IMPORTANT: Due to lengthy delays in granting an Australian visa to speaker Masha Gessen, they will no longer be able to participate in The Future of Democracy. The event will proceed with John Lyons and Yun Jiang in conversation with Emma Shortis.
With a US election looming and four billion people heading to the polls in 2024, Yun Jiang and John Lyons discuss the threats and challenges to democracy around the world with host Emma Shortis.
John Lyons is the Walkley Award-winning Global Affairs Editor of the ABC, and has been a foreign correspondent in Washington, New York, the Philippines and the Middle East. Yun Jiang is a public policy specialist with expertise assessing Australia's relationship with China. With host Emma Shortis, these experts will explore imperialism, corruption, autocracy and other global challenges to modern democracy.
With more than half of the world’s population able to vote in elections this year – including the pivotal upcoming US election – there has never been a more urgent time to confront the future of democracy.
Presented in partnership with Fed Square.
Masha Gessen's visit to Australia is made possible by the support of Bill Manos and the Manos Foundation. Masha Gessen is presented in Melbourne by The Wheeler Centre and in Sydney by Festival of Dangerous Ideas.
Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Tickets
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Location
The Edge, Fed Square
The Atrium Flinders Street Federation Square Melbourne Victoria 3000
Get directionsAccessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by-request
Companion tickets available
Open Captions
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair Access
For information regarding accessibility at The Edge, click here.
Please notify us of all access requirements when booking online so we can assist you with your visit. If you require further information, please contact ticketing@wheelercentre.com.
Additional Notes
The bookseller for this event is Paperback Bookshop.
Featuring
![](https://cms.wheelercentre.com/media/amcbt54i/john-lyons.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=312&height=312&format=png&quality=90)
John Lyons
John Lyons is one of Australia’s most experienced journalists and the Global Affairs Editor of the ABC. Previously he was Head of Investigative Journalism at the ABC, responsible for Four Corners, 7.30, Foreign Correspondent ...
![](https://cms.wheelercentre.com/media/zj5nlphi/yun_jiang-10.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=312&height=312&format=png&quality=90)
Yun Jiang
Yun Jiang is a public policy specialist, known for her interdisciplinary approach, with expertise in international policy, national security policy, and economic policy. She has published and appeared in Australian and international ...
![](https://cms.wheelercentre.com/media/dwsoxtl4/shortis-emma-2021.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=312&height=312&format=png&quality=90)
Emma Shortis
Dr Emma Shortis is Senior Researcher in the International & Security Affairs Program at The Australia Institute. Emma is historian and writer, focused on the history and politics of the United States and its role in the ...