Common Sense at 250

In January 1776, a slim political pamphlet electrified the world.

Founding Father Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' argued that power flows not from kings, empires, or inherited authority but from the people themselves.

Today, amid rising populism, polarisation and contested truths, writer Sarah Churchwell and professor of politics Jonathan White revisit Paine's challenge.How do we challenge those in power when wealth and influence are so concentrated? How do imperial ambitions continue to shape the world? Who are “the people” today, and who is allowed to speak in their name?