On May 8, 2025, the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe Day. It marks the triumph of democracy over fascism, and the beginning of a global commitment to peace, human dignity, and freedom. A few months later, on September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri, ending the war altogether. These moments not only closed one of the darkest chapters in human history but also ignited a powerful call to action: never again.
The victory of 1945 was not only military; it was a moral victory for democracy, human rights, and the belief that societies can rebuild on principles of justice and equality. Today, that legacy must be more than remembered—it must be renewed. In a world facing rising authoritarianism and social inequality, the defense of freedom demands concrete actions.
Sociologist Ramon Flecha, in his work Dialogic Society, emphasizes the need to create social structures that guarantee rights through dialogue and inclusivity. His approach, rooted in evidence and solidarity, reinforces the idea that real democracy is not merely procedural but transformative. A dialogic society is one where every person has the right to participate in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
As we mark eight decades since the end of the war, let us honor the sacrifices of the past by ensuring that democracy and freedom are not abstract ideals, but realities built on social justice and collective dialogue. Through commitment to inclusive education, community participation, and the defense of fundamental rights, we can uphold the spirit of 1945, for all, and for generations to come
Serra Húnter Fellow of Sociology at Universitat Rovira i Virgili.
Former DAAD-Gastprofessorin at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg