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Bungacast

/469/ Draining Europe ft. Anton Jäger

Feb 11, 2025
Anton Jäger, an expert on European politics and a contributor to the New York Times, joins Alex and George for a gripping discussion. They explore Belgium's radical right government and why it succeeded despite strong unions and lower inequality. The conversation shifts to the concept of 'hyperpolitics' in the US and questions if it has truly ended. Jäger argues that Europe is imitating authoritarianism from the East while grappling with its own capitalist challenges, suggesting a dramatic shift in the continent's political landscape.
53:10

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of Belgium's radical right amidst socio-economic factors signifies a shift towards pragmatic governance over ideological extremes.
  • Hyperpolitics, characterized by intense public engagement yet diminished institutional support, reshapes political discourse globally, affecting Europe significantly.

Deep dives

Decline of European Transport Systems

The Eurostar, once a symbol of pan-European connectivity, has been facing consistent delays and operational issues, reflecting a broader trend of decline in European transport systems. This deterioration is contrasted with the historical perception of the Eurostar as a beacon of hope for seamless travel across Europe, especially following its expansion to Amsterdam. The speaker suggests that the problems faced by Eurostar are emblematic of a larger issue, indicating a shift away from the once-promising ideals of European integration and cooperation. This decline signifies not just logistical challenges but also hints at diminishing ambition and effectiveness of European institutions.

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