Dr Kai Unzicker

Senior Project Manager
Democracy and Cohesion
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Germany

Kai Unzicker has dedicated over 20 years to studying the diverse challenges facing social cohesion. Currently, his focus lies on understanding the transformation of democratic discourse due to digitization and the proliferation of mis- and disinformation. He serves as the Co-Leader of the “Upgrade Democracy” project within the Democracy and Cohesion Program at the Bertelsmann Stiftung.

A renowned expert in the area, Kai Unzicker provides commentary on current developments in the media, advises policymakers and administrations, and contributes new insights through empirical research studies. Dr. Kai Unzicker’s latest publications include “Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt in Deutschland 2023″ (“Social Cohesion in Germany 2023” with K. Boehnke, G. Dragolov, R. Arant, available only in German), “Disconcerted Public” (with C. Berger, L. Bernhard, L. Schulz), “Conspiracy Mentalities in Times of Crisis” (with G. Dragolov, K. Boehnke), and “Anders wird gut” (“Different is Good”, with V. Carl, available only in German).

@KaiUnzicker

I am very moved, especially because I was not expecting to hear these words, which are like an embrace for me. So I want to thank you for this award, for the incredibly moving words of Giovanni di Lorenzo, for this wonderful sky that has welcomed me to Potsdam, and also to thank the Federal Chancellor for her touching words, and for her encouraging presence. Because the awareness raised heartens me a lot more than words. Roberto Saviano, M100 Media Award laureate 2016
It is a great honour for me to be here and receive this great price. It's a very big day for me. I thank Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and Dr. Joachim Gauck for the kind and strong words, and for their appreciation. Thank you, I will never forget this day! Kurt Westergaard, danish cartoonist, M100 Media Award laureate 2010
At the same time, today’s prize is an appeal to all persons who hold positions of responsibility in governments, in culture and in the media: be steadfast, value-oriented and also COURAGEOUS when irresponsible persons and powers undermine or relativise our values of freedom. It is a virtue to yield to a convincing argument, but it is cowardice to yield to a threat from enemies of freedom. Joachim Gauck in his laudation to Kurt Westergaard, 2010
I receive [this award] with an immense joy, happiness and humility also, because I think by being with you today here, I am receiving this price in the name of those who are still suffering in the jungle of Colombia and of those in the world that are living in similar conditions and who cannot speak for themselves freely. Ingrid Betancourt, M100 Media Award laureate 2008
But I have to say that in our modern society the media has a very, very particular responsibility, also for the European idea. And I hope that the event today – and the events which will follow – will help us to communicate better, to explain better and to convince people that Europe – and acknowledging all the problems, the mistakes and the deficits – […] that at the end of the day the idea of European integration is the best idea that we have ever developed in our history. Günther Verheugen, former EU-Commissioner, in his keynote speech 2005

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