Lectures on “Democracy and Its Discontents”

A crop of muscular politicians, generically branded populists have surged in the elections in different parts of the world. They challenge the rule of law, defy the separation of powers, attack the freedom of the press, oppose immigration with racist undertones, embrace antiscientific beliefs, and insult their opponents. Matters of voters’ concern once in their hands – they claim – have simple solutions. Why do so many diverse people vote for them? How worried should we be about their ascent? Are the 1930’s in Europe a period with which to compare our age? These are the pressing questions this cycle of lectures will address.

The cycle is coordinated by Diego Gambetta (Carlo Alberto Chair).