Un cycle pour explorer la démocratie au Théâtre de la Concorde

Each month, starting from the theme running through the Théâtre de la Concorde's programme, political scientist Loïc Blondiaux invites a figure from the intellectual world to explore a major democratic question. Together, they offer keys to understanding our era, shed light on the debates that run through it and imagine the conditions for a more vibrant democracy.

Understanding democracy means understanding the world we live in. How is 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?

Curated by Loïc Blondiaux, professor of political science and a leading specialist in participatory democracy, this cycle of meetings sets out to explore the major contemporary democratic issues through the themes that structure the Théâtre de la Concorde season. At each gathering, Loïc Blondiaux engages in conversation with an author, a researcher or a public figure whose work sheds light on the theme of the month. Together, they bring their perspectives to bear on the transformations of our society, the tensions that run through it and the collective resources we have to respond to them.

Faithful to the spirit of a people's university, each meeting gives a central place to the audience. After an introduction by Loïc Blondiaux and his guest, participants are invited to discuss in small groups in order to bring to light, collectively, the questions and issues that concern them. These contributions then form the starting point for the dialogue with the speakers. The sessions can be attended independently of one another and each offers an opportunity to feed the democratic debate on questions that concern us all.

8 October 2026: Democratic Courage

With Cynthia Fleury

In the face of crises, withdrawals into identity and the threats weighing on public debate, what does courage still mean in a democracy? Is it an individual virtue or a collective responsibility? Drawing on the work of Cynthia Fleury, philosopher and psychoanalyst, author notably of La Fin du courage, this meeting explores what makes it possible today to speak out, resist, get involved and act despite uncertainty.