News The Politics Society Welcomes Professor Eatwell 08.02.2023

The Politics Society was delighted to welcome Professor Roger Eatwell from the University of Bath as their guest speaker this week. Professor Eatwell studied PPE and completed his DPhil at Balliol College, Oxford. Since the late 1970s, his research at the University of Bath has mainly focused on fascism, populism, ‘strong’ leaders and the future of democracy.

Over a working lunch, Professor Eatwell spoke to senior members of the Politics Society about studying Politics at university. He then addressed a group of Year 11 and Sixth Form students, outlining and expanding on his fascinating book National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy. Topics of his talk included the distinction between populism and fascism and a compelling explanation of why populism has been on the rise.

Whilst reflecting on events of recent years, Professor Eatwell discussed the shifting attitudes towards politicians that have characterised the post-Brexit and Trump era. Students asked wide-ranging questions following the talk; from the role of new media in driving populism to the methods populist leaders use – such as Trump’s wrestling debut in 2016! Thank you very much to Professor Eatwell for an extremely engaging and mind-broadening talk which helped us to see populism from a different perspective.