lively public forum where experts dismantle complex political topics through direct, honest dialogue. It is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your perspective and connect with others while dissecting the democratic pulse of our time.
Théâtre de la Concorde (Paris 8th)
About
The Théâtre de la Concorde hosts a series of discussions dedicated to the contemporary challenges of democracy. Led by political science professor Loïc Blondiaux, these sessions explore critical topics such as institutional trust and the mechanics of public debate. Designed as a popular university, the event prioritizes direct interaction between guests and the audience. These sessions are free of charge and provide a collaborative space to analyze societal transformations. The meetings take place from 19:00 to 20:30, with scheduled dates spanning from November 19 to December 17, 2026, offering a unique opportunity to engage in thoughtful civic reflection.
Understanding democracy means understanding the world we live in. How is public opinion formed? Why is trust becoming fragile? How can we debate without tearing each other apart? What drives us to act, resist, or get involved? Led by Loïc Blondiaux, professor of political science and a renowned specialist in participatory democracy, this series of meetings aims to explore major contemporary democratic issues through the themes that punctuate the Théâtre de la Concorde's season.
At each event, Loïc Blondiaux engages in dialogue with an author, researcher, or public figure whose work sheds light on that month's theme. Together, they combine their perspectives to put into context the transformations of our society, the tensions running through it, and the collective resources we have to respond to them.
True to the spirit of a people's university, each meeting gives a central place to the public. After an introduction by Loïc Blondiaux and his guest, participants are invited to discuss in small groups to collectively bring out the questions and issues that resonate with them. These contributions then form the starting point for the dialogue with the speakers.
The sessions can be attended independently of one another and provide as many opportunities to nourish democratic debate based on the questions that concern us all.
October 8, 2026: Democratic courage
With Cynthia Fleury
Faced with crises, identity retreats, and threats to public debate, what does courage still mean in a democracy? Is it an individual virtue or a collective responsibility? Based on the work of Cynthia Fleury, philosopher and psychoanalyst, author notably of La Fin du courage, this meeting examines what allows us today to speak up, resist, engage, and act despite uncertainties.
November 19, 2026: Is trust still possible?
With Alexis Spire
Trust is the invisible foundation of all democratic life. Yet, more and more citizens seem to express distrust toward institutions, political leaders, or public action. Drawing from his work Légitime défiance, sociologist Alexis Spire will analyze the mechanisms of this contemporary distrust and the conditions necessary for rebuilding a bond of trust between citizens and institutions.
December 17, 2026: Debating: how can we still understand each other?
With Clotilde Nouët
In the age of social media, polarized opinions, and constant clashes of viewpoints, how can we preserve the conditions for a true democratic debate? Drawing on her research dedicated to the public sphere, deliberation, and freedom of expression, philosopher Clotilde Nouët examines the conditions for productive disagreement and the possibility of confronting each other without breaking.
Our take on this event
Located in the 8th arrondissement, the Théâtre de la Concorde presents a cycle of encounters focused on democratic life. Loïc Blondiaux, an expert in participatory democracy, moderates these sessions, inviting authors, researchers, and public figures to share their insights. The program is designed so that each session can be attended independently, allowing visitors to choose the topics that resonate most with their own interests.
The format emphasizes an inclusive, academic atmosphere. Each event begins with an introduction by the moderator and the guest, followed by small-group discussions where participants formulate questions. These insights then form the core of the exchange with the guest speaker. On November 19, 2026, sociologist Alexis Spire will examine the roots of distrust toward public institutions. On December 17, 2026, philosopher Clotilde Nouët will discuss the conditions for healthy debate in an era of social media polarization.
Participation is free of charge, with all sessions running from 19:00 to 20:30 at the theater on Avenue Gabriel. This initiative provides a platform for citizens to explore the collective resources available for understanding and engaging with modern societal tensions.
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