Populism is democratic, it's the checks & balances that fail us, says Sultan Khokhar 2/6

Sultan Khokhar, Lincoln College, speaks in opposition of the motion that This House Believes Populism is a Threat to Democracy.

This is the second speech of six.

This speaker is a competitive debater and the views expressed may not represent their own beliefs.

Oxford Union on Twitter: @OxfordUnion

ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

#speaker

[jackiewojcik]

Refreshing to hear a student who appreciates and respects his academic mentors

[victoriadegand]

It is fascinating to watch such debaters. We need this in America.

[kitbram]

This is gold. ❤ from USA. Sad we don’t have representatives as eloquent and succinct.

[alastairgordon-forbes]

Excellent response to Pelosi’s pathetic opening.

[anneflynn]

American here.I love this speech!!!Absolutely Pelosi is disgusting.

[mcmii]

Honestly surprised Nancy didn't sneak out an exit after the first argument. She was in wayyyy over her head.

[sandraelder]

Good ol’ Oxford Union - keeping alive the fine art of reasoned debate.

[bdoubleu]

You young men give me hope for the future 👏 keeping speaking freedom to power

[southernpartisan]

I wonder if this young man realizes that his words would be considered, "far right", in the United States.

[kid]

So Oxford is one of the last colleges that has common sense. Idk. But this guy has a brain and uses it.

[Ikon]

Sultan Khokhar taps the three key points behind Populist tendencies world-wide:
1. Populism is inherently democratic in expressing dissatisfactions that many believe are unseen and unheard by ruling administrations. Denying a populist voice is undemocratic and elitist.
2. Populism is a corrective force expressed by the people - whether to the left or right. It is currently used as a tool to weaken opposition to current regimes.
3. Populism is an expression of need to correct to maladministration, injustice, and political oppression. Populism responds to the expressed needs and discontents of the people. An unelected, unregulated bureaucracy is inherently anti-Democratic. Administration outside the boundaries of law - starting with Constitutions - is also anti-Democratic. Both are violations of the inherent right of citizens to institute laws as expressions of the social contract and to have a say in how those laws are administered.

Democracy - and representative government - functions with the least turmoil when every person has an opportunity to express their thoughts and intentions, to have a say in the shaping of society ad in how society is managed. Top-down administration will always ensure conflict and opposition, as will oppression of peoples voices.

[gloriawitek]

Pelozzi embarrassed herself with her waving hands and jumbled words.
These young men spoke eloquently.

[MrSebastiananthony]

Brilliant start Sultan! Expose the elites of the disdain they have for the commoner

[sensibleandrational]

I can’t imagine American ‘intellectuals” to be this eloquent

[JoeyBozify]

It’s sad that American speaker of the house had to go to London to be reminded what is democracy!

[ibjames]

I love watching this, such great speakers

[marcdonato]

We need debaters here in the United States, I'm not kidding.

[rosemariemello]

Wiped the floor with Pelosi smug attitude, thank you 😊 🙏 ☺️

[kyledabearsfan]

Oh, man. Who wouldve thought id be thanking a bunch of Brits for speaking up for me a small town American. Pelosi got utterly humiliated. Good to see her true colors on display on the global stage for all to see.

[bettystansbury]

So proud to see all of you putting truth populism’s meaning in context!