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Widespread political apathy in many societies is the focus of an international workshop to be held at The University of Western Australia on Thursday and Friday (April 8 and 9).

The Democratic Participation in a Globalized World workshop has attracted experts on political trust and involvement from the United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Japan, Singapore and around Australia.  It is part of a series being conducted by the World Democracy Forum under the direction of the World Universities Network, of which UWA is a member.

UWA convenor Professor David Denemark of the Discipline of Political Science and International Relations said the workshop's findings would be reported at the WUN annual general meeting in Washington DC next month, with Ambassador Kim Beazley launching the World Democracy Forum at the Australian Embassy.

"This is a forum for international experts to present their research on what we believe is a vital topic," Professor Denemark said.  "One whole day in the workshop is devoted to political participation and youth, which is of special importance given the low levels of political participation shown by the younger generation across many societies including western democracies."

Topics to be presented include:

• Trust, Threat and Opposition to Anti-Terror Police Powers: Australia in Comparative Perspective;
• Education, Democracy and Participation in Post-Apartheid South Africa;
• Do Private Schools in Australia Produce More Active Citizens?; and
• A Case Study of Youth and Political Participation in Japan: Motivations towards the Keeping of International Peace.

WHAT: Democratic Participation in a Globalized World workshop

WHEN: 9am Thursday April 8 to 7pm Friday April 9

WHERE: UWA Law School Moot Court Room (Room G.06, nearest carpark off Hackett Entrance 1)

Members of the media are invited to attend sessions and may request interviews.

Media references

Professor David Denemark (+61 8) 6488 2849 / (+61 4) 11 823 460
(UWA Discipline of Political Science and International Relations)
Sally-Ann Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 7975  /  (+61 4) 20 790 098