1984, New Authoritarianism and the Media

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of George Orwell’s 1984 and considering the legacies and future of authoritarianism, this event on Tuesday 17th November 2021 discussed 1984 and modern parallels; 21st century authoritarianism (politics, parties, leaders); The impact of the media; What this means for democracy. Guest speakers included Dorian Lynskey (author of ‘The Ministry of Truth: the Biography of George Orwell’s 1984’) and D.J Taylor (author of ‘Orwell: The Life’). Both spoke alongside OU POLIS academics Geoff Andrews and Precious Chatterje-Doody, with POLIS’s Donna Smith chairing.