The BIG ZOOM Discussion - Can Democracies Address Long-term Issues?

The BIG ZOOM Discussion
Building on the success of the One Life Course last year and the regular monthly Lunchtime Discussion Group, Humanists in Berkshire will hold our next Zoom event on the topic Can Democracies Address Long-term Issues?

All are welcome to attend. Humanists in Berkshire is a collaboration between Reading and Windsor Humanists.

Can Democracies Address Long-term Issues?
Britain’s democratic system emerged through a gradual and often erratic process of evolution, beginning in the thirteenth century. It was shaped by a continuous struggle for power between monarchs, nobles, and tradesmen. Until the nineteenth century, the electorate was far from representative, comprising only a fraction of the (male) population. Even into the early twentieth century, the nobility retained the authority to veto legislation. There was never a grand blueprint for governance, nor a systematic evaluation of its effectiveness. Yet, Britain’s democracy was once admired across the civilised world, fostering the Industrial Revolution, enabling the expansion of the British Empire, and ensuring health, safety, and security for its citizens during and after the World Wars.

However, since the Suez Crisis of the 1950s, Britain’s global power and influence have diminished significantly. The country no longer commands the leadership it once did. As Ian Dunt argues in How Westminster Works … and Why it Doesn’t, and Sam Freeman in Failed State, the British democratic system suffers from a lack of expertise, short-termism, and an unwillingness to delegate authority.

This challenge is not unique to Britain — democracies across Europe are grappling with similar struggles. They face increasing difficulty in competing economically and politically with their strategic rivals in North America and Asia.

A briefing paper for the session is available at Can Democracies Address Long-term Issues?

About The BIG ZOOM
BIG ZOOM sessions will start with a short presentation setting out the issue. This will then be followed by a breakout into smaller groups to allow everyone the opportunity to participant. The session will end with an open plenary session for the groups to feedback the results of their deliberations and discussions. The intent of this initiative is to give those who cannot attend the regular lunchtime sessions or our evening events the opportunity to participate online and also provide an open forum for everyone to have the opportunity to converse and make friends with fellow humanists online.

Zoom details:
Zoom: The BIG ZOOM - Are Social Media Damaging to Mental Health?
Meeting ID: 867 3231 3173
Passcode: 110345