Is increasing polarisation an inevitable social trend?

Polarisation is increasingly affecting every part of our lives, from conversations within friendship circles to how we approach health issues. In many democracies the political chasm between different groups of people seems larger than ever.

Is this simply the political pluralism which is a necessary part of a healthy democracy or an excessive polarisation, where the weaponisation of difference is a threat to us all? Are we especially polarised now or have we always been divided?

CEO of the Depolarization Project and advisor to Stanford’s Conflict, Resolution and Depolarisation Lab Ali Goldsworthy discusses her new book, Poles Apar with Professor Rowan Cruft from University of Stirling, whose research team has recently released this report on Shaping Democracy in the Digital Age.

Can you remember the last time you changed your mind on something? Does anybody in your circle of friends have a different political or world view to you? Do any of these things matter? This event will provide lively discussion and brain food on all of these questions and more.