IGDC Covid-19 Webinar: Democracy and Authoritarianism

Speakers: 
Dr Sabrina Fernandes, academic and activist, researching currents within left activism in Brazil during the rise of Jair Bolsonaro 
Dr Harsh Mander, public intellectual working on human rights, citizenship and social exclusion.

 

Chaired by: 

Dr Indrajit Roy, Department of Politics

 

Covid-19 interacts with underlying political trends in the 'rising powers', especially their complex relationship with democracy and authoritarianism. This session will explore how the coronavirus pandemic affects political dynamics in Brazil and India, and particularly the perceived shift of both countries towards more authoritarian governance in recent years. The speakers will also examine how the crisis intersects with the politics of Hindutva in India and the end of the Pink Tide in Brazil, how it affects the quality of democracy and the potential of movements which oppose the governments in both countries.

This webinar is part of the IGDC Covid-19 Webinar Series, which will explore different facets of the pandemic and how they relate to global development challenges and research needs. Using case studies from across the world, speakers will reflect on the impact from, and responses to, the pandemic. Discussions will explore how global development researchers can contribute to a better understanding of the impact of Covid-19 and reducing the likelihood and impact of future pandemics.