Authoritarianism and Autocracies in Modern Europe

a DIALOGUES seminar

European political and social systems gradually became more democratic after the 18th century as the traditional power of kings and nobles was replaced by new voting rights and the institutions of representative government. But powerful anti-democratic movements also emerged in places such as Italy, Germany, and Russia.This seminar will explore the history of radical authoritarian ideologies, the popularity of autocratic leaders, and the methods that anti-democratic forces used to consolidate
power in Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, and contemporary Russia. Drawing on historical examples from Europe, we’ll discuss how democracies become vulnerable to anti-democratic ideas and leaders.

TOPICS & SPEAKERS

Why and How Fascists and Nazis Destroyed Democracies in Italy and Germany
Lloyd Kramer, Professor of History

How Putin Suppressed the Promise of a Democratic Russia
Donald J. Raleigh, Professor of History Emeritus

Why is the History of Modern European Autocracies Important for Americans?
A panel discussion with our speakers

TIME AND TUITION

9:00 am-12:30 pm, Saturday, November 5. The tuition is $65 to attend in person or $50 for virtual viewing.  A meal will not be offered with this seminar.

UNC Students can attend for free, but pre-registration is required. Discounts are available for UNC faculty, & staff. To register as a UNC Student, Staff, or Faculty, see our Registration Policy here.

Co-Sponsored by the General Alumni Association.  For information about GAA discounts and other scholarships available to Humanities Program participants, click here.

In-person tuition for teachers is $32.50. Current K-12 teachers interested in receiving a complimentary virtual viewing registration for this seminar can apply here.

*Registration for this event closes on November 4 at 3pm*

Participants will receive an email with venue information and background information about 1 week before the program.

**Please note that due to UNC regulations, masks are recommended, but not required for all in-person events regardless of vaccination status. In-person and hybrid events may switch to virtual-only based upon recommendations from local, state, and national public health officials. If an in-person or hybrid event is designated “virtual-only,” the CPH staff will contact registrants and provide them with information on how to attend virtually or with options for receiving credits or refunds. If you have any questions, please email human@unc.edu or call 919.962.1544. We appreciate your flexibility during these trying times.**