Broken chainSaturday, February 14, 2026 | 7 – 10:00 p.m.
Salesianum, St. Wolfgangsplatz 11, Munich

Time to talk

As with the war in Ukraine and similarly with Israel’s attack on Gaza, boycotts – whether officially declared or tacitly applied – play a significant role in international tactics and inter-state relations. What are the international law aspects of boycotts? What different types of boycotts – economic, cultural and political – actually exist? What can a boycott achieve and against whom is it designed to exert pressure? What are the consequences for a society that is boycotted and what are the consequences for a society that boycotts? Can a boycott only be directed against external targets, or does it also make sense to speak of an internal boycott?

“Time to Talk” will tackle the highly complex issues of sanctions and boycotts in the hope of understanding their theoretical and practical meanings.

Time to talk” format
with Kristin Hellberg, Ido Arad and Haig Ghokassian

“Time to talk” is a series of talks on various political topics that arose in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The idea developed over the past year in light of a public debate that has been characterized by a lack of openness, fear, the spread of false information and sometimes defamation and incitement since 7 October 2023 – whether in politics, in the media or on the street.

The aim of the project is now to grow beyond the original topic in order to make a constructive contribution to political discourse in Germany. In view of a culture of debate increasingly characterized by populism and hostility, the focus is on imparting knowledge and engaging in a differentiated debate. Sensitive and emotionally charged topics are discussed in all their facets, but always on a human rights basis. Despite the controversial content, the participants are united by their commitment to the rule of law and democracy as well as their willingness to engage in dialog.

“Time to talk” brings together academics, intellectuals and experts from different backgrounds for in-depth discussions on aspects that are difficult to discuss in the German public sphere. Their knowledge and professional expertise are intended to objectify and broaden the debate as a whole. Entrenched patterns of argumentation are broken down, certainties are questioned and other views are recognized.

“Time to Talk” attaches great importance to presenting different perspectives on these complex issues and creating a safe space for discussion for the participants and the audience. Instead of solidifying thinking in political camps and thereby deepening rifts, “Time to Talk” focuses on a position based on human rights and international law that strives for equality and equal treatment for all people.

Further information: Time to talk