Professor Jonathan Boston will explain how we, and our general way of life and “traditional” democratic values, processes and institutions are facing increasing challenges and  threats everywhere, and of every kind - with political challenges usually being from autocratic regimes and their despotic leaders.

After discussing the nature and causes of these threats, Jonathan will set out his view of the implications both politically and to our whole society, and will set out how democratic principles might be better safeguarded and strengthened - both here and overseas  

Jonathan had had a lifelong interest in many aspects of “public policy” - especially in New Zealand; contributing to many advisory groups (both governmental and NGOs), and culminating in his appointment as Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington