Modern mass media, including social media, are changing the rhetoric and reality of democracy and the rule of law, according to event organisers. On issues including the birth of new democracies in post-communist Europe and Indonesia, upheavals sweeping the Middle East and riots in the UK, to WikiLeaks and the News of the World scandal, mass media has implications for all nations.

Australian and international experts will explore the popular movements that often emerge at a breathtaking rate. The conference will analyse the implications for established democracies such as Australia. 

“The conference will present a unique opportunity to hear from leading experts from Australia and around the world, and to engage in debate about what the future holds for democracy, the rule of law and public media in this churning and moving landscape,” said conference convenor Professor Martin Krygier, from UNSW’s Faculty of Law.

Conference speakers include Professor Jan Zielonka from Oxford University, Professor Paolo Mancini from the University of Perugia, Professor Jacques Rupnik from Sciences Po, Paris, Professor John Keane from the University of Sydney, Professor Lesley Hitchens from UTS, Professor Robert Manne from La Trobe University, Robin Speed, the president of Rule of Law Institute of Australia, and Professor Julian Disney from UNSW.

What: Media, Democracy & the Rule of Law: Global & Local, New Democracies & Old

Where: Law Building, UNSW Kensington Campus

When: Monday 5 September & Tuesday 6 September 2011