Reinhard Pfriem presents an essay titled “Cultural Evolution and the Hopes for a Better Society,” reflecting on the state of the world and the possibilities for societal transformation. He revisits the history of the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), which he initiated and co-founded, and uses the occasion of the IÖW anniversary conference “Change at the Limit. And now?” in October 2025 to offer a comprehensive analysis of current political, social, and ecological crises.

He begins with a fundamental critique of the humanistic belief in progress, which, in light of climate disasters, species extinction, growing social inequality, and the global shift to the right, proves to be an illusion. He illustrates how authoritarian regimes and fascist tendencies are gaining strength worldwide – often with democratic legitimacy – and how the political center contributes to the normalization of fascism through shifts in language and ideological adaptation.

He sharply criticizes ecological destruction, which continues unabated despite international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord. The term “climate change” is rejected as euphemistic – instead we should speak of “thermal destruction.” He also highlights species extinction, social division, and rising homelessness in wealthy countries like Germany as symptoms of a system that works against the common good.

He analyzes the militarization of Europe, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflict, showing how diplomatic options have been systematically ignored. He warns of a new fascism that no longer wears uniforms but manifests in digital media, anti-intellectualism, and cultural degradation. Drawing on Jason Stanley’s ten characteristics of fascist politics, he demonstrates how many are already a reality.

A central concern of the text is the critique of the liberal illusion of democracy, which relies on formal electoral mechanisms but lacks social and cultural substance. Pfriem advocates for radical democratization that centers participation, social justice, and ecological sustainability.

Despite the bleak diagnosis, the text remains hopeful. He refers to concepts like Chantal Mouffe’s “chain of equivalence,” which can unite heterogeneous social movements into a common political force. He calls for a cultural struggle for a better society, where emotional narratives and stories of the good life play central roles. Hope, he argues, is not a naive expectation but a conscious decision – a willful act against resignation.

The text concludes with a call to intellectuals to reengage in societal debates, and a poetic epilogue emphasizing the necessity of continuing to fight for justice, freedom, and humanity despite all adversity.