David Runciman

David Runciman, a Cambridge politics professor and author of How Democracy Ends, joins to dissect why electoral victory no longer guarantees authority. He maps the gap between power and legitimacy. Short, sharp conversations cover media, party fragmentation, technocratic leadership and whether Britain’s democratic institutions can withstand rapid political and technological change.

David Runciman, Professor of Politics at Cambridge and host of 'Past Present Future', discusses the surprising 1945 election where Churchill was defeated by Attlee. They explore the public's disillusionment after the war and how Labour's focus on housing and social reform resonated with voters. The conversation highlights the establishment of significant policies like the NHS and the clash between state control and personal freedom in shaping modern Britain. Runciman unpacks the election's historical significance and its lasting impact on the political landscape.

John Gray, a leading critic of liberalism known for his realist perspectives, joins David Runciman, a political scientist and educator at Cambridge. They unpack themes from Gray’s book, exploring Hobbes' insights on human authority and the flaws of liberalism. The duo discusses humanity's collective identity amidst globalization and critiques hyperliberalism as a misguided doctrine. Their conversation delves into how literature, especially Russian works, reflects the fragility of liberal beliefs and the potential societal dangers of radical ideological movements.

Helen Thompson, a political economy professor at Cambridge and author, teams up with David Runciman, an honorary politics professor and seasoned podcaster, to unravel the chaos within British politics. They discuss the stagnating UK economy, regional inequalities, and the fracturing party system post-Brexit. The pair critiques Keir Starmer's unpopularity and the political ramifications of the recent budget. They explore the rise of the populist Right and the complexities of UK–US relations, blending economic insights with biting political analysis.

David Runciman, a Cambridge University politics professor and author of "The Handover," teams up with Adam McCauley, a Senior Policy Advisor in Canada's Defense Department. They dive deep into the powerful triad of corporations, states, and AI, exploring how these entities shape our lives and decision-making. Runciman highlights the dangers of superhuman capabilities lacking moral grounding, while McCauley discusses the necessity of navigating technology to protect democratic values. Their conversation underscores the need to realign corporate governance with human interests.

Jonathan White, a Professor at the London School of Economics, and David Runciman from Cambridge University delve into the state of democracy today. They discuss how the fixation on upcoming elections clouds long-term political vision, warning that this threatens the very essence of democracy. The duo explores the need for sustained engagement in democratic processes to address global challenges like climate change. They also tackle the concept of 'losers' consent' in politics and the impact of an aging population on future democratic engagement.

David Runciman, a Cambridge professor and host of the Past Present Future podcast, alongside Sophie Scott-Brown, a political theory lecturer, delves into the power of historical ideas in shaping today’s political landscape. They discuss how thinkers like Rousseau and Nietzsche can inspire renewed political imagination. The conversation touches on the tension between liberty and state authority, critiques of utilitarianism, and rethinking political interactions through concepts like 'ordinary vices.' This engaging dialogue underscores the urgency of reinterpreting political philosophy to revitalize democracy.

Journalist Anne Applebaum and Professor David Runciman discuss the allure of dictators in modern democracies, the challenges faced by youth in democratic systems, and the role of technology in shaping democracy. They reflect on history, discuss the essence of democracy, and explore unconventional methods to challenge the status quo in democratic processes.

In this engaging discussion, cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, known for his insights on language and human nature, teams up with David Runciman, a political expert from Cambridge University. They explore the role of optimism in facing contemporary challenges, analyzing how Enlightenment ideals relate to modern society. The dialogue tackles the balance between optimism and pessimism, especially regarding climate change, stressing that acknowledging real issues can inspire solutions rather than despair. Tune in for a thought-provoking take on progress!

In a thought-provoking discussion, conflict mediator Gabrielle Rifkind and ex-army medic Ashleigh Percival-Borley provide unique perspectives on the lessons learned from past wars. Politics scholar David Runciman and peace agreements expert Nina Kasperson delve into the complexities of modern warfare and the concept of democratic peace. They explore the disconnection between society and the realities of conflict, emphasizing the need for funding dialogue over military interventions. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink the meaning of peace in today's geopolitical landscape.