The Prospect Podcast

Philip Collins, incoming Prospect editor and former political speechwriter, explains why Labour and the Conservatives feel like hollowed-out “zombies.” He traces the long decline of class voting, Brexit’s accelerant role, and how Reform and Farage channel modern discontent. He also discusses why new parties sometimes succeed, the case for electoral reform, and how politics may shift toward coalitions and negotiation.

Aniseh Bassiri Tabrizi, a Middle East analyst at Control Risks, dives into the current state of protests in Iran. She highlights how this wave of unrest is characterized by broader grievances and a higher death toll compared to past protests. Aniseh assesses the regime's chances of survival and discusses the potential repercussions of foreign threats. With various scenarios outlined for Iran’s future, including the risks of fragmentation and the unlikely return of the Pahlavi monarchy, the dialogue offers a thought-provoking analysis of the delicate geopolitical landscape.

Isabel Hilton, a seasoned journalist and expert on Latin America and Arctic security, shares her insights on America’s evolving interventionism under Trump. She delves into the historical context of U.S. coups in Latin America, contrasting them with recent actions in Venezuela. Isabel highlights China's influence and the strategic significance of Greenland due to climate change and resource prospects. She warns about the risks of U.S. miscalculations in Venezuela and the implications for NATO and global alliances.

This discussion features Ed Miliband, the UK's climate minister and former Labour Party leader, alongside Bill McKibben, a prominent American environmentalist and author. They explore the promising shift towards electrification, emphasizing its potential for energy security and economic benefits. The conversation highlights successful examples like Australia’s free electricity initiatives and the need for clear communication on clean technologies. They also tackle geopolitics, the role of China in green tech, and the importance of addressing the public's climate concerns amidst rising populism.

Anglican priest Alice Goodman explains how clerics manage their Christmas “turnaround time’, while Gen Z-er Alice Garnett takes us behind the scenes on a comedy panel show. Vitali Vitaliev is reminded of his first life in Soviet Russia by a museum of banned books in Tallinn, while Sarah Collins cautions against the use of AI therapy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Rusbridger, veteran journalist and former editor of Prospect magazine, shares insights from his remarkable career. He emphasizes the importance of nuanced journalism in a polarizing world. The conversation pivots to how artificial intelligence can enhance journalistic practices, sparking optimism for the future. Other guests, including Slavoj Zizek and Mehdi Hasan, dissect the role of pessimism as a catalyst for action, while Robert Macfarlane and Yassmin Abdel-Magied highlight ecological revival and humanitarian resilience as sources of hope.

Join critics Kate Maltby, Laura Barton, and Lucy Scholes for a lively discussion on the year’s cultural highlights. Kate unpacks a captivating theatre moment that left audiences fainting, while Laura delves into the political undertones of Sydney Sweeney’s controversial ad, drawing parallels to Taylor Swift's evolving image. Lucy celebrates author Helen Garner's growing recognition, emphasizing her compelling prose. From K-pop demon hunters to the challenges of cultural exports, this conversation is packed with fresh insights and recommendations.

Seven MPs were suspended for rebelling on the two-child benefit limit last year. Now that the government has announced it will lift the policy, what will change? And why was this such a major focus for anti-poverty campaigners?Ellen and Alona are joined by two experts on the subject: journalist and campaigner Terri White and Ruth Patrick, professor in social and public policy at the University of Glasgow. They bust the myths and misconceptions around the policy, and analyse the negative response from the British media on its lifting. How much will it really cost the country?Terri and Ruth explore the policy’s real-life effects on families across the UK and how public discourse has been polluted with misogyny and Islamophobia. They also discuss the ways that communities can come together to implement local solutions—and examine the limit’s most controversial clause.Plus, Ellen and Alona weigh up a Christmassy banger or dud.To read Ruth’s writing on the two-child limit, click here.And to read Terri's piece from the archive ‘Where is your outrage over the two child limit?’, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month, Anglican priest Alice Goodman explains why she has mixed feelings about pilgrimages, while Gen Z-er Alice Garnett despairs at the development of AI friends. Sarah Collins contracts a case of burnout, while Kiran Sidhu enters into correspondence with a stranger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cory Doctorow, a journalist and tech activist known for his work with the Electronic Frontier Foundation and his book 'Enshittification', discusses why digital platforms deteriorate over time. He highlights how financial incentives lead to user exploitation and the impact of AI on this decline. Cory connects policy choices to the current state of tech, advocating for stricter regulations and community preservation. He also shares insights on the importance of civic engagement and the potential for a more equitable digital future.