The 2026 Griffin Economic History Public Lecture with Professor Hans‑Joachim Voth from the University of Zurich explores the question of how democracies collapse, and why do everyday people come to support extremist movements.
Presented on Thursday, 30 April 2026 as part of the University of Melbourne’s Griffin Public Lecture Series, this lecture reviews and analyses decades of historical research to challenge simple explanations based on economic downturns or political shocks.
Professor Voth uncovers how historical patterns, social networks, cultural beliefs, and persuasive narratives shape political behaviour over the years, and how this can rapidly intensify during moments of uncertainty.
People are hungry for meaning, and some of that meaning can be provided by deeply evil ideologies
Through case studies throughout history ranging from medieval Europe to interwar Germany, this lecture shows how ideas can gain momentum and spread through communities. It also suggests that even proper education, a prosper society, and strong institutions do not guarantee a healthy democracy.
This lecture uses historical context that correlates with today's topics around populism, extremism, trust in institutions and democratic resilience. Professor Voth offers powerful insights into why democracy remains fragile, even in advanced and educated societies.
Democracy is a much more fragile outcome than we like to believe
Engaging and thought provoking, the Griffin Economic History Public Lecture uncovers historical and current research to help better understand the political challenges of today.
Watch the full lecture below to explore this topic in depth
About the speaker: Professor Hans-Joachim Voth
An internationally renowned economic historian, Professor Hans-Joachim Voth is a UBS Foundation Professor at the Economics Department, University of Zurich and Scientific Director of the UBS Center for Economics in Society. His principal areas of research include long-run economic growth, the history of sovereign debt, causes and consequences of the Nazi Party's rise to power, and the economic history of the Industrial Revolution. A Fellow of The Econometric Society and former President of the Association for Comparative Economic Studies, Professor Voth has published extensively in leading journals including the American Economic Review and Quarterly Journal of Economics, as well as authoring multiple academic and popular books.
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