Global Fears over the "Great Cultural War"
- In a speech to members of the Order Pour le mérite, Weimar expressed his concerns about the war on Enlightenment values that seem to be gaining momentum in the four major powers: China, Russia, India, and the United States. He warned that these powers are launching stealthy attacks against the liberal ideals that have shaped the global landscape for centuries.
Global tension looms over potential worldwide cultural conflict, as expressed by Weimer. - Global tensions escalate over cultural conflicts on a global scale, according to Weimer's concerns.
The massive {Cultural Struggle} around the world is making people, particularly those in the arts and sciences, wary about their freedom of expression. This battlefield is seen explicitly in dictatorships like China and Russia, but its shadows are gradually creeping into Western democracies according to Germany's Culture Minister, Wolfram Weimar.
Remarks from the Chancellor- Hermann Parzinger, the outgoing president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and the current Chancellor of the Order, echoed Weimar's sentiments, stating that even Germany is not immune to this "right-wing cultural struggle." Popular stances in science and art are under threat, with right-wing forces attempting to exert influence over appointments and programs at the communal and state levels. These developments are not unique to East Germany, according to Parzinger, and similar trends can be observed in West Germany, North Hesse, and the Ruhr area.
Welcome to the Order Pour le mérite- The Order Pour le Mérite for Science and Arts is a prestigious organization consisting of about 80 outstanding personalities from Germany and other countries, including many Nobel laureates. Founded in the 19th century by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, the Order aims to promote the advancement of the arts and sciences, currently under the patronage of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. On Sunday, four new members were welcomed into the Order in Berlin.
The Looming Threat- The increasing appeal of authoritarianism worldwide, combined with the rise of nationalism, has clearly put the freedom of expression and the liberal values expressed by the Enlightenment under siege. Despite progress in society, creative freedom and intellectual independence continue to face challenges, making it essential to remain vigilant against those who threaten our most fundamental values.
- The concerns raised by Germany's Culture Minister, Wolfram Weimar, about the global war on Enlightenment values, extend to employment policies in various domains, including the arts and sciences, as right-wing forces seek to influence appointments and programs at the communal and state levels.
- The "right-wing cultural struggle" is not confined to specific regions, as demonstrated by Parzinger's comments about its presence in East Germany, West Germany, North Hesse, and the Ruhr area, signifying a broader shift that affects employment policies and academic freedom.
- In light of the increasing threats to freedom of expression and liberal values, it is crucial to address these issues not only in policy and legislation, but also in fields such as migration, war-and-conflicts, and general news, as they often intersect with cultural and employment policies.
