Battle of Ideas Berlin 2026

Saturday 28 November 2026 · 11:30 – 19:30

Hier klicken für die deutsche Version

WHAT IS THE BATTLE OF IDEAS?
Battle of Ideas is a public festival organised in London each year by the Academy of Ideas. Founded over 20 years ago, it is one of Britain’s best-known forums for free-thinking public debate. Each year, a two-day event in London in October is followed by international events across Europe.

The idea behind the festival is simple: to bring people together to discuss and clarify the major questions of our time – with plenty of room for disagreement. The event values open debate, audience participation and the exchange of different views. Our slogan is Free Speech Allowed!

This year, Freiblickinstitut and Academy of Ideas bring Battle of Ideas festival to Berlin on Saturday 28 November 2026. Sessions will be conducted in English or German.

PLACE AND TIME
Date: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 11:30 to 19:30
Venue: central Berlin (full details will be sent to ticket holders 24 hours in advance)

TICKETS
Full Price: €25
Discount price (with code) for event associates €20 (20% discount)
Concessions: €10
Buy tickets via Eventbrite.

PROGRAMME
11:00
Registration and coffee

12:00 – 13:30
Globalisation vs Sovereignty: does the nation state still matter? (English)

14:00 – 15:00
OPTION 1:
Populism: giving the people a voice? (English)
OPTION 2:
Kaput! Why is the economy collapsing… and how can we rebuild it? (German)
OPTION 3:
Podcast Live – TBC

15:00 – 16:15
LUNCH BREAK
15:15– 16:00
Lunchtime Bites

OPTION A:
Comedy unleashed: how far can we go with offensive humour? (German)
OPTION B:
In God we trust? Understanding the revival of religion

16:15 – 17:15
OPTION 1:
Gender Wars: no end in sight? (English)
OPTION 2:
Disaffected youth: what does left and right mean for Gen Z? (German)
OPTION 3: 
Should society tolerate the intolerant?

17:30 – 18:45
Beleidigung to Brandmauer: a free speech emergency? (English)

18:45 – 19:30
Closing drinks reception