The Global College had the privilege of welcoming renowned political philosopher and Machiavelli scholar, Erica Benner, for an engaging masterclass. Born in Japan, raised in the UK, and currently based in Berlin, Benner captivated students and faculty alike with insights from her latest book, Adventures in Democracy: The Turbulent World of People Power.
In her talk, Benner explored the complexities of democracy, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in maintaining its integrity. She pointed out that 2024 has seen record voter turnout globally, while also noting the worrying rise of authoritarian governments. Drawing on her experiences from teaching at prestigious institutions like Oxford, LSE, and Yale, she emphasized that true democracy thrives when citizens actively engage with all viewpoints, even those they may disagree with.
The masterclass was an inspiring reminder of the responsibility we all share in upholding democratic values. Benner’s insights sparked lively discussions among students, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing democracy today.
