Ece Temelkuran, a Turkish journalist and writer known for her insights on authoritarianism, dives deep into the alarming connection between fascism and neoliberalism. She discusses her experiences with censorship in Berlin and reflects on her escape from oppression in Turkey. Temelkuran highlights the necessity of global solidarity in fighting fascism, emphasizing the importance of activism for Palestine. Her unique perspective sheds light on how language and collective action can resist authoritarian trends, making this conversation both timely and thought-provoking.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Living in Berlin
Ece Temelkuran lives in Berlin and finds it similar to Turkey in 2010.
Words like "Gaza" and "genocide" create a palpable tension, reminiscent of the early days of authoritarianism in Turkey.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Leaving Turkey
Ece Temelkuran left Turkey due to fear and the increasing suppression of journalists.
Death threats and the coup attempt in 2016 further solidified her decision to leave.
insights INSIGHT
Fascism and Neoliberalism
Fascism’s resurgence is tied to neoliberalism, not just WWII's aftermath.
Neoliberalism, when coupled with failing economic prosperity, reveals its embedded fascist tendencies.
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Ece Temelkuran's "Women Who Blow on Knots" is a novel that delves into the experiences of women in the face of political oppression. The novel uses fictional characters to explore themes of resistance, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to endure hardship. Written during a period of intense political turmoil in Turkey, the novel reflects the author's own experiences and observations. The characters' struggles against authoritarian forces resonate with readers who have faced similar challenges. The novel's exploration of female solidarity and the power of storytelling in the face of adversity makes it a compelling read.
How to Lose a Country
The 7 Steps from Democracy to Dictatorship
Ece Temelkuran
Ece Temelkuran's "How to Lose a Country" meticulously outlines the seven steps through which democracies can descend into dictatorships. Drawing on her experiences in Turkey under Erdogan's rule, the book provides a stark warning about the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms. Temelkuran's analysis is both insightful and timely, offering a framework for understanding the rise of authoritarianism globally. The book's strength lies in its blend of personal narrative and political analysis, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience. It serves as a crucial guide for citizens and activists seeking to protect and strengthen their democracies.
Together
The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
Vivek Murthy
In this book, Dr. Vivek Murthy makes a compelling case for loneliness as a major public health concern, comparable in harm to smoking. He argues that loneliness affects not only individual health but also societal cohesion, contributing to issues such as addiction, violence, depression, and anxiety. The book is divided into sections on understanding loneliness and building more connected lives, offering strategies like spending time with loved ones, focusing on each other, embracing solitude, and helping others. Murthy draws from personal experiences, scientific research, and community examples to illustrate the negative impacts of loneliness and the healing power of human connection.
Fascism is a popular term in political discourse today. For the Turkish journalist and writer Ece Temelkuran, that’s a good thing — except that it comes too late. So how can we recognize a country's descent from democracy into fascism and what does resistance look like?
Host: Maxine Betteridge-Moes
Credits: Maxine Betteridge-Moes (Producer), Amy Hall, Bethany Rielly, Conrad Landin, Nick Dowson (Co-editors), Paula Lacey (Editorial assistant), Samuel Raffnell-Williams (Sound design), Nazik Hamza (Audio Editor), Mari Fouz (Logo Design), Thomas Barlow, Impress (Media consultant)
The World Unspun 
