Jonathan White

Annalee Newitz, a journalist and author known for her incisive takes on futurism, joins Jonathan White, a politics professor at the London School of Economics specializing in far-right ideologies. They discuss the echoes of the early 20th-century Futurism movement in today's tech landscape. The conversation reveals how disruption narratives appeal during societal decline and draw parallels between tech moguls and historical fascism. They also dissect the contrasting political visions competing for the public's attention amidst rising authoritarianism.

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.

In this discussion, Jonathan White, a Professor of Politics at the London School of Economics, delves into pivotal themes surrounding democracy and our perception of the future. He examines how historical perspectives shape modern politics and the dangers of fatalism when societies feel future options are limited. White highlights the balance between urgency in campaigning and the necessity for long-term vision, while also addressing how concentrated power can lead democracies astray. The importance of imaginative politics over mere calculations is emphasized, suggesting a need for renewed citizen engagement.