This episode discusses how Vladimir Putin’s worldview was shaped and explores his possible motives for invading Ukraine. Also examined is the global response to the invasion, which has not been uniform around the world, as well as how the invasion has brought about closer unity between the United States and Europe, which had been drifting apart for some time.
April 27, 2022
This episode provides insight into why Hungary’s Viktor Orban was reelected to a consecutive fourth term with another parliamentary supermajority. Discussed is the role of the unlevel playing field in the leadup to the elections in terms of electoral laws and media domination, as well as how the war in Ukraine benefited the government. The episode closes with some thoughts on what Orban’s reelection could mean for the European Union.
April 13, 2022
This episode focuses on Myanmar’s slow journey towards democratization, which appeared to have been halted by the military coup in 2021. What is also discussed is the legacy of British colonial rule in which certain ethnic groups were favored over others, and the progress of international actions against the Myanmarese military regime over the Rohingya genocide. Furthermore, the impact of the war in Ukraine is examined as something that may force the military back on the road towards democratization.
March 30, 2022
This episode explores Putin's threat to democracy in Europe and Ukraine's conflict with Russia since the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Slawomir Sierakowski discusses soft authoritarianism, the strategic significance of sanctions, and further articulates what the war could mean for refugees and energy in Europe.
March 16, 2022
This episode explores the geopolitical, economic, and social implications of the current war in Ukraine. The in-depth historical analysis, both of the current Russian invasion in Ukraine, and the larger global context outlines how the war can be understood as a world war, which involves the rethinking and remaking of a world order.
March 1, 2022
This episode explores the complex and contradictory relationship between liberalism and illiberalism in a historical framework. It speaks to several key questions about the emergence of illiberal practices today: What is the nature of the illiberal challenge to an understanding of liberalism as individual freedom? Is there a natural affinity between liberalism and democracy? How do populist illiberal trends exploit the weaknesses of liberal constitutional regimes? And from where do threats to liberal principles in universities emerge?
February 9, 2022
This episode explores challenges generated by the digital age and their impact on freedom of expression in an unequal world. What threats does disinformation pose to democracy? Why are minorities unable to exercise their right to free expression equally in the digital space? And how can big data and tech corporations be subject to accountability and regulation?
January 27, 2022
This episode explores the political phenomena related to governance in illiberal democracies. What relationships do such regimes have to the rule of law and the constitution? How does legal cheating play a role in the governance style? And how can democracy be restored after an illiberal interlude?
January 12, 2022
This episode explores what the Pandora Papers reveal about wealth and the governance of a global financial system. What are the common strategies adopted by wealthy companies, individuals, and organizations to evade tax accountability? How have democracies across the world responded to the revelations of the Pandora Papers? And what models are available for publicly-oriented investigative journalism that can hold power accountable?
December 8, 2021
This episode explores the concept of populism and fundamental structures that give legitimacy and efficacy to democratic politics. Is populism the direct result of a crisis of representation? How can we strengthen representative democracy against the threat of soft authoritarian politics? And what has happened to intermediary institutions of democratic politics in this era of populism?