The Future of Our Former Democracy

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Latest Episodes:

The Past is Present: From Battles to Bonfires Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Colin and George go waaaay back in time to discuss the historical roots of the tension between Ireland and England, through four historical touchpoints - the Ulster Plantations, Cromwell's Conquest, the Battle of the Boyne, and the Great Hunger. Believe it or not, the contemporary subjugation and tragedies faced by the Irish at the hands of the English reach all the way back to Henry VIII, and these historical animosities continue to influence contemporary Northern Irish identities and politics to this day.

Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:

Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast

Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours

Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours

Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound

Brain Ephraim, Millmount Museum

Shane Heaney, Millmount Museum

Episode photo gallery

Music and archival

Video: The Difference between the UK, Great Britain & England Explained

Transcript

For more information on More Equitable Democracy’s work, please visit: https://www.equitabledemocracy.org/

For more information on Larj Media, please visit:

https://www.larjmedia.com/

The Water We Swim In: America’s Winner-Take-All Electoral System Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

American Democracy sucks right now! More specifically, the United States' electoral system is outdated and needs reform to better represent its diverse population. George Cheung and Colin Cole from More Equitable Democracy probe what the U.S. can learn from Northern Ireland's adoption of proportional representation to overcome political divisions and achieve fairer representation. The episode examines the origins of the American electoral system, critiques its current inefficiencies, and makes a case for rethinking democracy by looking at Northern Ireland. Through historical context, personal stories, and expert interviews, the podcast seeks to inspire listeners to consider radical changes that can lead to a more equitable and representative democracy.

Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:

Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast

Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours

Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours

Claire Hanna, MP for South Belfast and Mid Down

Gerry Lynch, former Executive Director of the Alliance Party (2007-2011)

Sam McBride, Belfast Telegraph

Music and archival references

For more information on More Equitable Democracy’s work, please visit: https://www.equitabledemocracy.org/

For more information on Larj Media, please visit:

https://www.larjmedia.com/

Introducing The Future of Our Former Democracy Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

Northern Ireland’s history and politics offer a blueprint for how the US can implement a better electoral system, especially in the wake of rising polarization and political violence. Developed in partnership with Larj Media and More Equitable Democracy.