Democracy in Question?

Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy
  • 4.2 (11)
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Democracy in Question?

Today, liberal democracies are under unprecedented strain from within and without. In each episode, renowned social anthropologist Shalini Randeria invites a leading scholar to explore the challenges and dilemmas facing democracies around the world. They investigate what needs to be done to ensure the future well-being of our democratic institutions and practices.

  1. NOV 13

    Stephen Walt on the Return of Trump (Part 1)

    This episode examines the factors which led to Donald Trump's decisive victory in the recent U.S. election. Did the Harris campaign’s insistence on issues of identity, rights, and democracy overshadow people's everyday struggles with economic issues? What role did patriarchal bias and demographics of a shifting landscape of political preferences play in this election? And finally, will the bark of Trump’s campaign promises be worse than the actual bite of the coming presidency?

    42 min

  2. OCT 23

    Johanna Lutz on Identity, Partisanship, and the Vulnerabilities of Democracy

    This episode explores advances made by the far-right in Austria and in Germany and examines crucial factors raised by Lutz’s recent report on identity, partisanship and polarization. What are the unexpected convergences and similarities across European countries? And what are the implications of the findings on the contested notion of illiberal democracy? Listen to hear about the challenge of mobilizing disaffected voters and what characterizes identity-democracy tradeoffs.

    44 min

  3. OCT 9

    Raimund Löw on the Dithering Austrian Democracy

    This episode explores the recent national elections in Austria and the victory of a radical right-wing party. How is this development situated within the EU's broader shift to the right? And what explains the decline of the traditional center-right and the Social Democrats? Listen to hear about the issues that dominated public discourse during the campaign and about the current state of democracy in Austria.

    42 min

  4. SEP 25

    Julia Ebner on How Extremism Threatens Democracy (Part 2)

    This episode focuses on the mainstreaming of radical politics and how extremist ideologies gain a foothold. How can democratic practice respond to a trend toward polarization and destabilization of liberal democracies? And what defenses can be mounted to protect liberal values and institutions? Listen to hear about Julia Ebner’s latest research and potential ways to counter the trend of mainstreaming extremism.

    34 min

  5. SEP 11

    Julia Ebner on How Extremism Threatens Democracy (Part 1)

    This episode explores the social worlds of various extremist groups and the corrosive effects of radicalization on contemporary democracy. Why is it necessary to observe extremist organizations up close? And how are gender and religion instrumentally deployed? Listen to hear about the unexpected similarities between various extremist groups and how the negative effects on democracy can be countered.

    36 min

  6. JUL 31

    Yogendra Yadav on Democracy in India

    This episode analyzes the elections in India and the trajectory of Indian democracy from the mid-seventies to today. How do voter motivations due to worsening economic conditions influence elections in the country? And how do expectations for democracy to deliver economic growth and development play a role? Listen to hear how a new alignment of parties can help the cause of democracy in Indian elections to come.

    55 min

  7. JUL 17

    Mark Leonard on the U.K. Elections

    This episode explores the implications of the U.K. elections which took place on July 4. What does a return to centrism mean for British politics? And how do socio-economic transformations and fragmented cultural horizons play a role? Listen to also hear what the results could mean for transatlantic relations.

    40 min

  8. JUL 3

    Adam Habib on South Africa's Elections

    This episode explores the immediate consequences of South Africa’s recent parliamentary elections and the historical trajectory of the African National Congress. How does a vibrant sphere of civil society activism play a role in the country? And what is to be learned from the "FeesMustFall" protests against the attempted restructuring of higher education? Listen to hear about the prospects for addressing South Africa’s structural and geopolitical challenges.

    50 min
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About

Today, liberal democracies are under unprecedented strain from within and without. In each episode, renowned social anthropologist Shalini Randeria invites a leading scholar to explore the challenges and dilemmas facing democracies around the world. They investigate what needs to be done to ensure the future well-being of our democratic institutions and practices.

Information

  • Creator
    Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Graduate Institute Geneva - 2021
  • Show Website
    Democracy in Question?

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