What happens when democracy fights with itself?
Britain's 'Brexit' process gave rise to an extraordinary scenario, effectively pitching two different types of democracy against each other – direct (the direct votes gathered in the referendum) and representative (the decisions made by the elected officials on behalf of the electorate) – as parliamentary members fought the government to try and avoid a 'no deal Brexit' that would have lasting ramifications for Britain's foreign policy. The debacle revealed just some of the tensions in contemporary democracies in Europe and beyond.
In this episode of The Seventh Value, host Juli Simond discusses the value of 'Democracy' through the lens of foreign policy with guest John McStravick, Vice-Chair of the think tank Agora. Together they explore what democracy means in contemporary Europe and how this affects the way we treat and interact with countries and communities from outside of the EU.
About The Seventh Value
The Seventh Value is a collaboration between the Evens Foundation and Are We Europe, which explores the values that make up the fabric and face of the European Union. Human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Over 70 years ago these founding pillars were written into the treaty of the European Union, but how have they withstood the test of time? What other values might be important today? Find out more here.
Episode Two Credits
Guest – John McStravick, Vice-Chair, Agora
Host – Juli Simond, Are We Europe
Producer – Anneleen Ophoff, Are We Europe
Sound Designer – Wederik De Backer, Are We Europe
Coordinator – Federica Mantoan, Evens Foundation
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