Tom Simpson | Rebuilding Trust: Populists, Elitists, and the Future of our Democracy

October 17, 2023
Sir John Graham Lecture 2023

Tom Simpson

THE LECTURE

Trust has declined steadily in the developed world over some decades; more sharply in recent years.

The great economic and socially liberal consensus of post-WW2 governments has shattered, exposing a political climate that is increasingly fevered and volatile.

In his 2023 Sir John Graham Lecture, Associate Professor Tom Simpson will explore whether our future is one of increasing polarisation, or whether a new consensus can be forged, with trust at its core.

 

THE LECTURER

TOM SIMPSON is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and a Senior Research Fellow at Wadham College.

In 2017 he was named one of BBC Radio’s “New Generation Thinkers.” He joined the School from Cambridge, where he was educated (BA, MPhil and PhD), and was also a Research Fellow at Sidney Sussex College. Between degrees, he served as an officer with the Royal Marines Commandos for five years. He served in Northern Ireland; Baghdad, Iraq; and Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

In his work, including his book Trust (Oxford University Press, Forthcoming), Tom has taken a particular interest in trust and how we can restore it.

Jessica Palmer

Jessica Palmer

THE RESPONDENT

Jessica Palmer is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Humanities at the University of Otago and is a member of the University’s executive leadership team. Prior to that, she was Dean of Law at Otago. She teaches and researches in trusts and commercial law and has regularly presented at seminars for lawyers and judges. Before moving to Otago in 2005, she served as a Judges’ Clerk in the Auckland High Court and worked in a national commercial law firm. She is a graduate of Auckland and Cambridge.

Jessica also has several governance roles, including Chair of Laidlaw College, board member of Presbyterian Support Otago, and a Trustee of the Wilberforce Foundation. She considers it a privilege and a responsibility to serve the local community. Jessica and her husband have four children and live in Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Listen to the lecture

Click here to read the 2023 Sir John Graham Lecture & Q+A monograph.

SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS

We would like to acknowledge the support of our awesome sponsors –

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Sir John Graham

Since 2008, the annual Sir John Graham has provided a unique opportunity to hear leading experts contribute to public debate in New Zealand.

Sir John Graham was an exemplary New Zealander who throughout his life displayed the consistency of character and care for others we hope for in the best of our leaders. Along with his well-known leadership roles as Captain of the All Blacks, Headmaster of Auckland Grammar, and Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Sir John inspired and led many organisations, including Maxim Institute.

Appropriately, he was recognised with a CBE in 1994 for his services to education and the community, and was further honoured when he was knighted in 2011. As a Founding Trustee of Maxim, Sir John Graham’s deep love for New Zealand, his passion for education, and concern for those on the margins of life remain at the heart of our work, and we are honoured to be able to hold this annual lecture in his name.

Click here to read the 2019 Sir John Graham Lecture & Q+A monograph.

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