On 28 January, students and staff have the chance to hear from prominent anti‑apartheid activist and former Cabinet minister Lord Peter Hain at a special event taking place from 12:30pm until 2pm, at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) on campus.

Hosted by the Sussex School for Progressive Futures, the event will explore a question that has shaped much of Lord Hain’s political and activist life: why do liberation and independence movements so often fall short once they gain power?

Lord Hain, a Sussex alumnus, will be in conversation with Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sussex. Their discussion will draw on themes from his new book, Liberation and Corruption: Why Freedom Movements Fail, which examines how movements built on ideals of justice and freedom can end up compromised by corruption and poor governance.

Drawing on examples from regions including Africa, Latin America, Russia, the Caribbean, China and India, Lord Hain reflects on the global challenges of maintaining integrity and democratic values after political victory. His perspective is shaped by decades of experience both as a grassroots activist and as a senior government minister.

The event is open to all students and staff, and attendees will be able to purchase signed copies of the book at a 50% discount (£10).

A thought‑provoking lunchtime session for anyone interested in politics, activism, or global justice and a chance to hear directly from a figure who has spent his life navigating both protest movements and the corridors of power.

 Find out more and book your tickets. 

Back to news list