Business and Democracy: Oxford Alumni explore corporate citizenship in an age of democratic backsliding

A packed audience of alumni gathered at Oxford’s Life and Mind Building on 19 September for a thought-provoking Meeting Minds lecture exploring one of the defining questions of our time: what role should businesses play in protecting and strengthening democracy?

The session, Can Business Save Democracy? Corporate Citizenship in an Age of Backsliding, was led by Professor Petra Schleiter, Director of the Centre for Democratic Resilience and Professor of Comparative Politics. 

Drawing on her expertise in democratic governance, Professor Schleiter examined how businesses are increasingly being drawn into political and societal debates as democracies around the world face growing pressures, including political polarisation, declining trust in institutions and democratic erosion.

Held as part of Oxford University's flagship Meeting Minds alumni weekend, the lecture attracted strong interest from graduates across a range of sectors, including many senior leaders working in global business, public policy, and professional services. Throughout the session, Professor Schleiter explored the opportunities, risks and responsibilities associated with corporate citizenship, highlighting the ways organisations can influence democratic culture through their values, decision-making and public engagement.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Schleiter said:

“It was a privilege to be part of this year's Meeting Minds programme and to engage with such an interested alumni audience. Many participants brought valuable perspectives from leadership roles across business and industry, which enriched the discussion considerably.

The questions were thoughtful, challenging, and forward-looking, reflecting a genuine commitment to understanding how organisations can contribute positively to democratic societies. At a time when democratic institutions face significant pressures, conversations like these remind us that democracy is not sustained by governments alone. It also depends on the choices, values and leadership demonstrated by citizens, businesses, and communities alike. 

Our alumni are uniquely placed to help shape that future, and I was energised by their far-reaching questions about the responsibilities of businesses operating in increasingly complex political environments.”

Meeting Minds offered alumni a unique opportunity to experience the Life and Mind Building, Oxford's newest world-class centre for teaching and research, while reconnecting with the University through a programme of lectures, discussions and events showcasing cutting-edge research and academic insight.

The session demonstrated the value of bringing together academic expertise and alumni experience to explore the major challenges facing society today and highlighted the important role Oxford's global alumni community can play in shaping informed and constructive debate.