Diagnosing the health of democracy

Organised by

• Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies
• EGPP: European Governance and Politics Programme

Forecasts of the death of democracy are often voiced, citing selective examples and very general theories. When doctor's make a diagnosis, they have in mind an ideal-type model of a perfectly healthy body that can be compared with the results of a systematic hands on analysis of an individual patient. This talk will adapt medical methods to examine the anatomy (political institutions) and physiology (political behaviour) of the British body politic. Different parts can be described as in good health, intermittently unhealthy, chronically infirm, or showing fatal symptoms. Recommendations for improving the health of democracy can be grouped under three headings: politically possible, placebos, and impossible. In addition to Britain, the talk will refer to examples ranging from Italy to the United States. 

On premise places are on a first-come, first serve basis. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration to allow others to participate.