Intelligence Squared
Is Democracy Future-proof? with Jonathan White and David Runciman
Feb 11, 2024
Jonathan White, a Professor at the London School of Economics, and David Runciman from Cambridge University delve into the state of democracy today. They discuss how the fixation on upcoming elections clouds long-term political vision, warning that this threatens the very essence of democracy. The duo explores the need for sustained engagement in democratic processes to address global challenges like climate change. They also tackle the concept of 'losers' consent' in politics and the impact of an aging population on future democratic engagement.
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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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