UNSW to host major international conference, Sept 5-6

The dramatic interactions between mass media, democracy and the rule of law will be the focus of a major international conference at the University of New South Wales (Sept 5-6).

From the birth of new democracies in post-communist Europe and Indonesia, upheavals sweeping the Middle East and riots in the UK, to WikiLeaks and the News of the World scandal, modern mass media - including social networking - are changing the rhetoric and reality of democracy and the rule of law, with implications for all nations.

Australian and international experts will explore the popular movements that often emerge at a breathtaking rate. The conference will analyse the implications for established democracies such as Australia.

"The conference will present a unique opportunity to hear from leading experts from Australia and around the world, and to engage in debate about what the future holds for democracy, the rule of law and public media in this churning and moving landscape," said conference convenor Professor Martin Krygier, from UNSW's Faculty of Law.

Conference speakers include: Professor Jan Zielonka, Oxford University; Professor Paolo Mancini, University of Perugia; Professor Jacques Rupnik, Sciences Po, Paris; Professor John Keane, University of Sydney; Professor Lesley Hitchens, UTS; Professor Robert Manne, La Trobe University; Robin Speed, President of Rule of Law Institute of Australia; and Professor Julian Disney, UNSW.

For a full program, including the list of speakersclick here.

The conference is an initiative of UNSW's Network for Interdisciplinary Studies of Law.

What: Media, Democracy & the Rule of Law: Global & Local, New Democracies & OldWhere: Law Building, UNSW Kensington CampusWhen: Monday 5 September & Tuesday 6 September 2011

Conference sponsors: Network for Interdisciplinary Studies of Law, University of New South Wales; Media and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe; Regulatory Institutions Network (RegNet), Australian National University; Newdemocracy; and the Rule of Law Institute of Australia

Media contact: Steve Offner, UNSW Media Office | 02 9385 8107