Why Democracy Still Matters - and How We Can Protect It
Location
Oxley College
About
Professor A.C. Grayling
Renowned Philosopher, Author & Public Intellectual, Founder of the New College of the Humanities.
Are we living through the end of the democratic moment? While democracy once seemed the bedrock of Western societies, the past few decades have revealed a fragile reality. Once liberal countries are turning to authoritarianism, wealthy individuals and corporations are interfering with elections ever more flagrantly, and faith in democracy has plummeted among every demographic. What happened?
From gerrymandering and partisanship to corporate interference and tainted donations, A.C. Grayling reveals the forces undermining our democratic ideals and offers bold solutions.
A.C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy. His latest book, For the People (November 2025), explores the erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms, the rise of authoritarianism, and offers bold proposals to renew and protect democracy. Among his many other works are Who Owns the Moon?, Discriminations, and The History of Philosophy. He is a regular contributor to The Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Independent, Economist and many more.
Renowned Philosopher, Author & Public Intellectual, Founder of the New College of the Humanities.
Are we living through the end of the democratic moment? While democracy once seemed the bedrock of Western societies, the past few decades have revealed a fragile reality. Once liberal countries are turning to authoritarianism, wealthy individuals and corporations are interfering with elections ever more flagrantly, and faith in democracy has plummeted among every demographic. What happened?
From gerrymandering and partisanship to corporate interference and tainted donations, A.C. Grayling reveals the forces undermining our democratic ideals and offers bold solutions.
A.C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy. His latest book, For the People (November 2025), explores the erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms, the rise of authoritarianism, and offers bold proposals to renew and protect democracy. Among his many other works are Who Owns the Moon?, Discriminations, and The History of Philosophy. He is a regular contributor to The Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Independent, Economist and many more.