Overhauling democracy? Innovation, Domination and Desire

Public debate with Matthew Flinders and Eva Rovers

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Democracy is too important to be left to politicians alone…

Matthew Flinders, Professor of Politics at the University of Sheffield, and Eva Rovers, Bureau Burgerberaad, debate the need to fundamentally change democratic institutions and procedures.

Does democracy as it exists today deliver on its promises – or should it be seriously overhauled to ensure its broad legitimacy and make it fit for the future?

The debate is hosted by ‘Global Futures of Democracy’, an initiative of Institutions for Open Societies and coordinated by Lars Behrisch (Political History) and Stefanie Beyens (School of Governance).

Everyone interested in the present and future of democracy is welcome to join. We will finish the debate with a reception. Due to limited number of places, please register early.

This event will be held in English.

The Speakers

Matthew Flinders, Professor of Politics at the University of Sheffield, is one of the boldest defenders of democracy’s enduring value. In his award-winning "Defending Politics: Why Democracy Matters in the Twenty-First Century" (2012), he promotes the achievements of democracy, challenging those who claim that democratic politics is broken. “Democratic politics delivers far more than most members of the public appear to acknowledge and understand,” Matthew Flinders writes. “Would politics be interpreted as failing a little less if we all spent a little less time emphasising our individual rights and a little more time reflecting on our responsibilities to society and future generations?”

Eva Rovers is the director of ‘Bureau Burgerberaad’, the Dutch knowledge hub for citizens’ assemblies. She writes about future inclusive democracy and recently gave a TEDx Talk on ‘giving voice to future generations’. Over the years, Eva Rovers has become the leading advocate for citizens' assemblies in The Netherlands. In 2023 she published the bestselling book ‘Nu is het aan ons’ (‘Now it's up to us’), in which she argues that citizens should not leave politics exclusively to politicians. On the contrary: Citizens themselves are vital to tackling the most complex issues of our time. Examples from all over the world show that citizens' assemblies are a perfect way to accomplish this.

Start date and time
End date and time
Location
University Hall, Belle van Zuylen Hall
Entrance fee
Participation is free, but the number of places is limited.
Registration

Register here