Tuesday Lecture: Democracy in Iceland – Hrafnkell Lárusson [Icelandic]
At lunchtime on most Tuesdays, the National Museum of Iceland hosts a variety of events, including film screenings, guided tours and lectures.
On Tuesday, 15 September, the International Day of Democracy, historian Hrafnkell Lárusson will give a talk on the development of democracy in Iceland.
The beginnings of modern democracy in Iceland are often associated with the re-establishment of Alþingi in 1843 and the National Assembly of 1851. Such dates are somewhat imprecise, however, as the development of democracy is a long process that is still ongoing. Nor is it a linear process concerned solely with laws and institutions, elections, parliament and elected representatives. It also encompasses social factors such as participation in democratic activities, the struggle for expanded civil rights and social trust.
The talk will draw on Hrafnkell’s book Lýðræði í mótun (Democracy in the Making), published by Sögufélag in autumn 2024. It will explore the development of democracy in Iceland around the turn of the 20th century, placing it in the context of evolving civil rights and civic associations of the period, while also considering the state of democracy in contemporary society.
Hrafnkell Lárusson (b. 1977) holds a PhD in history from the University of Iceland. From 2023 to 2026, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in history at the Faculty of Philosophy, History and Archaeology, School of Humanities, University of Iceland. His most recent book, Lýðræði í mótun, was published by Sögufélag in autumn 2024 and is an abridged and revised version of his doctoral dissertation.
The lecture is in Icelandic.
The lecture is included with museum admission. Please note that your admission ticket also serves as an annual pass, giving you unlimited access to the museum's exhibitions and events for one year from the date of purchase. Admission to all exhibitions and events is free for children and young people under 18 years of age.
