The Reith Lectures
In Praise of Politics
May 28, 2019
Jonathan Sumption explores the relationship between politics and the law, discussing the expanding influence of the law on public life. He examines methods of limiting power in democracies, the challenges of Brexit, the decline in public engagement with active politics, and the possibility of a second referendum.
42:32
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Quick takeaways
- Legitimacy relies on historical attachments, culture, and a collective identity, and it is vital in both democracies and totalitarian states.
- Representative politics enables compromise and accommodation of diverse opinions, playing a crucial role in navigating contentious issues and reflecting deep societal divisions.
Deep dives
The Power of Majorities in Democracies
Former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption explores how the law and politics attempt to restrain the power of majorities in democracies. It raises the question of controlling the potentially oppressive power of democratic majorities without undermining democracy itself.
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