This September comes with a visit from one of Belgium's foremost thinkers, and we can't wait for this moment (we hope you do too!)
After having read some of his books, which we loved, we reached out to seize the opportunity to talk directly with David Van Reybrouck, and not just us. Unity's project is aiming for broader engagement, and by that, we mean we are also waiting for your questions. David Van Reybrouck and his assistant responded kindly and positively to our request for a democratic session open to all.
Highlighting three of his books — Congo, Against Elections, and his latest, Revolusi — we want to dig into some crucial subjects. Under the umbrella of self-governance, climate collapse, and the never-ending legacy of colonialism, we are offering you the chance to send us your questions ahead of time, and/or ask them live on the spot. That way, we can all take part in the conversation.
This is a hybrid journey between a citizens' assembly and a Q&A over a lunch break.
Your ticket includes a lunch snack, tea/coffee, and 10% off the titles mentioned above. It also helps Unity Bookshop continue its work bringing people together through community learning — so thank you for your participation. Once you register, you will receive an email asking for your question (not mandatory, but feel free to express yourself). If you have any doubt or requirements, please send an email to aurore@unitybookshop.be
If the price is a barrier, send us a message so we can help you out!
Revolusi, Van Reybrouck's book on the independence of Indonesia, was both nominated for the Cundill History Prize and the Baillie Gifford Non-Fiction Award.
His essay Against Elections: The Case for Democracy was translated into over twenty languages and drew praise from former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. His plays Mission and Para have toured internationally, and his poetry has culminated into Rain Requiem, a tribute to climate victims.
Van Reybrouck is a pioneering advocate of deliberative democracy. He founded the G1000 Citizens' Summit, and his work had led to trials in participatory democracy throughout Belgium, The Netherlands, and France.
In 2021 he was a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities of Bard College, New York. In 2024, he was Arne Naess Professor at the University of Oslo, named after Norway's most famous philosopher.
