In a special collaboration with Ryerson University Faculty of Arts, Toronto Public Library presents a timely and critical conversation with one of today’s most prescient writers on neoliberalism and the Trump-era exploitation of its inherent flaws.

The rise of populism in recent years, amid worsening economic inequalities, raised profound questions about the resilience of western liberal democracies. Brexit, the inauguration of Trump and growing political turmoil across Europe demonstrated their vulnerabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has brutally exposed the failings of their underlying social contracts.

Yet Brexit is formally done. Despite an attempt to undermine the 2020 presidential election, Biden won. And the vaccines, heroically developed in record time, are now being rolled out. Has liberal democracy survived its crisis in the North Atlantic world?

Edward Luce, US national editor and columnist of the Financial Times, in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia, will explore how the liberal democratic compact that oriented the west following the Cold War continues to face serious dangers -- and what can be done to revive its prospects.

About this event’s guests:
Edward Luce
Sanjay Ruparelia

About the series:
On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? And can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of democracy?

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This event is co-sponsored by The Canadian International Council (CIC) which Canada’s foreign relations council.  The Toronto branch is an arm of a nationwide, volunteer led, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to advancing constructive dialogue on Canada’s place in the world and providing innovative ideas on how to address the world’s most pressing problems.

Image illustration credit: Ingram Pinn/Financial Times

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet accommodation requests. Call 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

TPL and Ryerson University present: The Persistent Crisis of Western Liberalism