A friendly debate on conservatism with Roger de Weck and Reinhard Müller

Roger de Weck, former editor-in-chief of *Die Zeit*, and Reinhard Müller, senior editor at *F.A.Z.*, discuss their new books: *Glanz und Elend der Konservativen* and *Deutsche Dogmen*. They debate middle-class parties and political errors in the face of authoritarian movements.

Liberal-conservatives and Christian Democrats have often distinguished themselves as successful innovators. Take the social market economy, for example. But can conservatism manage to renew itself?

Centre-right parties waver between their commitment to an open society and a rapprochement with right-wing authoritarian forces. They often succumb to the temptation to borrow from these populists, who prioritise radicalism over stability. Yet the main opponent of ‘moderation and the centre’ now lies on the far right rather than the left. In *The Splendour and Misery of the Conservatives*, Roger de Weck argues for the centre-right to reaffirm its identity.

Reinhard Müller, for his part, examines political errors from a conservative perspective. In *German Dogmas*, he offers food for thought in 20 instalments – ranging from asylum and nuclear power through to democracy and civil disobedience. His book, too, invites critical reflection and highlights the dangers of conducting politics through ideology.