Vienna will host its inaugural “Month of Ideas” in September 2026. The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) spearheads this new initiative. It transforms the Austrian capital into a vibrant hub for intellectual debate. This event seeks answers to pressing global questions.
International crises, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, and political polarization demand urgent attention. Therefore, the “Vienna Month of Ideas” and the subsequent Vienna Humanities Festival invite participants to overcome feelings of powerlessness. They aim to develop fresh perspectives for the future. Renowned international guests will join the discussions.
The “Month of Ideas” commences on September 4. American historian Michael David-Fox, the IWM’s fourth president-elect, delivers the inaugural lecture. He will address the acute crisis facing humanities and social sciences. Geopolitical upheavals and authoritarianism threaten these disciplines.
Moreover, digitalization and drastic austerity measures also pose significant challenges. However, the discipline of history offers a crucial key. It provides tools for overcoming these complex issues.
The “Facing the Future” project complements the program. Political scientist Ivan Krastev leads this initiative. It collaborates with the ERSTE Foundation. Researchers, including IWM Permanent Fellow Marta Bucholc, will examine the rise of illiberalism. They will also discuss democratic institutions’ defense mechanisms.
Geopolitical hotspots also receive significant focus. Tymofii Brik, rector of the Kyiv School of Economics, will participate. Russian political scientist Kirill Rogov joins him. They will analyze public opinion’s role in the war in Ukraine.
Societal impacts of technological change are also a key theme. U.S. tech journalist Kara Swisher will offer insights into Silicon Valley. She will reveal the background of “Tech Bros.” Former U.S. diplomat James C. O’Brien will discuss new regulatory approaches for tech giants.
Furthermore, fundamental moral questions form a core part of the discourse. Renowned sociologist Eva Illouz will analyze the erosion of moral standards in contemporary politics. She draws insights from world literature classics. German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk will explore mechanisms of power. He references Machiavelli’s “The Prince and His Heirs.”
British bestselling author Ian McEwan will discuss guilt and empathy. He will also ponder humanity’s ability to shape its future amid historical upheavals. Indian author Pankaj Mishra and Daniel Kehlmann will converse. Their discussion will center on Mishra’s new book, The World After Gaza.
The ninth Vienna Humanities Festival serves as the culmination of the “Month of Ideas.” It runs from September 23 to 27, 2026. Various venues across Vienna will host the event. These include the Academy of Fine Arts and the Volkstheater.
Under the motto “Agency / Take Action!”, the festival aims to combat feelings of helplessness. Over 25 individual events and 20 panel discussions are planned. These offer ample opportunities for exchange. Esteemed figures like Jan-Werner Müller and Helga Nowotny will participate.
Jan-Werner Müller will conclude the festival with a debate. It will focus on global pressure on academic freedom. He will also address the broken promise between higher education and liberalism.
Admission to panel discussions at the Academy of Fine Arts (September 26–27) is free. No prior registration is needed for these public events. However, seats are subject to availability. Meanwhile, registration is required for all evening events.
