New Lecture Series Explores Citizenship's Role in Human Rights and Belonging

A new Digital Lecture Series is examining the complex links between citizenship and human rights. Organised by the Moses Mendelssohn Center for European-Jewish Studies, the talks explore historical struggles and future visions of belonging. The series brings together experts to discuss how legal status shapes people’s lives in immigration societies.

The first lecture features Miriam Rürup, director of the Potsdam-based centre. Her research focuses on the United Nations’ efforts to address statelessness after World War II. The talks are supported by the Berthold Leibinger Foundation and will be moderated by award-winning journalist Dinah Riese, who leads the domestic news desk at our website.

Statelessness occurs when individuals hold no citizenship in any country. Throughout history, it has repeatedly become a mass issue with severe real-world effects. Without legal belonging, people often face exclusion from basic rights, social protections, and political participation.

The series takes a broad view, analysing citizenship as a tool for inclusion in immigration societies. It highlights how legal status can secure equal rights, social benefits, and a voice in decision-making. But it also asks critical questions about the gaps between these ideals and reality. Rürup’s work digs into post-war attempts to create universal belonging. She investigates how the UN tried to solve statelessness and what these efforts reveal about human rights as a political promise. The lectures will connect past struggles with today’s challenges, showing how historical debates still shape current policies. Beyond history, the series looks at utopian visions of citizenship. It questions whether existing systems are enough or if new models could better protect human dignity. The discussions aim to spark reflection on how societies can fulfil the promise of rights for all—especially in an era of migration and displacement.

The Digital Lecture Series offers a chance to rethink citizenship and its role in safeguarding human rights. By combining historical analysis with forward-looking debates, it highlights both progress and ongoing shortcomings. The talks will be available online, with Dinah Riese guiding the conversations as moderator.