Moritz Föllmer

In this engaging discussion, Moritz Föllmer, an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam, explores the complex notion of individual freedom throughout the tumultuous twentieth century in Europe. He critiques traditional rise-and-fall narratives, emphasizing the diverse understandings of freedom shaped by wars and social movements. Föllmer connects historical struggles for autonomy with contemporary challenges posed by populism and disruptions from the pandemic. The conversation dives into how employment shapes personal liberty and how colonial contexts influenced freedom claims, all while highlighting the intricate balance between individual desires and collective political objectives.

Moritz Föllmer, an Associate Professor at the University of Amsterdam and an expert on Weimar and Nazi Germany, dives deep into the concept of individual freedom in the 20th century. He discusses the complex nature of freedom amid two world wars and evolving societal norms. Föllmer critiques simplistic narratives about individuality, explores the paradox of war creating new avenues for independence, and highlights tensions between personal freedoms and state control. He also connects modern populism to historical perceptions of freedom, making the topic as relevant today as ever.

Moritz Föllmer, an Associate Professor of Modern History at the University of Amsterdam, discusses his book on the quest for individual freedom in 20th-century Europe. He explores how war paradoxically created both constraints and opportunities for freedom, especially for women. Föllmer critiques simplistic narratives around individuality, focusing on the diverse meanings of freedom amid conflicting political ideologies like social democracy and neoliberalism. He also delves into the complexities of colonialism, the evolution of personal liberties, and the ongoing tensions between individual and collective freedoms.