The 11th Walter Benjamin International Conference will focus on one of the most pressing issues of our time: the crisis of liberal democracy and the rise of radical right and far-right authoritarian movements worldwide. The event will bring together specialists from diverse fields such as political science, history, philosophy, and journalism to explore the origins, characteristics, and consequences of this global trend, adapted to local contexts and with unpredictable implications.
Over three days, Portbou will become a hub of interdisciplinary debate, addressing the role of conventional media, social media, education systems, and public memory policies in shaping this phenomenon. The conference also pays tribute to Walter Benjamin, a key figure in contemporary critical thought.
Highlights of the program:
- Friday, 26 September: Opening session featuring Federico Finchelstein’s talk on Trump and the global far-right.
- Saturday, 27 September: Sessions on the political uses of nostalgia, hate speech and gender, and case studies in Italy and Latin America.
Screening of the documentary film “Walter Benjamin. The aura of the Path” followed by a conversation with the director, Jacobo Sucari - Sunday, 28 September: Walter Benjamin Route, an artistic and reflective walking itinerary from Banyuls to Portbou.
Entrance is free and open to the public. To join the Sunday walking route, please register by 23 September 2025 at the Exile Memorial Museum. Phone: (0034) 972 556 533 Email: [email protected]
Download the programme here (English)
Also available in Catalan, Spanish, and French