2024 has been dubbed the year of elections, as at least 64 countries – including the UK – are heading for the polls. Tom Sutcliffe and guests explore the state of democracy.
The political philosopher Erica Benner reflects on the tensions in liberal democracy in her book, Adventures in Democracy: The Turbulent World of People Power. From her childhood in post-war Japan, to working in post-communist Poland, and with forays into ancient Greece and Renaissance Erica Benner looks at the role of ordinary citizens in keeping democracy alive.
Democracy in India has a long history with roots in ancient councils of elders, although its modern manifestation began with independence from British rule in 1947. But the anthropologist Alpa Shah raises questions about how far democratic institutions are failing in India, as minority groups - the Dalits, Adivasis and Muslims - are targeted and demonised, in her new book The Incarcerations.
The UK will have a general election this year, and although satisfaction with politics ranks very low in relation to other countries, faith in democracy continues to rise. The research is by the Policy Institute at King’s College London, and its director Bobby Duffy says that while there’s little support for authoritarian forms of government, the idea of Citizen Assemblies are becoming more popular.
Producer: Katy Hickman
Vaccinate, ventilate and breathe
A musical journey – from the mountains to the multi-storey
Living in the Matrix
Witches
Levelling up; halting decline
Christianity: Changing Fortunes
Ancient lives and legacies in Latin America
Internet influencers and generation gaps
Ai Weiwei on creative freedom
Working the land - Orwell and HG Wells
Rationality in an Irrational Age
Views from across the water
Images of power
Colm Tóibín on Thomas Mann
Climate activism: the next generation
Life in the first person
Ali Smith
Jackie Kay on Bessie Smith
London - villain and victim?
Lionel Shriver on life and death decisions
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Global News Podcast
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
The Infinite Monkey Cage
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins