Political Philosophy Podcast

Why are fascists so interested in fictional universes like Star Trek or Lord of the Rings? And is there a link between the rise of the far right and the decline in creativity in mainstream entertainment?

Matt McManus, a political theorist known for his work on liberal socialism, dives into the tumultuous relationship between fascism and socialism. He explains fascism through the lens of palingenetic ultranationalism and discusses its populist appeal compared to traditional conservatism. The conversation covers America's proto-fascist traditions, the complexities of the Nazi party's socialist claims, and the ideological failure of red-brown alliances. McManus also highlights the dangers of modern populism and calls for a united front of left and liberal forces against rising authoritarianism.

What comes after the murder in Minneapolis.

Across the world mainline political parties have faced a challenge from the far-right. Across the world, they've struggled to offer a counter narrative on immigration. Why?

I recently published an article in The New Republic interviewing the American's who saw our democratic collapse coming -Cassandras, as I called them. I wanted to understand why some people got it, and others didn't. I'm joined by one of them, Irina (also my wife) who interviews me on the process of writing it and what I learn't.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Gurri, Editor-in-Chief of Liberal Currents and political commentator, dives into the failures of centrist media in combating fascism. He critiques the imbalance between right-wing and center-left outlets, discussing how complacency undermines democracy. Gurri emphasizes the need for more robust opposition media, practical resistance strategies, and the importance of funding to build effective institutions. The conversation concludes with strategies for coordinating elites and mobilizing mass support to challenge authoritarianism.

An audio essay: Putting the UK's new anti-refugee policies in context, why they are both bad on their own terms, but also a big warning sign for our democracy. Where we're at, and why there is hope.

Thomas Prosser, a political economy professor at Cardiff Business School, joins the discussion on Labour's immigration policies. They debate whether compromising with the right is strategically sound. Prosser argues that Labour's approach has ethical grounding despite poor polling. The conversation also touches on public opinion, media influence, and the potential backlash from accommodating radical views. They explore global political trends and the necessity for Labour to articulate strong anti-fascist values, highlighting nuanced differences between the UK and US political landscapes.

Yolonda Wilson, an Associate Professor in Healthcare Ethics at Saint Louis University, delves into the complex intersection of bioethics and race. She discusses why structural factors lead to worse health outcomes for Black Americans compared to their white counterparts, despite controlling for income. Wilson critiques the performative nature of many social justice initiatives and the misuse of academic language in political contexts. She highlights the need for actionable steps against systemic racism, emphasizing that true change demands risk and accountability.

I'm joined by the founder and director of The Good Law Project - the organisation fighting the UK's anti-trans bathroom ban in court. We cover rights and freedoms in the UK, the complex legal mess we find ourselves in, and how the rest of us should respond.