21st Century Media: The New World Order

ZDF journalist Elmar Theveßen analyzes Donald Trump’s attack on democracy. Elmar Theveßen, head of the ZDF studio in Washington, will deliver the 21st Mediendozentur lecture on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the university’s ballroom, titled: “The New World Order: Donald Trump and the Attack on Democracy.” “Something is breaking down in America right now because the country has elected a system-disruptor as president who wants to reshape democracy, perhaps even abolish it,” says Elmar Theveßen. The award-winning journalist and bestselling author, who consistently succeeds in tracing the broad outlines of geopolitical developments in films and books, will speak in his Media Lecture on the gradual dissolution of a rule-based and values-based world order and the drift toward a new authoritarianism in the U.S. He shows how the U.S. president managed to secure a second term and the means and methods he is now using to further expand his power. Theveßen makes it clear that the U.S. president, in alliance with partisan media and a handful of influential platform entrepreneurs, has launched a large-scale attack on independent journalism that has not yet been fully grasped in sociopolitical terms. As Elmar Theveßen makes clear, it is an attack capable of eroding freedom of the press and freedom of expression and destroying the marketplace of ideas—this vulnerable cosmos of discourse and argument. In all areas, Theveßen concludes, the issue is one of blackmail, coercion, and intimidation. He warns: “In the current situation, we need a resolute and united Europe that defends the strengths of liberal democracy against the delusions of omnipotence held by authoritarian leaders of the Donald Trump variety.” “In times when democratic structures come under pressure, we need people who clearly identify developments and critically assess them. Elmar Theveßen demonstrates how important it is to make mechanisms of power visible and to strengthen public debate. As a university, we see ourselves as a place where we jointly advocate for the foundations of a free, informed, and resilient democracy. The Mediendozentur demonstrates this commitment year after year and sets an example for an alert and dialogue-ready public,” says Professor Dr. Karla Pollmann, Rector of the University of Tübingen. Media scholar Bernhard Pörksen will provide the thematic introduction to the 21st Tübingen Media Center, which has become one of the university’s largest events (up to 200,000 people watch individual lectures on YouTube, and more than 1,000 people regularly attend in person at the Festsaal). The subsequent discussion will be moderated by Sandra Müller, deputy head of the SWR studio in Tübingen. All interested parties are warmly welcome; admission is free. Seat reservations are not possible. Tickets will be distributed in front of the Festsaal starting at 5:00 p.m., and admission begins at 5:30 p.m.