Big Ideas

Recent elections overseas have shown a rise in the popularity of far-right politics in Europe and elsewhere, fuelled by anti-immigration sentiment, economic woes and other grievances. So what does this mean for far-right movements back here in Australia?This event was recorded at the University of Canberra on May 16, 2024.SpeakersJordan McSwiney Author, Far-Right Political Parties in Australia: Disorganisation and Electoral FailurePostdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, University of CanberraKristy Campion Senior Lecturer in Terrorism Studies, Charles Sturt UniversityAriel Bogle Investigations reporter, Guardian AustraliaClarificationIn the program was stated by Jordan McSwiney that "But if we look at this and global perspective, comparing to like Sweden, like you say, for example, where the Sweden Democrats, the far right party there, is the largest party now in the Swedish national parliament, having two seats in the Senate, nothing in the Lower House is totally marginal, right."The Social Democratic Party has the most seats in the Swedish national parliament (106). The Sweden Democrats have the second highest number of seats (72).

In some parts of the United States, you're more likely to see a book banned in public libraries and schools, than efforts towards gun control. Advocacy organisation PEN America has documented more than 10,000 book bans since 2021. Momentum to censor books is growing, and also spreading to places like Australia. So what's it like to write and sell books in this climate?This event was recorded at the Melbourne Writers Festival on the 12 May, 2024.SpeakersAnn PatchettAuthor of Tom Lake, Bel Canto, Truth and Beauty, and many more; Owner, Parnassus Books, Nashville TennesseeLauren GroffAuthor The Vaster Wilds, Fates and Furies, Florida, and many more; Owner, The Lynx Books, Gainsville FloridaTony BirchAuthor, Women and Children, Ghost River, Shadowboxing; Boisbouvier Chair in Australian Literature at Melbourne UniversityChristine Gordon (host)Programming and Engagement manager, Readings; Director, Victorian Women's Trust Board; Founding Director of the Stella PrizeFurther informationThe Book Show, ABC RN: Banned Books podcast

From land rights to health and education, working within the system or outside of it, what makes a great Indigenous leader, and how do we create the right conditions for leadership to flourish?The 2024 Eddie Koiki Mabo Lecture was recorded by James Cook University in Cairns on May 16, 2024.SpeakerProfessor Ngiare Brown Chancellor, James Cook University, Yuin Nation

Democracy is not necessarily the winner of the recent elections in Asia. More than a billion people across the region have voted. But that doesn't ensure democratic ideals and processes are uphold. We look at Indonesia, India and Taiwan to put the election results into context and learn how they impact democracy not just in their own countries, but across the region and the globe.Presented by La Trobe Asia.SpeakersKevin MageeAdjunct Fellow at the Australia-China Relations Institute, University of Technology Sydney; Former Australian ambassador to Taipei (2011-2014)Dr Priya ChackoAssociate Professor of International Politics, University of AdelaideProfessor Vedi HadizDirector and Professor of Asian Studies at the Asia Institute, University of MelbourneDr Ruth Gamble (host)Senior Lecturer in History and Deputy Director of La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University

Professor Tom Calma AO discusses the aftermath of the Voice Referendum, emphasizing the need for reconciliation in Australia. Topics include biases post-referendum, support for truth-telling, challenges and allies in reconciliation efforts, and critiques of the Yes campaign. The podcast delves into the significance of NAIDOC Week and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

From loneliness, to our technology addiction, growing inequality and our shrinking middle class, our faith in God, to the complex legacy of the Baby Boomers, Hugh Mackay paints a compelling portrait of modern Australia, and asks some pointy questions about its future.This event was recorded at the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre at the University of South Australia on May 16, 2024.SpeakersHugh MackaySocial psychologist and researcherAuthor, The Way We Are. Lessons from a lifetime of listeningJulia Lester (host)Journalist, broadcaster, presenter

Join Natasha Mitchell and guests in a coal country heartland. Communities in Muswellbrook and Singleton in the NSW Upper Hunter are living at the coalface  — quite literally — of the vexed debate over Australia's slow transition to a post-Carbon future. Australia's oldest coal-fired Liddell power station {"Lady Liddell") was shut down by AGL last year, AGL's Bayswater Power Station will close within a decade, coal mines are being closed, others expanded, and now the Coalition is proposing a nuclear power station for the Liddell site, but AGL has other plans. This event was organised by Arts Upper Hunter as part of the LIDDELLWorks exhibition and artists' residency, and held at the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.Speakers: Professor Glenn AlbrechtEnvironmental philosopher Creator of the concept "Solastalgia"Author, Earth Emotions: New Words for A New World.Associate Professor Hedda AsklandFutures anthropologistLeader, MyMuswellbrook research projectRob CooperCorporate and community affairs manager (Liddell and Bayswater power stations)AGLFiona LeeArtist and climate activistOne of the 16 artists shown in the LIDDELLworks exhibitionFurther information:Liddell: Layers of Language in the Landscape (essay by Glenn Albrecht as part of the Liddellworks project)Artworks story on Fiona LeeLiddell and Bayswater Power Stations, including Liddell demolition pansInformation from AGL about 500MW battery development at Liddell siteHunter Energy Hub HyResource backgroundInformation on solar recycling proposal at Liddell siteHunter Renewal Community Blueprint

Throughout history, empires and civilisations have risen to greatness and then fallen into decline and vanish, leaving only ruins and some artefacts. Why? Are there common features of collapse? From the great societies of Mesopotamia to those of Khmer and the Maya and Aztec of the Americas; from the Roman empire to Carthage. They all follow a similar route. What are the lessons for our civilisation and our future?Presented at the York Festival of Ideas. The festival is led by the University of York, UK.SpeakerPaul CooperHost and producer of the podcast Fall of Civilizations, author of Fall of Civilizations: Stories of Greatness and DeclineListen to Big Ideas: Our fascination with ancient Rome

Through the lens of her own middle-class family, prolific British journalist Polly Toynbee explores the guilt of privilege, the myth of mobility and the role of class in British society and politics.This event was recorded at the UNSW Centre for Ideas on March 11, 2024.SpeakersPolly Toynbee Columnist, The GuardianAuthor, An Uneasy Inheritance, my family and other radicalsNick Bryant Journalist, author and commentator

AC Grayling, Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University London and author of *Philosophy and Life*, dives deep into life's big questions. He reflects on how moral perspectives have shifted through history, highlighting key figures who shaped ethics. Grayling emphasizes the role of relationships and self-reflection in living authentically and joyfully. He discusses the impact of existentialist thought on friendship and personal choices, advocating for a balanced approach to individual agency and social responsibility. Ancient philosophies also inspire a path toward personal flourishing.