Norms in Turmoil: Democratic Governance in Peril
Channel: War Studies KCL
Date: 10/06/2021

This event explored the fault lines where populism, sometimes of a nationalist hue, has torn into the political and cultural fabrics of democratic societies. We probed the resulting tensions, their effects, which have been exacerbated by the stresses of the Covid-19 pandemic, and their impact on public policy both at home and abroad.

Our two short panels reflect on the depleting legitimacy in modern societies where many of the electorate feel inadequately represented by their leaders and the laws imposed upon them. We also discuss how this presents an immediate threat to national security and social order in domestic affairs, as well as a serious challenge to the liberal rules-based international order in place for more than half a century.