The Annual Sir Thomas Gresham Lecture 2023 the Lecture by Rory Stewart OBE

Thanks for posting the link, I'm a huge fan of TRIP and of Rory Stewart. This will be my afternoon listening.

And yes clearly the Liberal Democrat’s were too optimistic with regard to the idea that liberal democracy would save the world.

What I had never done was connect populism with pessimism, but I can absolutely see Stewart’s description of the populists outlook as being pessimistic, it is so accurate if you think in terms of “the people” v “the elite” nationalism and sovereignty.

I read this earlier on, and listened this morning before I took the dog out.

I have been an admirer of Stewart since I started listening to TRIP, I think there is a couple of things on which I disagree but have decided to give those subjects greater thought to see if I am satisfied with my opinion.

But my goodness what an impressive speaker. I’m going to listen again and possibly again to make sure I missed nothing.

We weren’t wrong re Thatcher - he confirmed what I thought about that.

I also think that we’ve identified populism and pathos (but not using the Aristotle concept) on GN and in particular in relation to Brexit, but also I think it can well be described how the Tories are using it in the asylum issue. Now to give more thought to logos, ethos and kairos. That will give me more than enough!

What I want to know is what happens after this pessimistic age of populism as opposed to the optimistic age of liberal democracy. Stewart mention war!😮. I need to revisit that.

It was interesting to hear what he said about returning to politics, Aveline

Hes a very impressive young man. Wish he was still at Westminster.

I'm so glad you spotted the post Maizie. So interesting, I have to go back and listen again. Even the answers to the questions were fascinating, incredibly thought through and all direct from his thinking without a single note.

The main talk, about the different phases and them being so worldwide, which I think we knew, was taken so much greater depth. That certainly needs a second listen.

What an impressive speaker. No notes and not a single 'um' or 'er'!

There's a lot to think about in there but his analysis of the move from consensus to populism chimes with what has worried many people over the past few years and I think he was absolutely right to pin the blame for initiating it on Thatcher.