The Future of Our Former Democracy

Colin and George go waaaay back in time to discuss the historical roots of the tension between Ireland and England, through four historical touchpoints - the Ulster Plantations, Cromwell's Conquest, the Battle of the Boyne, and the Great Hunger. Believe it or not, the contemporary subjugation and tragedies faced by the Irish at the hands of the English reach all the way back to Henry VIII, and these historical animosities continue to influence contemporary Northern Irish identities and politics to this day.  

Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:  

Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast  

Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours 

Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours 

Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound  

Brain Ephraim, Millmount Museum 

Shane Heaney, Millmount Museum  

Episode photo gallery 

Music and archival 

Video: The Difference between the UK, Great Britain & England Explained 

Transcript 

For more information on More Equitable Democracy’s work, please visit: https://www.equitabledemocracy.org/ 

For more information on Larj Media, please visit:  

https://www.larjmedia.com/ 

American Democracy sucks right now! More specifically, the United States' electoral system is outdated and needs reform to better represent its diverse population. George Cheung and Colin Cole from More Equitable Democracy probe what the U.S. can learn from Northern Ireland's adoption of proportional representation to overcome political divisions and achieve fairer representation. The episode examines the origins of the American electoral system, critiques its current inefficiencies, and makes a case for rethinking democracy by looking at Northern Ireland. Through historical context, personal stories, and expert interviews, the podcast seeks to inspire listeners to consider radical changes that can lead to a more equitable and representative democracy. 

Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:  

Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast  

Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours 

Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours 

Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down 

Gerry Lynch, former Executive Director of the Alliance Party (2007-2011)  

Sam McBride, Belfast Telegraph 

Music and archival references  

For more information on More Equitable Democracy’s work, please visit: https://www.equitabledemocracy.org/ 

For more information on Larj Media, please visit:  

https://www.larjmedia.com/ 

Northern Ireland’s history and politics offer a blueprint for how the US can implement a better electoral system, especially in the wake of rising polarization and political violence. Developed in partnership with Larj Media and More Equitable Democracy.