The Great Unravelling: Democracy and Universities in an Age of Authoritarianism

​In this time of global upheaval, we are witnessing rising authoritarianism, armed conflict and mass displacement. It is also a moment of growing political tension, with the future of human rights and democracy being challenged and contested. As Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney recently observed, the entire international order appears to be unravelling.

​In this timely and important address, Professor Adams will consider the role of middle powers, such as Australia, in protecting vulnerable populations and promoting human rights. In the face of extraordinary international turmoil, he will explore how countries that are not global superpowers can still exercise significant moral and diplomatic leadership.

At a time when facts and science are being rejected by populist politicians, universities have an essential role to play in advancing evidence based debate and preparing future generations to address complex global challenges. This lecture will also reflect on the role that universities and civil society must play in the defence of freedom of thought and human dignity.

About the Speaker

Professor Simon Adams is the inaugural Professor of Human Rights at Murdoch University. Prior to Murdoch, he spent 15 years in New York, where he was President and CEO of the Center for Victims of Torture, the world's largest torture rehabilitation organisation. From 2011 to 2021 he also served as Executive Director of the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect and led human rights advocacy at the UN Security Council. In that capacity, working closely with the government of The Gambia, he played a major role in initiating the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice in 2019. He appears regularly as a commentator on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera and other international media.

About the Chair

Tabarak Al Jrood is a journalist and presenter with ABC News in Western Australia. A respected storyteller and broadcaster, she has reported across television, radio and digital platforms, covering issues of national significance as well as stories that reflect the diversity and character of Australian communities. A graduate of both Law and Journalism, Tabarak brings intellectual rigour, insight and warmth to her work. Known for her engaging interviewing style and ability to connect audiences with complex ideas, she will chair the 2026 Sir Walter Murdoch Lecture, guiding what promises to be a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation.

For more information and to register, please visit Eventbrite.