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Then and Now: Historical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues

Presented by Dr. Robert Strayer

Join Dr. Robert Strayer for a 6-part series providing historical context for contemporary issues.

This 6-part series of presentations provides some historical context for understanding a range of contemporary issues: Patriarchy, Empire, Globalization, China and the World, Democracy, and Historical Thinking. Each illustrated talk will compare earlier and more recent manifestations of a particular issue. 

Join us in person at the La Selva Beach Branch or register to attend online on Zoom. 

November 15: Democracy

Democracy has a long and convoluted history, dating back to ancient assemblies in the Middle East, India and Greece. The slow development of electoral or parliamentary democracy occurred over many
centuries. Communist movement also claimed a democratic heritage. In more recent times democracy has ebbed and flowed amid much debate and controversy.

There is much discussion these days about the erosion of democracy. How might some historical perspective assist us in assessing the present state and future possibilities of democracy?

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