XXX. Theodor-Litt-Symposium „Deutschland und die Zeitenwende – Generationendialog über Sicherheit, Freiheit und politische Bildung“

This year’s 30th Theodor Litt Symposium, titled “Germany and the Turning Point—Intergenerational Dialogue on Security, Freedom, and Civic Education,” and examines the security policy dimensions of the “turning point, ” asking what consequences the changed threat landscape has for total defense, the state, society, young people, and civic education in Germany. At the latest with the Military Service Modernization Act passed by the Bundestag on December 5, 2025, this debate is no longer abstract: Since early 2026, 18-year-olds have been receiving a questionnaire on military service; for men, responding is mandatory, and for men born on or after January 1, 2008, the obligation to undergo a physical examination has also been reinstated; the new military service is initially voluntary but opens the possibility of a later “conscription based on need,” on which the Bundestag would have to decide again. Thousands of young people are already protesting nationwide against the new conscription plans.

This raises fundamental questions anew regarding national defense as a whole: Does Germany need compulsory military service again? Is a volunteer system sufficient to meet the Bundeswehr’s personnel requirements? How do military requirements, civil defense, individual freedom, fairness in military service, and intergenerational justice relate to one another? How can schools and civic education address these potentially contentious issues in a way that strengthens students’ sense of direction, judgment, and ability to engage with controversy? And: How can we successfully involve young people more deeply in this debate and fairly represent their perspectives? The goal of the event is to find contemporary answers and to bring together the experiences, expectations, and interpretations of different generations; to understand the “turning point” in peace and security policy as a shared societal challenge; and to provide impetus for political education.

Date: November 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Location: Leipzig Forum for Contemporary History (Grimmaische Straße 6, 04109 Leipzig)

We hope this event piques your interest and look forward to welcoming you on November 17, 2026, at the Forum for Contemporary History in Leipzig!

Free admission— please register by November 13, 2026, at: litt@deutsche-gesellschaft-ev.de

You can also watch the event via livestream on the Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V. YouTube channel.

The symposium is a joint project of the Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V., the Saxon State Agency for Political Education, the Axel Springer Foundation, the German Atlantic Society e. V., and the Society for Security Policy e. V., and is being held in cooperation with long-standing partners such as the Theodor Litt Society e. V., the Leipzig Forum for Contemporary History, the Leipzig School Museum, and the Saxony Educational Institute of the Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V.

Detailed information on the program:
https://www.deutsche-gesellschaft-ev.de/veranstaltungen/konferenzen-tagungen/2165-2026-litt-symposium.html

Contact:

Deutsche Gesellschaft e. V.

Dr. Heike Tuchscheerer
Program Officer, Politics & History Department
Phone: 030 88412 254
Email: heike.tuchscheerer@deutsche-gesellschaft-ev.de