The People vs. Democracy
With populist movements gaining prominence across the world, faith in democratic institutions has fallen to an all-time low, while openness to illiberal forms of government is on the rise.
About this Event
The future of liberal democracy is in peril, Yascha Mounk argues in his new book The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom is in Danger & How to Save it. With populist movements gaining prominence across the world, faith in democratic institutions has fallen to an all-time low, while openness to illiberal forms of government is on the rise. In this climate of disillusionment, liberal democracy’s guiding principle of majority rule with minority rights is increasingly threatened, with dire implications for civil liberties. Why do growing numbers of citizens in America, and across the western world, no longer believe that democratic government can address their concerns or aspirations? Can liberal democracy be saved?
About the Speakers
Yascha Mounk
Lecturer on Government, Harvard University
Yascha Mounk is a lecturer on government at Harvard University, a senior fellow at New America's Political Reform Program, and host of The Good Fight podcast. Mounk's research focus is on political theory, comparative politics, and the crisis of liberal democracy. Next to his scholarly work, Yascha writes about politics in Europe and the United States for publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Die Zeit, and the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and has appeared on CNN and NPR.
Jerome McDonnell
Host, Worldview, WBEZ
Jerome McDonnell is the host of Worldview, WBEZ's global affairs-focused program which delves into the people and forces shaping Chicago's world communities, exploring issues through in-depth series and public events. McDonnell has produced several shows for Chicago's National Public Radio affiliate and has hosted Worldview since 1994.