OxTalks is Changing
OxTalks will soon be transitioning to Oxford Events (full details are available on the Staff Gateway). A two-week publishing freeze is expected in early Hilary to allow all events to be migrated to the new platform. During this period, you will not be able to submit or edit events on OxTalks. The exact freeze dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact halo@digital.ox.ac.uk
The deconstruction of our society and the end of enlightenment – can we save Western democracy?
Across Europe and the wider West, democratic institutions face mounting pressure from political polarisation, disinformation, declining public trust, and challenges to the liberal principles that have shaped the post-war order. Is this merely a period of turbulence, or are we witnessing a deeper erosion of the Enlightenment values that underpin Western democracy? In this conversation, Andreas Zivy reflects on the state of democratic governance today, examining the structural, cultural, and technological forces reshaping public discourse and political legitimacy. The discussion will explore whether democratic systems can adapt to these pressures, what renewal might require, and how citizens, institutions, and civil society can contribute to safeguarding open and accountable societies.
Date:
26 February 2026, 17:30
Venue:
Lincoln College, Turl Street OX1 3DR
Venue Details:
Langford Room
Speaker:
Andreas Zivy (President of the Swiss Democracy Foundation)
Organiser:
Severin Dauer (University of Oxford)
Host:
Severin Dauer (University of Oxford)
Part of:
Europeanist Society Oxford
Booking required?:
Not required
Booking url:
https://www.eusoc-oxford.co.uk/store/p/eusoc-member
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Severin Dauer
