Re-interpreting Freedom

Freedom is considered one of the defining achievements of modernity, yet also one of its greatest challenges. This special issue of HSG FOCUS therefore addresses a highly relevant social issue: how can freedom be reinterpreted in the 21st century? This issue is based on the work of the inaugural cohort of the St.Gallen Collegium, which brought together researchers and thinkers from a variety of disciplines.
The starting point is the observation that freedom is under pressure worldwide. Political polarisation, geopolitical conflicts, economic uncertainty, and technological upheavals pose fundamental challenges to liberal democracies. Against this backdrop, the Collegium’s fellows examined how individual autonomy, political participation and social responsibility can be preserved and developed in changing circumstances.
At the heart of this issue lies the belief that freedom cannot be safeguarded by simple solutions or ideological certainties. In their lead article, Wolfram Eilenberger and Christoph Frei demonstrate how productive dialogue between different academic, cultural, and political perspectives can open up new spaces for thought and action. In their vision for the future of the island nation, 'Toiva 2050', the authors present a thought experiment in which they explore alternative forms of coexistence and freedom.
Several articles draw on historical examples to improve our understanding of current developments. Wolfram Eilenberger interprets Venice as the source of an untapped liberal European tradition. In turn, Andreas Lingg uses the decline of the Venetian Republic to illustrate how the withdrawal of elites from public responsibility can weaken innovative capacity, political agency, and societal prospects for the future.
Other authors focus on the economic prerequisites of freedom. Annette Kehnel interprets the myth of King Midas as a warning against a culture of boundless profit-seeking, questioning the idea that material prosperity automatically leads to greater freedom. Tanja A. Gonzalez examines the role of capital markets, arguing that economic freedom is only effective when there is genuine participation in economic decision-making processes.
Finally, Árpád Szakolczai critically examines the current state of liberal democracies. He challenges the fundamental principles of neoliberalism, analysing how media concentration, political power and economic interests influence the freedom of public discourse.
The articles in this issue of HSG FOCUS make one thing clear: freedom is neither static nor guaranteed. It requires responsibility, participation, and a willingness to actively shape social developments. In times of profound upheaval, the St.Gallen Collegium provides valuable insights into the future of democracy, the economy, and society.