Rules of the Game – discussing democratic institutions

Apr 15 2024 185

Rules of the Game – discussing democratic institutions Podcast artwork

What does it take to make democracy work? The Rules of the Game podcast discusses and compares democratic institutions from around the world. Institutions are the rules of the game of our societies that direct our everyday lives in fundamental ways. They determine whether we live in a free or repressed society – whether we can make our voices heard. Researchers, grass-roots political activists and politicians will join me on this journey of dissecting the struggle for fair representation in parliament, accountable executive governments, impartial justice, and direct democratic participation.

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Rules in Perspective on Ep. 41: Direct Democracy in Latin America

Apr 15 2024 9 mins

In this episode of Rules in Perspective I review the podcast episode 41 on direct democracy in Latin America, a discussion I had with Yanina Welp. My three takeaways from episode 41: 0:50 Direct democracy is a powerful democratic institution. 2:41 Authoritarian regimes may use "the will of the people" to consolidate power. 7:14 The devil is in the details. ⁠Find the sh

Direct Democracy in Latin America with Yanina Welp

Jun 28 2023 50 mins

With Yanina Welp I discuss different ways of how direct democratic institutions have been applied in Latin American countries – both in fundamentally democratizing processes but also power grabbing incidents. In particular, we talk about the cases of Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela, based on Yanina’s extensive research and deep knowledge. Yanina also shares her

Rules in Perspective on Ep. 40: The Citizens' Chamber in the Canton of Vaud | By Stephan Kyburz

May 30 2023 11 mins

In this episode of Rules in Perspective I review the podcast episode 40 on the Citizens' Chamber in the Canton of Vaud, a discussion I had with Rodan Bury and Charly Pache. My three takeaways from episode 40: 0:45 Designing complementary institutions 4:55 Citizens’ Chamber & direct democracy 8:56 Improving existing institutions Find the show notes with full transcript he

The Citizens' Chamber in the Canton of Vaud with Rodan Bury and Charly Pache

Apr 28 2023 51 mins

With Rodan Bury and Charly Pache I discuss their initiative to inaugurate a Citizens’ Chamber in the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland. The idea of the citizens’ chamber is to complement the existing unicameral parliament with topic-specific citizens’ assemblies, for which members are selected by sortition. Rather than being a permanent chamber of the same citizens, the proposed

Rules in Perspective on Ep. 39: Fixing the House with Proportional Representation | By Stephan Kyburz

Apr 14 2023 9 mins

Rules in Perspective is a new segment on the Rules of the Game channel. In this new segment I review and comment on my own podcast episodes. In this episode of Rules in Perspective I review the podcast episode 39 on Fixing the House with Proportional Representation with Lee Drutman. My 3 takeaways from episode 39: John Adams' Nightmare Electoral reform is an uphill battle, but

Fixing the House with Proportional Representation with Lee Drutman

Mar 30 2023 44 mins

With Lee Drutman I discuss how proportional representation can break the two-party doom-loop that is spiraling in the U.S. Lee co-founded the organization “Fix Our House” with Charlotte Hill and Eli Zupnick, that specifically campaigns for proportional representation for the U.S. House of Representatives. We spend less time talking about the problems of the outdated first-past-

Rules in Perspective on Ep. 38: Political Institutions of Kuwait | By Stephan Kyburz

Mar 27 2023 8 mins

Rules in Perspective is a new segment on the Rules of the Game channel. In this new segment I review and comment on my own podcast episodes. In this episode of Rules in Perspective I review the podcast episode 38 on Political Institutions of Kuwait with Luai Allarakia. My three takeaways: Re-read the constitution Procedural rules matter too Political parties are important Listen

Political Institutions of Kuwait with Luai Allarakia

Mar 05 2023 58 mins

With Luai Allarakia I discuss Kuwait’s political system and institutions. He lays out the most important developments since its constitution was written in 1962, and how Kuwait – a country of 4.3 million people – tries to manage its political trajectory between presidentialism and parliamentarism. It is following its own path, that is led by a hereditary monarch, the em

Rules in Perspective on Ep. 37: Proportional Representation in Canada | By Stephan Kyburz

Feb 25 2023 9 mins

Rules in Perspective is a new segment on Rules of the Game – discussing democratic institutions. In this new segment I review and comment on my own podcast episodes. In this episode of Rules in Perspective I review the podcast episode 37 on Advancing Proportional Representation in Canada with Réal Lavergne. My three takeaways: Broken promises Lost referendums Citizens’

Advancing Proportional Representation in Canada with Réal Lavergne

Feb 16 2023 38 mins

The story of proportional representation in Canada is one of great hopes, changes in reform strategies, but also – unfortunately – many broken promises. So the country is still stuck with the outdated first-past-the-post electoral system at all levels of government. With Réal Lavergne I discuss the efforts of Fair Vote Canada to push for electoral reform. He shares the frustra