The Future of Democracy: Fighting Authoritarianism with A.C. Grayling

When

Duration

Location

Ross Family Studio

Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:

The Future of Democracy: Fighting Authoritarianism with A.C. Grayling  

Festival favourite philosopher on why democracy is something we can’t lose

The Future of Democracy series, hosted by Nick Bryant and Rosalind Dixon, is a collaboration between Sydney Writers’ Festival and the Resilient Democracy Lab at UNSW Sydney.

Professor of Philosophy and author A.C. Grayling outlines the fragility of democracy and the freedoms we take for granted and risk losing in For The People: Fighting Authoritarianism, Saving Democracy.

In recent years, the democratic foundations and civil liberties of Western nations that once seemed unshakeable have been shown to be remarkably fragile – vulnerable to authoritarianism, the whims of the wealthy and powerful and the erosion of civil liberties. As with previous works like Who Owns the Moon? and Discriminations, A.C. interrogates complex political realities and offers bold solutions.

Hear from a Festival favourite as he asks the critical questions of our time, followed by a discussion chaired by Nick Bryant (The Forever War) and Rosalind Dixon (The People's Guide to the Australian Constitution). Presented in collaboration with the UNSW Resilient Democracy Lab.  

Relax, Refuel, Connect

Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.

Exclusive Offer

Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 21 May to 4pm Sunday 24 May, 2026.

*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.

Full Program Here(PDF, 3MB)  Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2026 Theatre Program

Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2026 Theatre Program   

A.C. Grayling

Professor A. C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of Northeastern University London and a Professor of Philosophy. He is the author of numerous influential works spanning philosophy, humanism, ethics, and public affairs. His books include The God Argument: The Case against Religion and for Humanism, The History of Philosophy, The Meaning of Things: Applying Philosophy to Life, The Good Book: A Humanist Bible, Life, Sex and Ideas: The Good Life Without God, Discriminations, For the People, Who Owns the Moon? and The Challenge of the Future. Professor Grayling is also a longstanding and regular contributor to leading publications, including The Times, The Guardian and Financial Times.

Nick Bryant

During a career spanning almost 30 years, Nick Bryant came to be regarded as one of the BBC’s finest foreign correspondents. His writing has appeared in The Economist, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Monthly and The New Statesman. He broadcasts regularly on the BBC and ABC. Nick studied history at Cambridge and has a doctorate in American politics from Oxford. He now lives in Sydney with his wife and children. His book, When America Stopped Being Great: A History of the Present, resided on Joe Biden’s bookshelf in the Oval Office.

Rosalind Dixon

Rosalind Dixon is Anthony Mason Professor and Scientia Professor of Law at UNSW Sydney. She is Co-Director of the UNSW Gender Equality Hub, UNSW Resilient Democracy Lab and Pathways to Politics Program for Women NSW and a globally renowned expert on constitutional law and democracy.

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