Event Information:
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Tue10Feb202619:30 - 20:30Panton Arms, 43 Panton Street, Cambridge CB2 1HL
Populism, the Right, and Democracy in Italy Today - Dr Marzia Maccaferri - 10 February 2026, 7.30 PM
Italy’s political landscape is at a pivotal moment. The government led by Giorgia Meloni has drawn global attention, often branded as far-right, but the reality is more complex. What does populism really mean in the Italian context? How does it differ from outright extremism, and what nuances define the current political right in Italy?
Join us on Tuesday 10th February 2026 at this free talk at the Panton Arms, 43 Panton Street, Cambridge CB2 1HL, The talk will start at 7.30 PM, with doors open from 7 PM. No registration is required.
Dr Marzia Maccaferri (Department of Politics & IR, Queen Mary University of London), who will guide us through the rise of populism in Italy and unpack the unique characteristics of Meloni’s government that challenge common stereotypes. We will explore how Italy’s political dynamics relate to the wider European trend of increasing authoritarianism and consider whether Italy is genuinely at risk of democratic backsliding.
This conversation will highlight why it is crucial for Italians—and all Europeans—to remain alert to the subtle ways democracy can be undermined. By understanding the nature of populism and the specific challenges Italy faces today, citizens can better recognize the signs and engage