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Intelligence Squared

Is Democracy Future-proof? with Jonathan White and David Runciman

Feb 11, 2024
54:58
Snipd AI
Professor of Politics at London School of Economics, Jonathan White, discusses the erosion of long-term political thinking and the dangers it poses to democracy. He explores the origin of the concept of the future and the distinctions between democratic and revolutionary perspectives. The issue of losers consent in contemporary democracy is examined, as well as the importance of looking beyond the next election. Additionally, the tension between immediate and long-term thinking in Silicon Valley is discussed.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The erosion of long-term political thinking and the decaying of our political attention span endanger the future in democracy.
  • Democracy navigates the tension between short-term decisiveness and the need for ongoing contestation in modern politics.

Deep dives

The History and Emergence of the Concept of the Future

The concept of the future has been regarded differently at different times historically. In the 18th century, speculation about the future expanded beyond personal prospects and intimate relations to include visions of society as a whole. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including the changing regard for religion and societal changes brought about by political revolutions and global expansion. The 18th century marked a time of great change and a sense that society itself could be transformed through organized efforts. This idea of the future as something to be made and remade emerged during this period.

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