Currently Speaking: Why Democracy Demands Accountability

Minh Ly is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont.  His book, Answering to Us: Why Democracy Demands Accountability, will be published by Princeton University Press in March 2026. Josiah Ober, the former chair of political science at Stanford, writes, "Answering to Us is a wide ranging and profound exploration of the fundamental value of collective self-government and what it takes to have and keep it. Ly’s original argument for democracy as equal accountability draws on an extraordinary mastery of political history, moral philosophy, and empirical social science."  Anna Stilz, distinguished professor at Berkeley, adds, "this powerful book . . . is a must-read for anyone interested in the fate of democracy in our times."  Professor Ly’s research and teaching focus on democratic theory, economic justice, global justice, the philosophy of human rights, and civic education.  Before joining UVM, he was a Lecturer at Stanford University and a postdoc at Princeton. 

Professor Ly earned his Ph.D with distinction in political science from Brown and his A.B. from Harvard.  

The Currently Speaking series hosts experts in various contemporary art genres and media to encourage casual discourse and meaningful interactions between our community, speakers, and the art they showcase. All series events are free to the public. No reservation is required, and the gallery will be open beforehand for viewing the current exhibition. Refreshments will be served.