Past Present Future

Lea Ypi, a political scientist, discusses the grip of nationalism on democracy, exploring alternatives such as cosmopolitanism and challenges of a world state. The podcast also examines the potential for democracy in corporations and the economic imperative overriding democracy and nationalism.

Historian and essayist Jill Lepore discusses gun rights as a matter of principle, the appeal of insurrection, and the possibility of another civil war in America. She examines the historical context of gun ownership and the NRA's transformation, as well as the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Lepore explores the rise of the carceral state, the strain on political representation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting. She also explores scenarios for change, including LGBTQ visibility and revolution in the Republican party.

This podcast explores the concept of the Leviacene as an alternative to the Anthropocene, discussing the impact of politics and economics on planetary destruction. It delves into human qualities, power dynamics, and technological advancements. The speaker proposes reevaluating the influence of modern states and corporations and questions the idea of solely blaming humanity for the current state of the world. Future scenarios and the importance of reconnecting artificial versions of humanity are also explored.

Umberto Eco discusses the true nature of scandals, secrets, and the hidden workings of power. The essay links digital technology, medieval mystery, and Dan Brown. The podcast explores the rise and fall of WikiLeaks, diplomats as spies, the value of face-to-face interaction, Julian Assange, and the challenges of shaping information.

Lea Ypi, a political philosopher and author, joins David to discuss rethinking democracy. They explore the purpose and justification of democracy, the role of coalitions, challenges and potential for international democracy, and the role of faith in politics. This conversation sets the stage for future episodes about rethinking the ideas that made the modern world.

Mary Beard, renowned historian and author, discusses the nature of unaccountable power in ancient Rome and today. They explore the governance of the Roman Empire, double standards in Roman society, Mark Zuckerberg's fascination with Augustus, parallels between tech titans and Roman emperors, Caesarism in contemporary democracy, and the absurdity of Roman emperors being deified.

Novelist Zadie Smith discusses the lasting impact of Charles Dickens on her writing and his presence in her new novel. They explore Dickens' anti-hypocrisy views, compare his work to Russian literature, and discuss the power of novels to inspire action and reveal human complexity.

David Foster Wallace, American writer and novelist, discusses his experiences following the doomed campaign of John McCain for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000. The podcast explores the impact of negative campaigning and the rise of technology, comparing the 2000 election to the Trump era. It also contrasts Wallace's authenticity with Trump's cynicism as political figures and examines the influence of Trump's controversial remarks on the current political landscape.

Novelists Adam Biles and John Lanchester discuss the timeless appeal of Animal Farm, exploring why it has retained its hold and what makes the characters so relatable. They also discuss other favorite political allegories, from The Wizard of Oz to WALL-E.

Andrés Verlasco, a politician and economist, and Lorna Scott Fox, a writer and translator, discuss the Chilean coup and its significance today. They explore the unexpected military intervention, the multiple crises faced by Chile in 1973, the fragility of democracies, and the symbolism of Salvador Allende's death. They also touch upon the controversial death of poet Neruda. A captivating conversation on history, politics, and memory.