Lunchtime Debating Club - Liberal Democracy versus National Conservatism

Dine, Discuss, and Debate in a friendly environment!

Join us for our popular Lunchtime debating Club for an afternoon of friendly conversation whilst dining at a local restaurant. Please note that we're meeting on Thursday this month due to restaurant availability.

At our next meeting we've decided to discuss Liberal Democracy versus National Conservatism. The re-election of Donald Trump challenges some of our basic assumptions about the liberal democratic nature of western societies. Leaving aside the idiosyncrasies of Trump as an individual, what are the ideas behind the movement he leads?

One of the key strands of thought informing present-day right-wing politics has become known as National Conservatism. What do National Conservatives believe? How do they differ from more traditional conservatives? Why are these ideas becoming widespread and gaining popular support?

Liberal Democracy became the norm in Western societies after World War II and formed the basis for the world economic and political order. What is the National Conservative challenge to that, and how can those believing in liberal democracy respond?

Come along and share your views on these questions and anything else related that's on your mind.

About Debating Club

Our discussions can cover any socially relevant issue. Participants decide on the topics for discussion based on their interests. From evolution to anthropology, from economics to psychology, from the environment to . . . anything that catches your interest.

If you want to contribute, we’d ask you to prepare something that has fired up your imagination. Contributions might be sharing ideas from a book or article you’ve read, or simply an idea that you’ve researched. Individuals will submit a written summary of their idea before the meal.

On the day, the group will question, debate, and assess the implications. If you want to come along to listen and comment, that’s fine too. The aim is to engage a group of like-minded people who enjoy understanding and challenging each other’s ideas.