Günter Frankenberg (Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main)

The Advance of Authoritarianism and the Crisis of Democracy

Venue: Campus Luigi Einaudi, Room C2

Introduction: Prof. Michele Graziadei

Abstract: Across the globe, democratic institutions are under strain. From the erosion of checks and balances to the spread of populist rhetoric and executive overreach, authoritarianism is rising—even in established democracies. In this conference Prof. Günter Frankenberg explores the paradox of constitutionalism in authoritarian regimes. Why do autocratic leaders, who often concentrate power and suppress dissent, go to the lengths of drafting or revising constitutions? What are the strategic purposes behind these texts, and the audiences they aim to persuade ?

About the author: Prof. Günter Frankenberg is Emeritus at Goethe University Frankfurt. A leading scholar in constitutional theory and comparative constitutionalism, his work investigates the intersections between law, politics, and society, often with a critical focus on non-liberal and authoritarian legal systems. He is the author of the widely acclaimed book: Authoritarianism: Constitutional Perspectives (2020)