Democracy in Question?

This episode explores how the legacies of European colonialism in Africa impact the success of democratization today. How do international organizations play a role in declining support for democratic politics in parts of Africa? And how can a reliance on donors hinder the emergence of viable democratic structures? Finally, tune in to hear about the nexus between climate change and

This episode explores political and military conflicts in Ethiopia and more broadly, in the Horn of Africa. Why has Ethiopia’s process of democratization eroded in recent years? And what is the wider impact of such democratic backsliding on African regional politics? Listen to hear how shifting global geopolitical balances are shaping the opportunity structures of democratization

This episode explores environmental justice and the democratization of law. What does it take to turn the law into something that ordinary people can use to protect themselves? And how can putting the power of the law into the hands of the people support progressive emancipatory politics? Listen to hear how investment in community leadership is key to an environmentally just transi

This episode explores human rights in relation to Russia’s full-scale aggression on Ukraine. How do accountability gaps play a role in restorative justice? And what are effective approaches for documenting losses and war crimes so they can be brought to court? Listen for an analysis of the current war in Ukraine and the prospects for addressing human rights violations.

This episode explores contemporary fears about the decline of democracy. Is the current downward spiral actually part of a rhythmic oscillation of democracy? And given its centrality to modern political life, can democracy really be eradicated? Listen to hear about how the changing forms of the democratic project must be understood with reference to historical dynamics and logics o

This episode explores the concept of technofeudalism and the role of digital platforms in governing the lives of individuals. How has the cloud created a feedback loop that removes agency from those who produce data? And what are the effects of technofeudalism on democratic politics? Listen to consider what democratic societies must do to shift control of the algorithms toward the

This episode explores the pitfalls of understanding capitalism as a merely economic system. How does this narrow conventional view obscure distinct sources of non-economic wealth? And what is revealed by examining capitalism instead as a social order including aspects of expropriation, domestic labor and depletion of nature? Finally, why must progressive social movements recognize

This episode explores Austrian history and politics, looking to lessons of the past to understand the future of democracy in the country. What might growing support for right wing nationalism mean for Austria? And how does the country's neutrality play a role in relationships with external power in the EU and beyond? Listen to hear about Austria's complex political realities and pa

This episode explores Poland's recent election results and their significance as a turning point in democracy in Poland. Will this election mark the end of an illiberal period in the country? And might it be the start of a progressive wave sweeping across Europe? Listen to hear an analysis of the results and the political implications for both Poland and Europe.

This episode explores grassroots utopian practices and the Democratic Odyssey project, which recently convened in Athens. Building upon the notion of “demoicracy” in the European Union - the ideal of a union of people that govern together, but not as one – the conversation investigates collective access to political decision-making as a complementary mechanism of deliberative