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Utopianism in Politics

Anne McElvoy chairs a debate on realism and utopianism in politics and history, asking whether politics is about building a better world or simply about the art of the possible.

Is politics about building a better world, or simply the art of the possible? In a special debate recorded at the London School of Economics to mark the anniversary of Thomas More's Utopia, politicians and historians debate the balance between idealism and realism in politics, international relations and political history. Chaired by Anne McElvoy. With
Justin Champion, Professor of the History of Early Modern Ideas at Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr John Guy, Fellow of Clare College, University of Cambridge
Kwasi Kwarteng, MP for Spelthorne
Gisela Stuart, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston

Utopia is a work of fiction and political philosophy by Thomas More published in 1516 in Latin. The LSE literature festival which runs from February 22nd - 27th is themed on the idea of Utopias.

Available now

45 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Anne McElvoy
Interviewed Guest Justin Champion
Interviewed Guest John Guy
Interviewed Guest Kwasi Kwarteng
Interviewed Guest Gisela Stuart
Producer Luke Mulhall

Broadcast

  • Thu 18 Feb 2016 22:00

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