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Podcast of the event “Does Democracy Have A Future?” held at Coventry University on 23 November 2016. It was introduced by Philip Brown, secretary of the United Nations Association Coventry Branch.

Professor Matt Qvortrup gave a brief summary of the history of Democracy. He is Chair of Political Science in the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at the University of Coventry. He believes political institutions and constitutions can improve the lives of all – especially those who are victims of war, poverty and other forms of hardship. He was a member of President Obama’s Special Envoy Team in Africa and served as a Specialist Advisor to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Professor Michael Saward then considered what the future holds for democracy. Michael works in the Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) at the University of Warwick. His key area of research is contemporary democratic theory. His work includes the book Enacting European Citizenship published by Cambridge University Press in 2013. He is currently working on a range of issues, including performance and democratic representation; democratic designs; and the role of political ideas in practical political life.

These presentations were followed by a discussion with the audience.

The event was introduced by Philip Brown, secretary of the United Nations Association Coventry Branch.