A Call for Humanity: Standing Against Extremism
Episode 26 of Art of Citizenry Podcast unpacks what it means to lead fearlessly in an era defined by rising authoritarianism.
Around the world, far-right and ultra-conservative movements are gaining momentum, pushing once-fringe ideologies into the mainstream. We’ve seen this in Germany’s recent elections. We’re seeing it in the United States. Across borders, extremist rhetoric is rising, human rights protections are being rolled back, and the democratic norms we often take for granted are eroding.
And yet, as these forces grow bolder, many institutions—from businesses to media outlets to universities—are choosing silence over resistance. Let’s be clear: neutrality in times like these isn’t apolitical. It’s complicity. When leaders remain quiet, they protect the very systems that undermine a just and equitable society.
This is why I was so grateful to sit down for a conversation with longtime collaborator and friend, Jette Ladiges, CEO of El Puente, for episode 26 of Art of Citizenry Podcast. Jette is a voice of integrity in a moment when political silence has become the norm.
Together, we explore why neutrality is not neutral and what it really means to lead fearlessly in an era defined by rising authoritarianism. Our conversation goes beyond feel-good ethics and into real structural change: how governance models can resist extractive economic systems, why business has always been political, and how shared power—not concentrated profit—can shape a more just future.
“Choosing to stay silent is just as much a political decision as taking a stand.”
– Jette Ladiges, El Puente
With World Fair Trade Day around the corner, this episode is an invitation for all of us to come together and think about the responsibilities we hold at times of immense political fragility globally. 🔊 We hope you tune in!
🎙️ What We Discussed
This episode examines how rising far-right ideologies and authoritarian movements threaten not just governments, but the global economy. We discuss the recent elections in Germany and how extremist political movements globally pose a critical need for continuous and collective rebellion against the spread of dangerous ideologies and oppression. What sits at the heart of this conversation is the shared belief that silence—especially from institutions with power and influence—is not a neutral position, but a tacit endorsement of harm.
Together, we reimagine current economic structures, challenging entrenched Global North–Global South dichotomies. We really packed a lot into this episode, here is a snapshot of what we touch on:
The role of businesses in advocating for democracy and human rights.
The urgent need for leaders across all sectors to drive structural change and lead with values, particularly in the face of today’s mounting global challenges.
How stakeholder-led governance models can disrupt extractive economic systems and serve as blueprints for systemic transformation.
The precarious future of Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act.
Why cross-cultural solidarity is essential in politically volatile times.
“Leadership in times of crisis requires courage and integrity. Silence is complicity, and businesses—especially social enterprises—must actively stand for justice, not just through ethical practices but by voicing these values loudly.
Economic systems are deeply political. Real change comes when we hold governments, businesses, and ourselves accountable. Even when challenges feel overwhelming, speaking up and taking action—no matter how small—makes a difference.”
– Jette Ladiges, El Puente
This is a conversation about rejecting complacency and recognizing that building ethical, resilient systems requires collaboration, community, and confronting extremism head-on.
Meet Our Guest
Jette Ladiges is the CEO of El Puente, a Germany-based social enterprise and member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO). Her work has always been rooted in the social enterprise movement. She also serves on the board of the WFTO and Forum Fairer Handel, the German Fair Trade association and advocacy office, where she advocates for business models that put people and the planet first.
“Along my entire career, I’ve seen firsthand how businesses can be a force for positive change—especially when they prioritize impact over profit alone.”
—Jette Ladiges, El Puente
Resources & References
📢 A Call for Humanity: Standing Against Extremism (LinkedIn post by Jette Ladiges)
📰 Why Is America Sleeping As Autocracy Approaches? – The Guardian (by former Gov. Jay Inslee)
🏛️ Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Official Government Page)
⚖️ Germany May Repeal Human Rights Due Diligence Law – Ropes & Gray Analysis
Profile: Alice Weidel and the Rise of Germany’s Far Right – NBC News
What Groups Did the Nazis Target? – United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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