Power of Politics

Our experts explore the complex dynamics between Africa and Europe, and the deeply-rooted social and political challenges that, if better understood, could pave the way for better collaborations and dialogue.

University of York researcher and activist Maddy Power exposes the inner workings of Britain’s food banks, revealing how religion structures food distribution and how Whiteness shapes the daily practices of food banks.

This intriguing talk examines the circulation of Modern Greek literature in Germany and how specific publishers enact German-Greek cultural relations.

Focusing on democratic ownership solutions, our expert panel reflects on what it would look like to have economic institutions that worked to reduce inequality and create a more democratic economy.

Writer and editor Sam Bright tells the story of how a privileged elite has emulated the infamous Oxford dining society, inflicting its debauchery and destruction on the nation to inflate its own power, money and ego.

Award-winning Guardian journalist Luke Harding discusses the war that changed everything, talking about his experience reporting on the ground and confronting the crucial question: which side will prevail?

Have your understanding of democratic politics turned upside down by political scientist Larry M. Bartels, in conversation with political analyst Jarosław Kuisz.

Textile expert and author Clare Hunter discusses how Mary, Queen of Scots, used textiles to advance her political agenda, affirm her royal lineage and tell her own story.

Our experts survey the current state of the UK’s criminal justice system and discuss which areas most urgently need reform.

Solicitor and former Chief Prosecutor Nazir Afzal provides insights into his 30-year-long groundbreaking career, the UK’s relationship with race and power, and more.

Join historian and writer Caroline Dodds Pennock to find out what ‘discovering Europe’ meant for Indigenous Americans and how their worldviews and cultures impacted European civilisation.

Join our panel as they explore the root causes of public mistrust as well as the importance of understanding how policing contributes and responds to vulnerability.

Join our panellists as they compare and contrast the UK prison system with other approaches and alternative real-life examples.

Former Financial Times Whitehall editor Sebastian Payne presents the explosive inside account of how a prime minister lost his hold on power.

Join author and BBC Radio producer Phil Tinline for an insightful talk exploring the highs and lows of British politics over the past century.

Join us for a film screening and Q&A that will change your understanding of what development means.

Writer Alex Niven provides an in-depth exploration of the importance of the North of England in the modern era.

Come along to this panel discussion, hosted by Citizens Advice York, to engage with and better understand the workings of our justice system.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Michael Cashman, who made history - first as an actor, one half of the first gay kiss on a British soap, and then as a campaigner and politician fighting for gay rights.

Join cultural studies expert Kirsty Sedgman to find out how unfairness and discrimination got baked into our social norms, and why, sometimes, we need to act unreasonably to bring about positive change.

Scottish MP Ian Blackford and award-winning broadcaster and writer Gavin Esler discuss the relationship between Scotland and England in the recent past, exploring the potential for creating a more constructive and positive relationship going forward.

(Re)discover the Ukrainian language in its uniqueness and be reminded of the power of language in this important talk with University of York linguist Ursula Lanvers and Ukrainian visiting scholar Tetyana Lunyova.

Historian Charlotte Lydia Riley of the University of Southampton asks how the 1957 Home Office surveys and police responses to it can tell us more about the Windrush Scandal, the Hostile Environment and cultures of policing in Britain today.

Think you can do better than our current politicians? Want to challenge them and share your ideas with policymakers? Then come along to the Big Tent Ideas Festival to participate in conversations and interactive sessions.