Socio-Political Pluralism in a Polarized World: Navigating Contemporary Challenges

The panel "Socio-Political Pluralism in a Polarized World: Navigating Contemporary Challenges" has ambitions to explore the complexities of socio-political pluralism in the face of rising populism and de-democratization across the globe. As democratic processes face increasing pressures, this discussion will focus on their participatory features, examining how pluralism can be preserved and promoted in increasingly polarized societies. Key topics include the conceptual and theoretical definitions of pluralism at various historical junctures, and the structures through which interests and values are articulated, such as party systems, social movements, and group dynamics. The panel will also analyze the barriers to and opportunities for pluralism within different institutional settings, including business corporations, the armed forces, ethnic communities, and religious organizations. By addressing these themes, the panel aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and prospects for maintaining socio-political pluralism in today's world.