Across the world, people are trading freedoms for the promise of safety, order, and belonging.
Leaders vowing to “restore greatness” or “protect tradition” now rise in places that once prided themselves on liberal, egalitarian values. Censorship, scapegoating, and power-grabs spread not by tanks but by ballots, algorithms, and fear. The danger isn’t a sudden coup; it’s the steady narrowing of what feels sayable, debatable, permissible.
Tonight we’ll discuss the potential squeeze of coercion that we might be feeling already, and seek to name the ways we are unwilling to have our free expression curtailed. We’ll ask what actually changes minds, what real security requires, and discuss how to defend both liberty and order—without giving either away.
“The ideal subject of totalitarian rule… is people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction, and between true and false, no longer exists.” — Hannah Arendt
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” — Alice Walker
Some potential prompts for this week’s Questions That Matter:
1. Are we throwing the word “authoritarian’' around too loosely, or are we not taking the warning signs seriously enough? How do we tell the difference?
2. History shows that usually only violence, war, or collapse have been the only way to stop authoritarianism, but are there other ways?
3. Be honest: Is there a version of authoritarianism you'd be tempted by if it promised you safety, prosperity, or stability? What would your breaking point be?
4. Is arguing with people who support authoritarian movements productive, or does it just entrench them further? What actually changes minds?
5. Is this moment potentially like the 1930s, or is it something different?
6. Ten years from now, what do you think we'll be saying about this time period? 'We overreacted” or “We should have done more”?
As usual, the goal of the night isn’t simply to agree, disagree, or learn. It’s also to connect through genuine, lively, interactive discussion and, potentially, to go to some of the unexpected and uncharted places that deep and free conversation can take us.
When we wrap up, around 8 p.m., we hope you’ll mingle, exchange numbers, and head out with some of us for something to eat or drink. As polarized as the world is right now, one of the deepest connections still available to human beings is a shared meal or drink.
Whether you’re in Chiang Mai for a short visit or you’re a longer term expat or resident, we hope you can join us, not only in exploring the deeper questions but in making new connections and friendships through the discussions.
If possible, please support the venue, 4seas, by purchasing a beverage or a snack. They are kindly providing the space to us at no charge.
We all look forward to meeting you!
Also check out other Business events in Chiang Mai, Meetups in Chiang Mai.
