TUDiSC spokesperson Prof. Lars Koch was interviewed by ntv to explore the concept of political disruption, particularly in the context of figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Javier Milei who embody an uncompromising approach to societal change. As editor of the book "The Great Disruptor: On Trump, the Media and the Politics of Disparagement" (which has now been viewed more than 120,000 times online), he is perfectly positioned to provide key insights into the way political disruption is impacting today's society. In the interview, he talks about the appeal of disruption as a means of escaping the constraints of everyday life, and emphasizes that this yearning is not unique to the followers of these controversial figures.

Koch points out that while disruption promises to reduce bureaucratic complexity and address real societal frustrations, it is often accompanied by anti-institutional impulses aimed at undermining democratic legitimacy. He emphasizes that political disruption is often used as a response to societal fears. Populist leaders capitalize on fears about the future, particularly in relation to issues such as climate change and technological unemployment.

Despite the chaotic nature of disruption, Koch emphasizes its potential for positive outcomes, provided it is seen as constructive criticism and not a knee-jerk reaction. He argues for thoughtful dialog and reform rather than sensationalist tactics, suggesting that truly radical change can come from nuanced problem assessment that leads to informed solutions.

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