The Future of Our Former Democracy 

Introducing The Future of Our Former Democracy

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.

The Water We Swim In: America’s Winner-Take-All Electoral System

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 More specifically, the United States' electoral system is outdated and needs reform to better represent its diverse population.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/ 

The Past is Present: From Battles to Bonfires

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/ 

From Rebellion to Republic: Ireland's Path to Partition

Revolution and electoral politics – our favorite! George and Colin discuss Ireland's tumultuous journey towards independence and the partition of Northern Ireland post-World War I, focusing on significant events like the Easter Rising of 1916 and the War of Independence.   With the help of experts, George and Colin discuss key historical milestones such as the 1918 General Election, which saw Sinn Féin's landslide victory, the eventual partition of Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, their adoption of different electoral systems, and how those systems changes set both regions on divergent paths. The episode also dips into the complexities of naming and identity in Northern Ireland, reflecting deep-rooted political and social divides.   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  Erik Stewart, General Post Office  Episode Photo Gallery  Music and archival 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/ 

A Tale of Three Cities – Revisiting Proportional Representation in the U.S.

George and Colin turn their attention to the US – because believe it or not, parts of the US once used proportional representation! They explore the history and impact of ranked choice voting (RCV) in New York City and its broader implications for electoral reform in the United States and Ireland. After highlighting NYC's adoption of RCV in 2021 and its positive outcomes, including a more diverse city council, George and Colin explore NYC's first-ever use of RCV... all the way back in 1933!    They draw parallels between electoral reforms in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, focusing on their common political landscapes and the systemic challenges faced by their respective minorities. Then for the policy nerds, they dig into gerrymandering and the manipulation of electoral systems, different versions of RCV, and underscore the ongoing potential of proportional representation. They conclude with reflections on modern efforts to revive these electoral reforms, with a case study of Portland, Oregon, and a hopeful vision for the future.  Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:  Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound  Jenny Lee, Coalition of Communities of Color  Episode photo gallery Music and archival Transcript Article - Back to the future: What New York’s democracy experiment of the 1930s says about today  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/