Democracy in Question?

Mar 05 2025 93 ep. 37 mins 1.2k

Democracy in Question? Podcast artwork

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.

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Steffen Mau on the German Elections

Mar 05 2025 54 mins

This episode explores the recent German elections and related social, economic and cultural issues. How did welfare measures, migration and history play a role in the elections' outcome? And how might universities serve as models for democratic engagement and outreach? Listen also to hear how the establishment of citizen councils could help to restore rational debate, a sense of ef

Katha Pollitt on Gendered Politics in the United States

Feb 19 2025 40 mins

This episode explores the attack against progressive political agendas in the U.S. How have recent actions rolled back hard-won achievements in the realm of gender equity and racial diversity? And why is class relatively underemphasized in the U.S. when it comes examining voter preferences among women? Listen to hear about how reactionary narratives of patriarchy under threat are u

Stephen Walt on the Return of Trump (Part 2)

Nov 27 2024 42 mins

This episode explores what a second Trump presidency could mean for American domestic policy and politics, and for the rest of the world. Is American democracy at serious risk of being dismantled? And what will be the impact of Trump’s agenda on global efforts to reverse climate change and transatlantic relations with the European Union? Listen to hear what’s in store for Ameri

Stephen Walt on the Return of Trump (Part 1)

Nov 13 2024 41 mins

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

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

Oct 23 2024 44 mins

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

Raimund Löw on the Dithering Austrian Democracy

Oct 09 2024 42 mins

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 sta

Julia Ebner on How Extremism Threatens Democracy (Part 2)

Sep 25 2024 34 mins

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 t

Julia Ebner on How Extremism Threatens Democracy (Part 1)

Sep 11 2024 35 mins

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

Yogendra Yadav on Democracy in India

Jul 31 2024 55 mins

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 democra

Mark Leonard on the U.K. Elections

Jul 17 2024 39 mins

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.