The future of democracy
Time: 14:45 - 16:15
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
- Course Code: HPC131
- Dates: 15/04/24 - 03/06/24
- Time: 14:45 - 16:15
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Christian Schnee
Course Code: HPC131
Duration: 6 sessions (over 8 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Winston Churchill famously pronounced: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
For much of the 20th century democracy has been gaining ascendancy and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the liberation of eastern Europe in the 1990s it appeared that democratic government as we know it in the west would soon prevail on all continents. A conclusion which today seems to have been premature. In fact, since 2010 the number of people living in democracies has been in decline.
Against this disconcerting backdrop this course encourages students to familiarize themselves with the various kinds of democratic constitutions and apply their insights to the analysis of political practice and decision making.
To this end, we will be studying the examples of Germany and Greece in order to understand the reasons for democratic failure in individual European countries during the 20th century. We will also be critically reviewing more current debates pivoting on the contested democratic credentials of Hungary, Poland and Turkey. Drawing on evidence from the USA, the UK and France the course will be reflecting on threats extremist parties and populist leaders pose to inclusive decision-making processes and democratic institutions. Thinking about these issues, questions will be raised about the ability of democracies to provide effective government, minimise societal conflicts, ensure a fair distribution of resources and oversee improvements in living standards for its citizens.
Ultimately, we will try and connect the dots to arrive at a prediction about the future of democratic systems of government in Europe and beyond.
What will we cover?
- What is democracy? Reviewing a contested history
- Concepts of effective government
- What do we vote for? Identities, candidates, parties or policies?
- Democratic disenchantment: Causes and remedies
- Historical and current threats to democratic institutions
- The future of democracy: Strongmen, epistocracy and other alternatives.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- make a distinction between different types of democratic constitutions and contrast them with authoritarian policy making
- assess the threats posed by populism and extremism and their respective impact on democratic decision making
- evaluate the backsliding of democratic systems worldwide since 2010 and understand the repercussions of emergency legislation, in particular during the Covid-19-pandemic
- appreciate the role of citizens in democratic decision-making processes and recognise obstacles to political engagement
- discuss constructively how democracy may evolve, improve or decline over time and critically review alternative systems of government.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
All are welcome, if some background knowledge about current affairs would be useful. There will be core readings provided to students before lessons so that everyone can get familiarised with the themes/issues to be explored and discussed in each session. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A mixture of lectures/ short presentations by the tutor, Q&A, quizzes, pair/group work, and class discussions.
A comprehensive bibliography will be given at the beginning of the course. Also, (brief) reading materials will be handed out at the end of each session. Participants will be expected to read short texts, and/or watch documentaries/short videos, and/or listen to short podcasts about the evolution of and challenges to democracy before and after lessons. Please note, that as the course progresses, participants are encouraged to take a more active part in the course – this will be achieved through a mixture of smaller group work but also class discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A list of further readings will be provided to participants. The list will include suggestions of books to purchase, as well as of free resources such as newspapers, podcasts, online articles, and videos. While you are not required to buy any of these, you may wish to purchase some books, subscribe to specialised magazines, or attend talks or webinars on the issues addressed in class in order to deepen and broaden the subject knowledge gained in this course. However, this is not a requirement.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our Politics and Current Affairs section for additional courses.
Christian Schnee studied history, politics as well as public relations at Universities in England, Scotland and the USA. He holds a teaching degree and completed a doctorate in political communication at the University of Hull. After graduating Christian embarked on a career in German politics - serving as spokesperson to the governing party, special advisor to state government and departmental head for a leading European think tank. Subsequently, he returned to the UK as senior lecturer with the University of Worcester. After a stint of seven years in the West Midlands Christian relocated to London - giving in to the temptation of observing Westminster politics at close range. As senior lecturer at Greenwich University he has developed and led classes in public affairs and public relations. Meanwhile he broadened his teaching portfolio and now teaches British and European politics to American University students studying in London. Over the years Christian has written a number of articles and chapters and produced more than half a dozen books with leading academiacademic publishers. The topics of his pupublications pivot on European politics and political history.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.