In this student-organised lecture, world renowned international broadcaster at the BBC, Nik Gowing, will present an overview and update on the implications for power of his Skyful of Lies analysis.

The presentation and discussion will focus on the key questions posed by this new public information space (and in particular the explosion of social media) for government ministers, civil servants, defence and security agencies as well as for corporate institutions and NGOs.

"Real-time media is changing our world. Digital connectivity and cheap, easy to use IT are disruptive game changers. They challenge the inadequacy of the structures of power to respond quickly and effectively to crises and rapidly evolving events. As vulnerabilities increase, mindsets and systemic behaviour cease to fit the needs of the new public information space."

Biography

Nik Gowing has been a main presenter for the BBC's international 24-hour news channel BBC World News since 1996, where he presents World News Today with Nik Gowing, BBC World Debates, Dateline London and location coverage. For 18 years he worked at ITN where he was bureau chief in Rome and Warsaw, and Diplomatic Editor for Channel Four News (1988-1994).

He has been a member of the councils of Chatham House (1998-2004), the Royal United Services Institute (2005-present), and the Overseas Development Institute (2007-), the board of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (1996-2005), and the advisory council at Wilton Park (1998-). He is a governor of the Ditchley Foundation. In 1994 he was a fellow at the Joan Shorenstein Barone Center in the J. F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

This event is open to members of the University. It would be strongly preferred if you could RSVP to steven.wang@lincoln.ox.ac.uk, to enable us to estimate attendance.