Why are liberation and independence movements so often betrayed when their leaders get into power?

In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Lord Peter Hain, author of ‘Liberation and Corruption’, about this uncomfortable question.

They discuss Peter’s involvement with the fight for Nelson Mandela’s freedom, the reasons why liberation movements from ANC to the Sandinistas have corrupted once in government, and what we can all do to combat corruption and stop this vicious cycle.

Lord Peter Hain served as MP for Neath (1991-2015) and held senior roles in the UK Labour Government for 12 years, including seven in the Cabinet.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/liberation-and-corruption

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/01/19/podcast-why-freedom-movements-fail/

Timestamps:

01:37 - How are liberation movement who come into power affected by their predecessors?

03:59 - Who were the Sandinistas? What did they want? And how did they go so wrong?

07:27 - What role did the US play in the corruption of Nicaragua and quite a lot of Latin America?

09:40 - How does the UK participate in theft from the African continent?

18:06 - What is neoliberalism, and did it contribute to Robert Mugabe's descent into corruption?

22:03 - Is there a link between neoliberalism and the rise of the far right and the populist right?

26:13 - How correct was Mandela when he said that those who fought corruption could become corrupt themselves?

29:26 - Could you tell us about your involvement with campaigning for Nelson Mandela's freedom?

32:34 - What lessons should our governments and policymakers learn from liberators who come into power?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com

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