Jonna Bornemark: Politics must face our existential crisis

Philosopher Jonna Bornemark contends that contemporary politics is failing to adequately confront the existential crises facing society. These crises, encompassing the climate threat, democratic erosion, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, have transcended individual struggles to become collective, societal challenges.

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Existential crises usually affect individuals, forcing them to question what was previously taken for granted.

Bornemark draws a parallel between personal existential crises, which force individuals to question fundamental assumptions, and the current societal condition. She argues that the scale and nature of these global issues demand a political response that acknowledges their profound implications and dares to look beyond conventional solutions.

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But with the climate threat, democratic crisis, and AI development, it is now happening at the societal level.

Writing ahead of the autumn's parliamentary elections, Bornemark issues a call for a new kind of politics. She emphasizes the need for leadership that can grapple with the deep-seated anxieties and uncertainties generated by these complex, interconnected challenges. The philosopher suggests that current political discourse and action are insufficient to meet the moment, urging a more courageous and forward-thinking approach.

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So where is the politics that meets this?