Épisodes

  • Introducing The Future of Our Former Democracy

    Introducing The Future of Our Former Democracy
    Sep 9 2024
    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.
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    2 min
  • The Water We Swim In: America’s Winner-Take-All Electoral System

    The Water We Swim In: America’s Winner-Take-All Electoral System
    Sep 25 2024
    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 More specifically, the United States' electoral system is outdated and needs reform to better represent its diverse population.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/
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    35 min
  • The Past is Present: From Battles to Bonfires

    The Past is Present: From Battles to Bonfires
    Oct 2 2024
    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/
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    50 min
  • From Rebellion to Republic: Ireland's Path to Partition

    From Rebellion to Republic: Ireland's Path to Partition
    Oct 9 2024
    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/
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    47 min
  • A Tale of Three Cities – Revisiting Proportional Representation in the U.S.

    A Tale of Three Cities – Revisiting Proportional Representation in the U.S.
    Oct 16 2024
    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/
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    59 min
  • Bullets to Ballots - Past Lessons and Present Challenges from The Troubles

    Bullets to Ballots - Past Lessons and Present Challenges from The Troubles
    Oct 23 2024
    George and Colin get into The Troubles - Northern Ireland's turbulent period from the late 1960s to 1998. They discuss the social, political, and sectarian divisions that sparked the Troubles, featuring key events such as Northern Ireland’s civil rights movement, Bloody Sunday, the Abercorn bombing and the killing of three Scottish fusiliers. The narrative explores both the historical and contemporary impacts of segregation and violence in Belfast, the evolution of the IRA, and the contentious policies of internment, British military intervention and direct rule by Westminster during this time. We hear from people who experienced the conflict firsthand, and underscore the importance of the early and bold attempt at power sharing, (the Sunningdale Agreement) in arriving at a historic peace accord years later (the 1998 Agreement) an important step towards lasting peace through power-sharing. The narrative underscores the ongoing struggle for power-sharing and the implications of different electoral systems in conflict resolution. Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode: Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast Paul Donnelly, Dead Center 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 Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound 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/
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    1 h et 19 min
  • Shared Power, Shared Future: The Slow Path to Lasting Peace

    Shared Power, Shared Future: The Slow Path to Lasting Peace
    Oct 30 2024
    In our final episode of the season, George and Colin explore the historic and ongoing dynamics of Northern Ireland's peace process, focusing on the transformative impact of the 1998 Agreement. They discuss the establishment of new power-sharing structures and the adoption of proportional representation. More importantly, they discuss how these structural changes to Northern Ireland’s democracy largely brought an end to 30 years of violent, sectarian, political conflict in the region. The story of the 1998 Agreement gives Americans permission to hope again for our democracy. If Northern Ireland has taught us anything, it’s that we can—and should—reimagine a more inclusive, vibrant future of our former democracy. Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode: Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast Paul Donnelly, Dead Center 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 Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound 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/
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Electoral Exchange: Our Learning Tour to the Island of Ireland

    Electoral Exchange: Our Learning Tour to the Island of Ireland
    Nov 6 2024
    This episode is a special postscript of 'The Future of Our Former Democracy,' focusing on a learning tour organized by More Equitable Democracy to the Republic of Ireland to observe elections in June 2024. Colin and George recount their experiences at the Royal Dublin Society, witnessing the tallying process, and the cultural importance of elections in Ireland. The episode features interviews with Irish citizens including election volunteers, taxi drivers, and elected officials, providing diverse perspectives on the Republic of Ireland's democracy. Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode: Yemi Adenuga Hazel Chu Teresa Buczkowska Northern Ireland Youth Forum Episode photo gallery Music and archival Transcript Video: Ballot Sorting Process in Ireland 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/
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    1 h et 18 min