The Three Faces of Power
Dr. Jamie Ranger, explains the 3 faces of power we encounter in the contemporary political landscape. They are decision-making power, non-decision-making power, and ideological power.
Episode 3: Digital Storms: Unpacking Misinformation & Democracy in South Asia
Digital Storms: Unpacking Misinformation & Democracy in South Asia Episode 3 This episode is hosted by Dr. Umer Jan and Dr Jamie Ranger, in conversation…
Why People Vote Authoritarian Leaders
Prof. Dr. Estariol de la Paz unravels the complexities behind the rise of authoritarian leadership. While it’s commonly believed that economic factors are the driving force, new research reveals that cultural influences play a significant role in authoritarianism.
Georgian Elections, What’s at stake?
Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun takes us on a deep dive into the pivotal moment of the Georgian elections in 2024 and how the outcome may influence Georgia as well as regional politics.
Episode 2: Ripples Across Borders: The Global Stakes of the U.S. Election
In this special collaborative episode of Civics and Cynics, our team of international experts from the Hasso-Plattner Institute’s Governance, Technology, and Policy Research Group come together to explore how the 2024 U.S. election might shape the world beyond America’s borders. Together, Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun, Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces, Dr. Jamie Ranger, and Dr. Umer Jan examine the impacts of a potential Trump or Harris presidency on diverse regions—from Latin America to Central Asia, Africa to South Asia. Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun brings insights into Eastern Europe and Central Asia, weighing how shifting U.S. support could affect the conflict in Ukraine and regional security alliances. Dr. Juan S. Gómez Cruces discusses the effects on Latin American immigration, trade, and political alignments in the face of heightened rhetoric and complex cross-border ties. Meanwhile, Dr. Jamie Ranger explores Africa’s unique position in global affairs, addressing issues like U.S. trade initiatives, security cooperation, and the influence of China and Russia on the various countries of the continent. Dr. Umer Jan rounds out the discussion with a focus on South Asia and the Middle East, where changing U.S. alliances with nations like India and Pakistan could have wide-reaching consequences.
Is Democracy under Threat?
With the current state of democracy which is increasingly threatened, Prof. Dr. Estatriol de la Paz, expatiates on democracy’s decline over years and how democratic elected leaders may play a role in that.
Episode 1: The UK Elections
This episode hosted by Dr Jamie Ranger and Dr. Umer Jan features guests: Niamh Cashell, a politics phD candidate at the University of Manchester and Oly Durose, a political writer and media communications officer for the former Labour Party leader. The episode delves into the aftermath of the UK's recent general election, highlighting the Conservative Party's historic defeat and Labour's victory despite a fragmented electorate and low voter turnout. The discussion also explores how emerging technologies, such as AI and social media, influenced the campaign, while raising concerns about the future of political communication and governance in the UK.