Democracy in 20th Century Europe

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

To some, the late 20th century marked a pivotal moment for Europe's complete embrace of democracy, with the events of 1989 heralding an era of democratic modernity across the continent. However, a quarter-century later, democracy is seen not as a static achievement but as a delicate and evolving concept, often framed in discussions of populism and democratic regression. This seminar aims to examine the evolution of democracy throughout the 20th century, highlighting its dynamic nature as a concept that has been historically variable and subject to reevaluation over time. The goal is to foster a deep, historically informed perspective on the transformations democracy has undergone.