Nightlife A.C. Grayling — Saving Democracy
Nov 19, 2025
A.C. Grayling, a philosopher and founder of the New College of the Humanities, delves into the pressing threats to democracy in his discussion. He outlines the dangers of rising authoritarianism and the erosion of effective governance due to partisan politics. Grayling emphasizes true democracy as consent-based governance and critiques the disempowerment of MPs by party discipline. He also examines the impact of multinational corporations on democratic values and warns against the allure of authoritarian simplicity. To engage citizens, he advocates for reforms like compulsory voting.
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Partisanship Has Hollowed Governance
- A.C. Grayling argues democracies are under strain from partisan takeover of governance, not just politics itself.
- He links public disaffection to governments becoming sites of continual factional wrangling rather than effective governance.
Democracy Means Informed Consent
- Grayling defines democracy as government by consent through informed representatives who deliberate for the common welfare.
- He stresses consent can be withdrawn and representatives must seek facts and act for everyone's benefit.
Representatives Must Use Judgment
- Representatives should listen to constituents but not act as mere delegates bound to local opinion.
- Grayling warns party discipline often forces MPs to follow party lines over national interest.
