Holger Friedrich discusses at Ettersburg Castle – from 7 p.m. via livestream

How can conflicts be negotiated nonviolently in a changing world? What can the West learn from the peaceful revolution of the East Germans in 1989—and apply it to today's world? And what role do the media play in this? Holger Friedrich, publisher of the Berliner Zeitung and, more recently, Weltbühne, will answer questions from journalist Bernd Hilder today at 7 p.m. at Ettersburg Castle near Weimar. The event will be broadcast live on the Berliner Zeitung website ( www.berliner-zeitung.de ); remaining tickets are available here .

The discussion will focus on the topic of transformation. Under the title "Nothing stays the way it is," Holger Friedrich, drawing on his experience as an East German, entrepreneur, and frequent traveler, will explain the conditions societies must create to overcome upheavals without conflict—especially from an international perspective. Friedrich commented: "Traditional structures in politics and the media will not stop the world from changing. The demand of emerging nations for a greater say in geopolitical issues and a fairer distribution of resources and burdens will neither be ignored nor suppressed." This conviction guides not only his thinking, but also the journalism of the Berliner Zeitung. "The goal of the Berliner Zeitung remains to support constructive, respectful, and non-violent conflict moderation."

“East Germans are not looking for authority”

The publisher will speak about his conviction that, in times of change, thought patterns must be reformed early on in order to survive. This is especially true for the present. "It is crucial that political, economic, and media actors recognize risks and opportunities and actively work towards a positive vision of the future, for this generation as well as for future generations. Social stimulation through target or enemy images, constructive or destructive behavior, unifying or divisive: these are the decision vectors. This is why we reject shallow left-right classifications and why the Berliner Zeitung speaks to every actor, to every embassy based in Berlin. Even if not everyone likes that." The Berliner Zeitung is a newspaper with an East German DNA. East Germans, Friedrich says, are not looking for an authority to do their thinking for them, for a strong state or a powerful alliance, as is often conveyed in mainstream media discourse. Rather, the opposite is the case; they are freer in their thinking. "With their experience of transformation and their healthy disbelief in authority, East Germans are neither Nazis nor Communists. Perhaps they are somewhat tired, bored, and sometimes even repelled by today's media demands to resolve conflicts by resorting to brutal violence."

Follow the entire discussion live tonight from 7 p.m. at www.berliner-zeitung.de

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