Start the Week

Rethinking politics


Listen Later

If trust in politicians is broken and the political system isn't delivering, then how might we go about fixing things? Can we revive faith in democratic government by doing things differently?

The political scientist Hélène Landemore argues that electoral politics is broken and that the answer lies in doing away with career politicians. She imagines dismantling a system that is biased in favour of the special interests of big money, propelled by the constant quest for re-election and the jaded proffering empty promises. In her new book, Politics without Politicians she posits that, among other solutions, we need Athenian style participation through mechanisms such as civic lotteries. More people need to be involved first hand in decision making if everyone is to feel heard.

Author and broadcaster Phil Tinline explains why he thinks politicians need to start thinking and talking about power again if they are to stand a chance of delivering on their promises. He argues that if nothing ever changes, then we need to understand who has too much power and who has too little and be prepared to do something about it.

Michael Gove is the editor of The Spectator and a member of the House of Lords. He has extensive experience of government, serving in cabinet under four prime ministers between 2010 and 2024. It is widely acknowledged among, both his admirers and his critics, that he rapidly got to grips with his department's brief and knew exactly how to drive an agenda for change. He reflects on his experiences.

Producer: Ruth Watts

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Start the WeekBy BBC Radio 4

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

154 ratings


More shows like Start the Week

View all
Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,836 Listeners

The LRB Podcast by The London Review of Books

The LRB Podcast

301 Listeners

The Archers by BBC Radio 4

The Archers

1,117 Listeners

From Our Own Correspondent by BBC Radio 4

From Our Own Correspondent

377 Listeners

More or Less by BBC Radio 4

More or Less

893 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,073 Listeners

The Reith Lectures by BBC Radio 4

The Reith Lectures

193 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,491 Listeners

The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,820 Listeners

Arts & Ideas by BBC Radio 4

Arts & Ideas

303 Listeners

6 Minute English by BBC Radio

6 Minute English

1,843 Listeners

Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

1,055 Listeners

The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

The Infinite Monkey Cage

2,042 Listeners

Great Lives by BBC Radio 4

Great Lives

483 Listeners

Profile by BBC Radio 4

Profile

108 Listeners

Moral Maze by BBC Radio 4

Moral Maze

61 Listeners

Front Row by BBC Radio 4

Front Row

128 Listeners

Daily Politics from the New Statesman by The New Statesman

Daily Politics from the New Statesman

139 Listeners

Private Passions by BBC Radio 3

Private Passions

43 Listeners

The Briefing Room by BBC Radio 4

The Briefing Room

68 Listeners

You're Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4

You're Dead to Me

3,215 Listeners

The Bomb by BBC World Service

The Bomb

1,044 Listeners

This Cultural Life by BBC Radio 4

This Cultural Life

120 Listeners

The Rest Is Politics by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Politics

3,280 Listeners