

Politics with Michelle Grattan
The Conversation
The Conversation's Chief Political Correspondent Michelle Grattan talks politics with politicians and experts, from Capital Hill.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2013 • 27min
Clare O'Neil & Angus Taylor
It is induction week for new parliamentarians and Michelle Grattan speaks to two new MPs, Labor's Clare O'Neil, who holds the Victorian seat of Hotham and Liberal Angus Taylor, who holds the NSW seat of Hume. Both reach Canberra after rich experiences in fields other than politics. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
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Oct 14, 2013 • 20min
Bill Shorten
New federal Labor leader Bill Shorten speaks with Michelle about Labor's future, carbon pricing, Tony Abbott and his love of Roman history.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Oct 10, 2013 • 27min
Doug Cameron
Labor Left winger Doug Cameron joins Michelle to talk about the leadership ballot and Labor's future in opposition.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Oct 3, 2013 • 26min
Andrew Leigh
Michelle Grattan speaks to author, economist and the member for Fraser Andrew Leigh, about Labor in opposition and his move from academia to parliamentary life.Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Sep 26, 2013 • 28min
Andrew Robb
Andrew Robb speaks about his new portfolio, some of the challenges the Abbott government face, GrainCorp and much more.Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Sep 26, 2013 • 28min
Warren Truss
Michelle Grattan talks to Deputy Prime Minister elect Warren Truss about the Wombat Trail, trade, Clive Palmer and much more...Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Sep 23, 2013 • 29min
Christine Milne
Michelle Grattan speaks to Greens leader Christine Milne about the 2013 election result, the party's future and voter disillusionment. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025

Sep 19, 2013 • 22min
Andrew Barr
ACT Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr talks to Michelle Grattan about his advocacy for same-sex marriage, the bill before the legislative assembly and the benefits for the ACT.
*Audio issue in interview. Mentioned in this episode:Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.

Sep 17, 2013 • 13min
Ian Chubb
Michelle Grattan talks to Australia's Chief Scientist Ian Chubb about the lack of a science portfolio in the ministry, his hopes for his working relationship with Tony Abbott and much more. Mentioned in this episode:The Making of an AutocratSearch: "The Conversation Weekly" for our new series.
Is America watching its democracy unravel in real time? In The Making of an Autocrat from The Conversation, six of the world’s pre-eminant scholars reveal the recipe for authoritarian rule. From capturing a party, to controlling the military, Donald Trump is borrowing from the playbook of strongmen thoughout history. This is the story of how democracies falter — and what might happen next.Your support mattersSupport non-profit journalism you can trust.
Donations 2025


