In his annual lecture, University of Hertfordshire Vice-Chancellor, Professor Quintin McKellar CBE discusses how can universities uphold democracy?

Imagine a future where Western Liberal democracies have disappeared, and where right and left wing authoritarian leaders control the international community. They are advised by self-seeking intellectuals, and embraced by ultra-wealthy oligarchs, many of whom derive their wealth and extend their influence through global technology companies. Jobs for the poorest have become more precarious and a large proportion of society live a hand to mouth existence in a gig-based economy. Could this happen and might universities be complicit in making it so?