Un-American

For decades, centrist parties ruled the (Western) world. But that time is long gone. While right-wing governments are diligently translating their dystopian fantasies into action, moderates are clinging to a business-as-usual approach—and to the rather conservative instinct that “the left” must be kept at bay. For sociologist and activist Nika Kovač, this can mean only one thing: progressives have to finally deliver. They must build movements, overcome status-quo politics, and hold the centrist establishment to account. For Kovač, that means working harder, being kinder, and taking a page from the authoritarian playbook: set the bar as high as possible—and compromise later.

Quoted in this episode: Charles Dickens (big shout-out!)

Mentioned in this episode: Zoran Mamdani, Abdul El-Sayed, My Voice My Choice (movement), 8th of March Institute (NGO)

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Artwork by The Aliens

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If the second term of the Donald Trump administration has shown anything so far, it’s that democratic institutions and norms aren’t self-evident. They can be reshaped, undermined, and even destroyed if a government is determined to do so. Hungarian sociologist and former politician Gábor Scheiring learned this lesson as early as 2010. As a member of the oppostion party “Politics Can Be Different” he watched strongman Viktor Orbán take office—and then methodically turn Hungary into an autocracy.

Quoted in this episode: Dietrich Rueschemeyer, Kim Lane Scheppele, Evelyne Huber Stephens

Mentioned in this episode: The Rule of Law and the Frankenstate (essay), Capitalist Development and Democracy (book)

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Artwork by The Aliens

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Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West has found itself plunged back into its Cold War mindset: you're either with it or against it, you either fight for democracy or stand with autocracy. However, in Africa, South America, and Asia, governments are becoming increasingly fed up with following Washington’s and Brussels’ lead. Does this mean the Global South stands by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping? According to Professor of Global Governance Rita Kiki Edozie, the answer is more complex than the West is willing to admit.  

Quoted in this episode: Shada Islam, Dhruva Jaishankar, Maropene Ramokgopa, Dan Smith, Immanuel Wallerstein 

Mentioned in this episode: Shifting Powers – NATO and the Global South (documentary), Global Eyes (panel discussion)

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Artwork by The Aliens

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Year after year, the Republican Party moves further to the right and gains political momentum. And year after year, the Democratic Party remains anchored to the center and loses steam. Oxford professor Jane Gingrich and philosopher Nancy Fraser examine the center-left’s failure to reinvent itself—and the Democratic establishment’s refusal to confront its own shortcomings.

Quoted in this episode: Otto Neurath, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, Sarah Smarsh

Mentioned in this episode: It’s not just in Britain (article), Bernie Sanders – New York Times (interview), Nancy Pelosi – New York Times (interview), Sarah Smarsh on the Weekly Show (interview)

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Artwork by The Aliens

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Working toward reconciliation instead of seeking retaliation: Israeli peace activist Noy Katsman does what the Netanyahu government has never sought to do. In this episode they talk about the radicalization within Israeli society, the shortcomings of the American debate on its ally in the Middle East and the importance of retaining empathy towards one’s alleged enemy. 

Quoted in this episode: Ta-Nehisi Coates, Moshe Dayan, Rashid Khalidi, David Klion, Ezra Klein, Slavoj Žižek

Mentioned in this episode: Unapologetic: The Third Narrative (podcast), The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine (book), The Ezra Klein Show (podcast)

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Artwork by The Aliens

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British-Australian media studies scholar Toby Miller talks about the symbiosis of entertainment and politics, the role of U.S. mainstream media in turning elections into sports and the influence of capital on news reporting.

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Former police chief Devon Clunis, who joined the Canadian Police Service in 1987 and later became the Chief of Police for the City of Winnipeg, shares his perspective on police violence and the need for police reform. 

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Artwork by The Aliens

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