Everything you need to know about: The Political Think Tank in Segovia
On Thursday, October 5th, the Political Think Tank kicked off by hosting the discussion on social media and political engagement. Dozens of students got together in Sala Capitular, at IE University campus in Segovia, to express their thoughts and opinions on the following topic: Social Media: A Cheap Substitute for Political Involvement?
The discussion started by defining the role of the social media in the modern world, however, after a wave of heated arguments, students engaged themselves in topics regarding politicising of hashtags, genuine activism versus fake involvement, the rise of populism, spread and avoidance of fake news, and the importance of a strong civil culture in society. The staff of the Political Think Tank – organisers of the event – acted as mediators between the different sides on the argument and ensured the logical flow of the discussion.
To better understand how the Political Think Tank works, what is its underlying philosophy, and who are the people behind it, we sat down with Ricardo Ángel – the President of the Political Think Tank in Segovia.
What is the Political Think Tank? Is it a club, society, some sort of union, or something else?
The Political Think Tank is a club, or hub, where people can discuss the ideas they find interesting. The topics do not have to be decided by the club leaders since it can be an idea, opinion or suggestion coming from anyone. We bring those ideas to a centre of the Think Tank meeting and talk it over it in a very friendly environment, while staying within the limits of the topic, having an open discussion about political, economic, social and legal issues.
What is the philosophy of the club, or in other words, why does it exist?
Political Think Tank is a way for IEU students in Segovia to voice their political opinion. The best way to do so is in the informal environment without the obligations of having to represent someone else, as happens in the Debate Club. The Political Think Tank allows you to show your own ideas and to learn from the perspectives of others.
You mentioned the Debate Club. What is the main difference between the Debate Club and the Political Think Tank?
Debate Club is a place where you have to compete and make your arguments prevail over the arguments of others. Although, that is not necessarily the issue always. In the MUN the aim is to find the common goals and work for it together. It’s not always a competition, but it’s about the debate; it’s about your ideas prevailing, and convincing others that you are right. Also, it has more formal requirements. The Political Think Tank, on the other hand, has none of those restrictions or regulations. It is about raising your own opinion on political matters, without the need to champion it. You don’t have to make yourself be right, you don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to. It’s just about listening, understanding and discussing ideas that you find interesting, without making your opinion climb on the top of others’.
Why would you encourage students to be active members of the Political Think Tank?
Firstly, Political Think Tank allows people to have some political involvement, which the modern youth is lacking. A lot of people have an indirect involvement through social media, or opinions of their parents, but they lack the original perspectives and thoughts of their own. Secondly, you are exposed to a lot of different ideas and opinions that will make you yourself, that will improve your outlook and develop a mindset. You will no longer feel lost while reading an article or facing a discussion.
The Stork understands that the Political Think Tank was inherited by you from the older generation of IEU students. What is the uniqueness of your team and what are the innovations you will implement this year?
We want to incorporate social and economic aspects to the discussions on the Political Think Tank meetings by taking the advantage of the fact that we, the leaders of the club, are students of the Bachelor degree in Politics, Law and Economics. We are open to have an increasing number of participants, but also want to have a core group of people feeling comfortable with one another, who will frequently attend our meetings. Additionally, we would like to collaborate with other clubs by hosting joined events.
How frequently are you planning on doing the events?
With only two months and a half left this semester, we will have one or two more sessions, around the end of October and November. On November 27th, we are planning to host a discussion about the future of warfare, considering the international threats, NATO, possibility of the EU Army and the weapons of mass destruction. Of course, it also depends on the enthusiasm of the students. With people asking us to arrange the event, we will put more effort and increase the frequency.
Who are the people standing behind the Political Think Tank?
I was named the President of the Political Think Tank and had to recruit a team. Kaius Telaranta is in charge of the photography, press releases, and organisation of the events. There is Marc Rimond, who is in charge of mediating discussions. Then, there is Lea Mathies, who works alongside me to create and plan the events, and to reach people through social media. I am in charge of coordination and management. We are all from the Second Year PLE degree. But, in general, it’s a very equal process, with all of us contributing to the organisation of the club.
To receive the information about the upcoming discussions hosted by the Political Think Tank, follow their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ieuptt/
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