Political scientist James Fishkin is a global authority on deliberative democracy and pioneering methods for citizen participation. In his latest book, Can Deliberation Cure the Ills of Democracy?, he addresses the growing disconnect between the will of the people and political outcomes in modern democracies.

He examines how deliberative democracy could help solve major problems facing democracies today, from propaganda and misinformation to political polarisation and social media echo chambers.

Drawing on decades of research and 150 applications of his deliberative polling method in countries worldwide, Fishkin presents a new vision for combining elections with deliberation to build a more engaged, respectful political culture.

Join the Policy Institute and Ipsos UK as we discuss Fishkin's ideas on using deliberative methods across society – from local government to education and electoral reform – and explore the practical steps needed to realise their potential in the UK, helping bridge political divides, deliver better policy outcomes and respond to the current crisis of trust.

Speakers

• Professor James Fishkin, Janet M. Peck Professor of International Communication at Stanford University, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and Professor, by courtesy, of Political Science
• Dr Ceri Davies-Tyrie, Head of Deliberative Engagement at Ipsos UK and Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the Policy Institute (chair)