Political Philosophy Podcast

Who was Rousseau? What is the 'general will'? What did he think was important when designing constitutions, and what does this tell us about freedom - and the possibility of freedom - today?

Moudhy Al-Rashid on the first kings in history - The origins of the institution, royal ideology & propaganda, & their use of violence & terror

How does the UK political system work, what role has immigration played in our politics, and are we at risk of a 'Trump moment' here?

Rebecca Buxton, a Lecturer in social and political philosophy at the University of Bristol, dives deep into the ethics of asylum and refugee policies in the UK. She critiques the disconnection between political philosophy and public sentiment, highlighting the dignity of refugees. The conversation also tackles the pervasive misinformation in politics and its impact on public perception. Buxton questions the expectation of gratitude from asylum seekers and addresses the challenges LGBTQ refugees face, advocating for a more compassionate and nuanced view of immigration.

The discussion introduces a new political spectrum aimed at understanding shifts in Democratic voter support. It dives into internal conflicts within the anti-Trump coalition, calling for unity despite ideological divides. The importance of individual agency in political narratives is explored, challenging the idea that movements are solely reactionary. The podcast critiques the Democratic Party's failures in 2024 and highlights the need for effective messaging to connect with a broader base, addressing the decline in voter support since 2020.

Dr. Carol Atack, Director of Studies in Classics at Newham College, dives deep into Plato's views on tyranny and governance. She explores how Plato's insights resonate with today's political climate, reflecting on the influence of contemporary leaders. The conversation highlights the historical context of fourth-century Greece, critiques democracy, and examines the interplay between tyranny and societal well-being. Atack also discusses Socratic ideas on justice and the legacy of Plato, showcasing his enduring relevance in modern political thought.

An in-depth look at the US-Israel relationship. What were the Biden administrations goals post October 7th, and how successful where they? How should we think about Trump's proposed plan, what is the thinking (or lack of) behind it, and why does it hold such appeal for some?

Everything Supreme Court - Theory and practice: How has the role of the court developed historically, how has it gained more power recently, how should we think about it, and what should we expect in Trump's second term?

In a patreon supporers only episode I take a range of audience questions on democratic messaging, my liberal currents articles, and how to make falafel that doesn't fall apart. This is a 10 minute preview of the episode - for the full thing, become a supporter on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/politicalphilosophypodcast

Chris Freiman, a West Virginia University professor and author of "Why It's Okay to Ignore Politics," challenges the notion that voting is a moral obligation. He suggests that individuals may achieve greater good through philanthropy instead of electoral participation, especially in non-swing states. The conversation navigates the moral complexities of voting, the balance of individual versus collective power, and the responsibilities in times of political crisis. Freiman encourages listeners to rethink how they allocate their resources between political engagement and charitable actions.