Debate Club: Shared identity or cultural difference?

Please note: This is a participatory event. Unlike most events at TheMerode, members will actively contribute to discussions, prepare arguments, and have the opportunity to take part in the debate itself. No prior experience is required.

As European cities become increasingly diverse, the question of social cohesion has become both more urgent and more contested. Should societies encourage the development of a shared civic identity that transcends cultural backgrounds? Or should they actively preserve and celebrate cultural differences as a source of strength?

For the inaugural edition of TheMerode Debate Club, members will step into the arena themselves. Inspired by the British Parliamentary debating tradition, this interactive evening invites participants not merely to discuss ideas, but to defend them, challenge them, and test them against opposing viewpoints.

The motion for this first debate is:

This House Would Prioritise Shared Civic Identity Over Cultural Difference

The evening will begin with an introduction to the principles of competitive debating, followed by a practical workshop on argument building, team strategy, and persuasion. Participants will then prepare for and engage in a structured debate before receiving feedback from both the audience and the moderator.

Whether you choose to take the floor or simply observe, this is an opportunity to sharpen your thinking, challenge your assumptions, and explore one of the defining questions of contemporary society.