Democracy in Question?

Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy

Democracy

Donald Trump

Climate Change

European Union

China

Austria

Far-Right Politics

Identity Politics

U.K. Parliamentary Elections

Populism

Social Justice

Polarization

Labour Party

Conservative Party

Brexit

Liberal Democracy

Capitalism

Russia

American Democracy

Electoral Trends

Today, liberal democracies are under unprecedented strain from within and without. In each episode, renowned social anthropologist Shalini Randeria invites a leading scholar to explore the challenges and dilemmas facing democracies around the world. They investigate what needs to be done to ensure the future well-being of our democratic institutions and practices.

57 ratings

Publishes	Monthly	Episodes	110	Founded	6 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	GovernmentHistory

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Latest Episodes

Pratap Metha

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by:

• Central European University: CEU

• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD

• The Podcast Company: scopeaudio

• Central European University: @weareceu.bsky... more

13 May 2026 • 53 min

Zsolt Enyedi on the Hungarian Election

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by:

• Central European University: CEU

• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD

• The Podcast Company: scopeaudio

• Central European University: @weareceu.bsky... more

22 Apr 2026 • 49 min

Aishwary Kumar on Neo‑Democracy, Cruelty, and the Fate of the Vulnerable

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by:

• Central European University: CEU

• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD

• The Podcast Company: scopeaudio

• Central European University: @weareceu.bsky... more

11 Mar 2026 • 57 min

Jayadeva Uyangoda

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by:

• Central European University: CEU

• The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD

• The Podcast Company: scopeaudio

• Central European University: @weareceu.bsky... more

11 Feb 2026 • 44 min

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Recent Guests

Pratap Bhanu Metha

Political theorist and intellectual historian; University Lecturer at Princeton Center for Human Values

Princeton University

Episode: Pratap Metha

Aishwary Kumar

Professor of History of Political Thought and Institutions at Cal Poly, Pomona; director of the Democracy Institute; co-host of Mutant, Dialogues at the End of Democracy

Cal Poly, Pomona; Democracy Institute

Episode: Aishwary Kumar on Neo‑Democracy, Cruelty, and the Fate of the Vulnerable

Jayadeva Uyangoda

Professor Emeritus at the University of Colombo, political commentator on democracy and ethnic conflict

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Episode: Jayadeva Uyangoda

Eva Fodor

Professor in the Department of Gender Studies, Central European University, expert on gender inequalities and anti-liberal politics

Central European University

Episode: Eva Fodor

Alana Amitaj

UNFPA representative for Mexico and country director for Cuba and the Dominican Republic

United Nations Family Planning Agency (UNFPA)

Episode: Reproductive Agency vs. Authoritarian Demographics

Rebecca Zerzan

Senior editor of UNFPA's State of World Population Report

United Nations Family Planning Agency (UNFPA)

Episode: Reproductive Agency vs. Authoritarian Demographics

Quinn Slobodian

Professor of International History at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University and author of Hayek's Bastards.

Boston University

Episode: Quinn Slobodian on the “New Fusion” of Neoliberalism and the Far Right (Part 2)

Arjun Appadurai

Cultural anthropologist and professor emeritus of media, culture and communication

New York University

Episode: Arjun Appadurai on Universities, Autonomy, and the Future of Democracy

Michael Ignatieff

Public intellectual and Professor of History at Central European University

Central European University

Episode: Michael Ignatieff on the Contradictions of Liberal Democracy

Host

Shalini Randeria

Renowned social anthropologist and Professor of Sociology and Social Anthropology with expertise in democratic institutions and social justice.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 57 ratings

Azadeh Miaveni
Azadeh Moaveni is obviously on pay roll from Islamic Republic
Apple Podcasts
1
Nilphar
Germany3 years ago
An excellent podcast for these difficult times
Erudite conversations with some of the leading thinkers of our day. Ms Randeria hosts this podcast through thoughtfully-posed questions and her unique voice and perspective. Highly recommended for anyone who would like to know more about the challenges that global democracy currently faces.
Apple Podcasts
5
Gary E from DC
United States5 years ago
Brilliant conversations
Fascinating podcast with some of the greatest political thinkers of our time. Lots of inspirations to dig deeper and get active. Love the host’s voice.
Apple Podcasts
5
Tzerteffo
Austria5 years ago
Fascinating guests - important questions
These are the profs you wish you’d had! A brilliant insightful host, discussing some of the most pressing issues of the day in a new way. I really look forward to listening this when it comes out!
Apple Podcasts
5
TizTea
United Kingdom5 years ago
Convergence of academia and the real world!
I enjoy the unique convergence of academia and real world that this podcast bring.
Apple Podcasts
5
Mademoiselle Gibbs
United States6 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host's insightful questioning style and unique perspective are often highlighted as strengths.

Feedback includes a strong appreciation for the blend of academic rigor with real-world relevance.

Listeners praise the engaging and erudite conversations with leading thinkers on pressing democratic issues.

Commentary is noted for its depth, making complex topics accessible and interesting.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#67	Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts	#116	Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts	#175	Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts	#5	India/Government
Apple Podcasts	#20	Singapore/Government
Apple Podcasts	#58	Hong Kong/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Pratap Metha

Q: Why does Gandhi advocate moving beyond historical narratives in forming modern morality?

Gandhi argues that dwelling on past injustices perpetuates revenge and resentment; civilization, in his view, should be anchored in universal moral values rather than historical grievances, guiding a future-oriented, inclusive politics.

Pratap Metha

Q: Could you explain the role that the reference to civilizational legacies plays today in international relations?

The guest details how civilizational legacies justify regional influence and a form of hemispheric entitlement, framing foreign policy in terms of cultural superiority and civilizational difference rather than solely concrete national interests.

Pratap Metha

Q: Let me start by a general question on the civilizational turn and the civilizational state, as you have called it.

Meth(a) explains the five overlapping functions of the civilizational turn and contrasts it with liberal democracy, highlighting how civilizational narratives serve legitimacy, provide a shared identity, and mobilize political action, while often undermining checks and balances.

Zsolt Enyedi on the Hungarian Election

Q: What were the key factors that finally toppled Orban's regime and allowed the opposition to win a two-thirds majority?

A combination of economic stagnation, a lack of growth after a boom period, a fragmented but then unified opposition, strategic use of campaigns and outreach to countryside voters, and the exposure of moral scandals and corruption that damaged the regime's legitimacy; plus Orban's misreading of public opinion and reliance on polls manipulated by allies.

Zsolt Enyedi on the Hungarian Election

Q: So could you begin by explaining this really well-entrenched Orban system, overturning his regime through democratic elections seemed so improbable just a year ago?

The regime had stacked the deck with an uneven playing field, total capture of the state apparatus, media dominance, and a campaign machine that effectively mobilized voters and exploited resources, while the opposition's fragmentation weakened its electoral prospects until the unitary challenge emerged and capitalized on the voters' disenchantment.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Democracy in Question?

What is Democracy in Question? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on the intricate challenges confronting democracies globally, this podcast features in-depth discussions with experts who examine critical contemporary issues. The episodes cover a range of subjects, including the impact of authoritarian regimes on democratic practices, gender politics, and the socio-political implications of neoliberalism. Notable aspects of the content include explorations of citizen uprisings, the erosion of academic freedom, and a nuanced critique of current political systems. Listeners can expect insightful analyses of democracy's vulnerabilities and potential pathways for reform, making it compelling for those interested in political theory, social justice, and global affairs.

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Which podcasts are similar to Democracy in Question??

These podcasts share a similar audience with Democracy in Question?:

1. The Foreign Affairs Interview
2. The Rachman Review
3. Past Present Future
4. Ones and Tooze
5. Brussels Playbook Podcast

How many episodes of Democracy in Question? are there?

Democracy in Question? launched 6 years ago and published 110 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Democracy in Question??

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What guests have appeared on Democracy in Question??

Recent guests on Democracy in Question? include:

1. Pratap Bhanu Metha
2. Aishwary Kumar
3. Jayadeva Uyangoda
4. Eva Fodor
5. Alana Amitaj
6. Rebecca Zerzan
7. Quinn Slobodian
8. Arjun Appadurai

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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