Timothy Garton Ash argues that we need to defend liberalism to support and extend liberal values and meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Liberalism is under attack. In 2021 Freedom House reported that the number of free countries has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years. Freedom of speech is also facing opposition; and liberal institutions, such as an independent judiciary, are being threatened by authoritarians and populists.

Timothy Garton Ash, author of many books about Europe, Eastern Europe and freedom of speech, believes that we need to defend liberal values. He argues that we must address the failings of liberalism – such as market fundamentalism – which has led to millions supporting populists; and meet, though liberal means, the global challenges of climate change, pandemics and the rise of China.

He is in discussion with Nigel Warburton, writer and editor of Philosophy Bites.

This event is in association with Prospect Magazine, Arts Council England and English PEN.

Prospect magazine, the UK’s leading current affairs, culture and ideas monthly, is offering our audience the chance to try three issues of the magazine – plus full website and app access – for just £1. When you start a trial, Prospect will even send you a free copy of Timothy Garton Ash’s book Free Speech: Ten Principles for a Connected World. To start your £1 trial and receive this free book please visit subscribe.prospectmagazine.co.uk/timothy

It’s important to us that ideas and debate are affordable to everyone. It’s also important that our commentators, artists, writers, poets and thinkers are paid. This is a Pay What You Can event. You are invited to choose your own contribution to the event, from £0 to £8. All proceeds go towards supporting our speakers and sustaining Bristol Ideas. The option to attend for free is available for all online events.

Our Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Festival of Ideas: Timothy Garton Ash, What Is the Future for Liberalism?