As part of the School of Politics and International Relations Public Speaker Programme, we are pleased to welcome Joan Hoey. Joan, Regional Manager in the Europe team at The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Editor of the EIU’s annual Democracy Index, will discuss the recent upsurge of populist movements in Europe. She argues that the ascendancy of populism in Europe has been driven by the exhaustion of mainstream political parties and their estrangement from their old social constituencies. The talk will consider the broader socio-economic, political and cultural mainsprings of contemporary populist movements and discuss what it means for the future of democracy. Do populist movements pose a threat to democracy or are they potentially a vehicle for reviving its fortunes?

The talk will take place on Wednesday 8 March 2017 at 17.00 in Grimond Lecture Theatre 3, followed by a drinks reception in Grimond Foyer.

This is a free event and booking is not required. All are welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there. For further information, please contact polirnews@kent.ac.uk.