Slavoj Žižek in conversation with Paul Mason at the Southbank Centre
Philosopher Žižek and journalist Mason dissect liberal fascism, post-truth politics, and what forms of justice remain possible in an era of democratic collapse.
Why we picked this
Žižek is at his best when pushed by a sharp interlocutor — Mason's political journalism provides exactly the friction his philosophy needs.
Slavoj Žižek remains the most polarizing philosopher alive, which is itself a kind of achievement. His new work explores what he calls “liberal fascism” — the paradox of ostensibly democratic societies producing authoritarian outcomes through their own internal contradictions. Whether you find his dialectical provocations illuminating or infuriating, the argument deserves engagement rather than dismissal.
Paul Mason, formerly Channel 4’s economics editor and author of “PostCapitalism,” is one of the few journalists who can match Žižek’s range and keep the conversation tethered to real-world consequences. Their exchange will range from Trump and Putin to postmodernism and antisemitism, with the dark humor that characterizes Žižek’s public appearances. The Purcell Room’s intimate 295-seat setting means this will feel more like eavesdropping on a serious argument than attending a lecture.
Tickets from £15 at the Southbank Centre.