How did we get here? - RSA

How did we get here?

Video

  • Public Services & Communities
  • Accessibility & inclusion
  • Communities

Are we still a liberal nation? Are we even pretending or aspiring to be one?

Several extraordinary years in politics and public life have shaken Britain’s image of itself as a model of liberal democracy. The status of political parties, the media, and public officials have morphed and shifted as increasingly desperate attempts have been made to contain the impulses of reactionary nationalism within mainstream political institutions. Widening inequality and the expanding role of technology have changed the way we relate to one another, eroding the sense of consensus required for liberal politics to thrive. Momentous public votes and major events have been surrounded by lying and propaganda, once met with shock, but now wearily familiar.

How was the ground laid for this liberal collapse? Professor of Political Economy William Davies reflects on this extraordinary moment as a product of a larger and longer historical context, examining the underlying preconditions for the turmoil through which we’re living, and where we might go from here. How has the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic shone a light on the state of its politics? And with injustice more clearly exposed and widely acknowledged than ever, could this moment pave the way for something better?

View event information

Related media

  • Groundbreaking commission to supercharge East Midlands launched

    Press release

    The RSA and the East Midlands Combined County Authority have launched the Inclusive Growth Commission, which will identify and action radical plans to unleash potential and supercharge prosperity in communities across the East Midlands.

  • Meet the newest members of the RSA Fellowship Council

    Fellowship news

    Fionna Monk

    We are delighted to announce the appointment of four new Fellowship Councillors! The Fellowship Council is a vital bridge between our diverse global collective of Fellows and RSA staff. Fellowship Councillors ensure that all Fellows are heard and actively support key RSA initiatives. Each Councillor brings their own expertise and experience to the table, championing our mission and strengthening the RSA community.

  • Unleashing the power of creative clusters

    Fellowship news

    Fionna Monk

    On 24 November, the RSA released a groundbreaking report on how to unleash the potential of the UK as a creative superpower. In partnership with Arts Council England and the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (Creative PEC), the RSA presented a blueprint for establishing 'Creative Corridors' across the UK.