The Nature and State of Democracy in Canada and the United States
Brett Bowen
$10 by cash or cheque at the door no registration required.
In the second half of the twentieth century, Liberal democratic systems of governance flourished and proliferated. Everywhere, it seemed, we were moving toward a bright and democratic future. Since then, however, liberal democracies have been buffeted by forces both within and outside their countries. We have seen the rise of more authoritarian governments and the development of more authoritarian movements and parties within democratic nations.
This lecture will examine and compare the nature and state of democracy in Canada and in the United States. It will begin by briefly examining how the idea of democratic government has been interpreted and how it has evolved in each of the respective nations. In recent years, numerous threats to the democratic process have arisen in each country. The nature of some of these problems and the implications they have for democratic governance will be discussed. While these threats can affect both countries, given that this is an important election year in the United States, most of the examples and discussion will focus on that country.
Brett Bowen was born and raised in Alberta. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Calgary. He has three degrees: a B.A., a B.Ed., and an M.Sc. Then followed a career as a secondary school teacher working for the Calgary Board of Education. He received recognition for his teaching, primarily the Alberta Award for Excellence in teaching and the provincial award for contributions to Gifted and Talented Education. Upon retirement, he moved to Vancouver Island where he paints and engages in outdoor pursuits (primarily kayaking and cycling). Brett has taught for VIU Elder College for over a dozen years.
$10 by cash or cheque at the door no registration required.
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