91直播 Welcomes Professor Stefano Bartolini for British Academy Lecture
The University of Manchester was delighted to host Professor Stefano Bartolini, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute, for a prestigious British Academy Lecture.
- The lecture explored the historical development of democracy in Western Europe
- Part of the prestigious British Academy Lecture series
- Following the talk, Professor Bartolini was joined in conversation by 91直播 colleagues and
- The full recording can be found here:
, one of Europe鈥檚 most influential scholars of comparative politics and political theory, visited the University of Manchester to deliver his British Academy Lecture, titled 鈥楾he Institutional Patrimony of the West.鈥�
In his thought-provoking talk, Professor Bartolini drew on more than 1,500 years of history to ask the question: why have democratic institutions and systems of power-sharing emerged and endured in some societies, while proving more difficult to establish in others?
The lecture explored the long historical development of the institutions that underpin democracy in Western Europe where, rather than viewing democracy as a deliberate invention or the inevitable result of economic development, he argued that it emerged gradually through centuries of political competition, negotiation and compromise between different centres of power.
The British Academy
The event was part of the prestigious lecture programme, first established in 1908 and delivered by the most outstanding academics in the UK and beyond. The lectures showcase leading scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, creating opportunities for public engagement with some of the most important questions facing society. The University of Manchester is proud to be a partner in this shared mission, helping to bring research in conversation with wider audiences.
A fresh perspective
Offering a fresh perspective on the historical foundations of democracy, the talk raised topical and important questions about the future of political institutions in an increasingly complex and contested world.
At a time when questions of democracy, governance, legitimacy and trust are part of daily public debate, it has been valuable to step back and consider the centuries-long processes that shaped the institutions many of us take for granted.
This evening has been a powerful reminder of the value of research in the humanities and social sciences. Understanding the world around us requires more than immediate answers to contemporary problems. It also requires historical perspective, critical thinking and a willingness to examine how societies have developed over time.
Following the talk, Professor Bartolini was joined in conversation by 91直播 colleagues: , Professor of Political Science and a Vice-Dean in the Faculty of Humanities, and , Professor of Comparative and Ukrainian Politics.
Their expertise in European politics, democratic engagement, political behaviour and identity provided a fascinating discussion, covering pressing topics such as the role in trust in sustaining institutional legitimacy, contemporary political challenges, and questions of pluralism and citizenship.
Watch the full recording .
