Nick Bisley

In this insightful discussion, Professor Nick Bisley, Dean at La Trobe University, and Dr. Gorana Grjic, a Senior Researcher at ETH Zürich, dive into the challenges facing democracies in 2024. They explore the significant elections occurring in over 80 countries and the implications for global democracy. Key topics include the rise of hard-right politics in Europe, trust issues in democratic institutions, and the troubling trends in Latin America. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reforms to protect democratic practices.

Rhiannon Evans, an Associate Professor specializing in Classics and Ancient History, joins Nick Bisley, a Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. They delve into the Catiline Conspiracy's relevance to modern politics, drawing parallels with figures like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. The discussion highlights themes of populism, gender roles, and political narratives from ancient Rome to today. They caution against overinterpretation while emphasizing how historical power struggles resonate in current American democracy.