Theme: Democracy Under Threat?
Our special Focus Day examines threats to democracy, while other events address human rights, contemporary sub-Saharan Africa and the media's role in justice.
What's on
Conflict, Peace and Security in Africa
Stories of wars and conflict in Africa resonate repeatedly in the news. But do these narratives reflect the realities of lived experiences on the ground? What unintended benefits come out of conflict and war situations, and for whom? Is there ever a good side to the story, and what do we know about these different perspectives?
Remembering Ourselves in Our Struggle
Join filmmakers as they explore the reflections and emotions of human rights defenders at risk in Colombia, Mexico, Egypt, Kenya and Indonesia through three short films and a discussion.
Peter York on Trumpery
President Donald J. Trump is a style icon and an international brand. He means different things to different people but he is meaningful to everyone. Join author and broadcaster Peter York as he explores the brand of Donald Trump and Trumpery and the messages they’re sending to the world.
The History Thieves: Secrets, Lies and the Shaping of a Modern Nation
Join Ian Cobain as he offers a fresh appraisal of some of the key moments in British history since the end of World War II, including: the measures taken to conceal the existence of Bletchley Park and its successor, GCHQ, for three decades; the unreported wars fought during the 1960s and 1970s; and the hidden links with terrorist cells during the Troubles.
Where Next for Democracy?
We explore the challenges for diplomacy and the rule of law in the years ahead. Among the speakers is Ögmundur Jónasson, Honorary Associate of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and former member of the Icelandic Parliament.
Democracy and Europe
With impending French and German elections and the increasing influence and success of European extremist political parties, a range of speakers will reflect on the future of democracy in Europe in the wake of Brexit. Ambassador Karl-Erik Norrman, Founder and Secretary General of the European Culture Parliament, opens the discussions with a keynote address on the role of culture in the pursuit of democracy.
Democracy, News and Social Media
David Patrikarakos, Poynter Fellow at Yale University, Contributing Editor to 'The Daily Beast and Politico' and author of the forthcoming book 'War in 140 Characters: How Social Media Is Reshaping Conflict in the Twenty-First Century', delivers the keynote speech. Afterwards, members of our panel, including Daniel Pearl, Channel 4’s Deputy Head of News and Current Affairs, explore the effects of social media and fake news on democracy.
The Threat to Democracy
Our Focus Day begins with a keynote speech by Mark Laity, Chief Strategic Communications (StratCom) for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), before our expert panel considers the threats to democracy. The session is chaired by Matt Matravers, Director of the Morrell Centre for Toleration, University of York.
Spectacular Justice
Join Ruth Penfold-Mounce and Rosie Smith of the University of York, as they examine high profile criminal cases including Oscar Pistorius and Jodi Arias, and investigate the effects of media coverage.
