Marietje Schaake's "The Tech Coup" examines the growing power of Silicon Valley and its impact on democracy. The book explores how technology companies have become increasingly influential in shaping political discourse and public policy. Schaake analyzes the challenges posed by big tech's dominance, including issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the spread of misinformation. She argues that these companies have amassed too much power and influence, and that urgent action is needed to address these concerns. The book offers concrete policy recommendations for regulating big tech and protecting democratic values in the digital age. Schaake's work provides a critical analysis of the relationship between technology and democracy, offering insights into how to safeguard democratic principles in the face of technological disruption.
Michael Reid's "Latin America, The Forgotten Continent" offers a comprehensive historical analysis of the region, exploring its complex political landscape, economic challenges, and social dynamics. The book delves into the historical context of Latin American nations, examining their colonial past and the impact of globalization. It analyzes the region's diverse political systems, from democracies to authoritarian regimes, and explores the role of social movements and civil society. Reid also examines the region's economic development, including its successes and failures, and the challenges of inequality and poverty. The book provides valuable insights into the region's current political and economic climate, offering a nuanced understanding of its complexities.
On Monday, the world’s 20 largest economies descended on Rio de Janeiro for the annual G20 summit. But Brazil’s wider role in the shifting world order is frequently misperceived in Western discourse. Many tend to categorise it either as a close partner of Russia and China, or as a staunch supporter of the international order established by the West. In fact, however, it aligns with neither.
This week, Mark Leonard welcomes José Ignacio Torreblanca, senior policy fellow and head of ECFR’s Madrid office, and Pawel Zerka, senior policy fellow, to discuss Brazil’s role in a changing world order. What are the main takeaways from this year’s G20, and how does Brazil view its role in such summits? How is Brazil positioning itself in the world? What types of relationships does Brasilia seek with global south countries, and how does Europe fit into this? And what do Brazilians think about Donald Trump?
Bookshelf:
Forgotten Continent: A History of the New Latin America by Michael Reid
The Tech Coup: How to Save Democracy from Silicon Valley by Marietje Schaake
La France, tu l aimes mais tu la quittes: Enquête sur la diaspora française musulmane by de Collectif, Olivier Esteves, Alice Picard
Jak biały człowiek by Oliwia Bosomtwe
Brazil: Europe’s bridge to the global south by Carla Hobbs, José Ignacio Torreblanca, Pawel Zerka
This podcast was recorded on 21 November 2024
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