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WHAT IS POLITICS?

WorldWideScrotes
Israel-Palestine Conflict
Zionism
Nationalism
Left and Right
Democracy
Jewish Migration
Inequality Crisis
French Revolution
Palestine
Ottoman Empire
Gaza
Colonialism
Populism
Anti-Semitism
Wealth Inequality
Hunter-Gatherer Societies
Capitalism
Jewish Identity
Eastern Europe
Class Exploitation

Politics is one of the only practical disciplines where none of the main concepts have clear, coherent definitions. We define ourselves with terms like "left” and "right" and we believe in things like "democracy," “markets,” "capitalism" and "socialism" even though we don’t really know what any of these words actually mean. This series aims to make sense out of the political muddle that we've inhe... more

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Artwork for WHAT IS POLITICS?

Latest Episodes

In reaction to the viral “lesbian mask bar meltdown” story which appeared in the Boston Globe on sept 22, 2026, activists and influencers on the left started openly discussing, disparaging and mocking cancel culture for the first time in 15 years.

W... more

It’s fifteen years too late, but the left is finally starting to have a debate on “woke”. Sort of.

But what is “woke”? And what do we do about it?

Is it embarrassing terminology that we should distance ourselves from, like out of style pants?

Is i... more

Why did social liberalism become widespread again, after thousands of years of socially conservative tribes, monarchies and empires?

How did democratic states re-emerge after thousands of years of the state being primarily a tool to help ruling clas... more

This segment outlines the role that bargaining power plays in:

1. how social classes and economic hierarchy emerged around the world in cultures that initially had tribes made up of equal families

2. how authoritarian kings and emperors emerged, wh... more

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Recent Guests

Kostro Bahmendi
A painter and artist living in a no equity housing cooperative in Montreal
Episode: 16.1 – A Realistic Solution to the Forever Housing Crisis (make it happen!)

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 499 ratings
  • A+

    An independent podcast that examines how power relations emerge and what we can do to change them. Insightful, original, useful and funny. This is a podcast for anyone who looks around and wonders why the world is as it is and what could I do to change it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JesseLeGallais
    Canada4 months ago
  • Knowledgeable, informative and never a dull moment on the show

    This show has answered many questions about history, politics and economics that I’ve had for years. It’s fast-paced, never boring and better than any history or economics book I’ve read. 10/10 would recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caden Cristopher
    Mexico5 months ago
  • Arrogant sod

    Listened to a couple of episodes about Graeber and Wengrow. This guy has some serious stuff to say but it gets clouded by daft quips, arrogant rants and childish noise. The voice comes over to me like someone who tried to scam me recently IE over confident pitch. Will take up questions about his arguments later.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    michelpete
    United Kingdom6 months ago
  • Amazing

    I have learned so much from this podcast! So grateful for all his hard work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PDX gardener
    United States7 months ago
  • Gem of a podcast

    This podcast is a fantastic, lucid, and well-researched source on the origins of inequality in our world. It dispels so many myths and clarifies so many terms that are confused in our culture. Please take a listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    YoungCharmer
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Fans appreciate accessible, well-researched discussions that connect theory to current events.
Some critiques mention a strong left-leaning bias and a provocative, combative tone at times.
Listeners frequently praise the depth and clarity of analysis across topics like political economy, history, and anthropology.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Q&A on the ABCs of Israel/Palestine
Q: Why don’t you call the actions in Gaza genocide?
While there is mass murder occurring, the legal definition of genocide requires intent to exterminate a population. I see the current situation as mass murder, but not genocide until there is a clear intent to wipe out the Palestinians entirely.
Q&A on the ABCs of Israel/Palestine
Q: Can you explain the American approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict?
The US wants a loyal government in the Middle East to ensure oil prices remain affordable and to prevent Arab countries from becoming anti-American. They support Israel as a reliable ally, which holds both strategic and military significance.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About WHAT IS POLITICS?

What is WHAT IS POLITICS? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show surveys politics through an interdisciplinary lens, often blending political theory, history, anthropology, and economics to unpack how power operates in society. Episodes frequently critique established narratives, challenge conventional left-right thinking, and explore how institutions, wealth, and culture shape democratic life. A recurring strength is its clear, often provocative, framework for understanding complex ideas, with frequent calls for civic engagement and structural reform. A notable edge is its willingness to criticize mainstream punditry and elite discourse, while offering accessible, evidence-based analysis that connects past and present political dynamics.

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Which podcasts are similar to WHAT IS POLITICS??

These podcasts share a similar audience with WHAT IS POLITICS?:

1. Fight Like An Animal
2. Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber
3. Current Affairs
4. What's Left of Philosophy
5. Jacobin Radio

How many episodes of WHAT IS POLITICS? are there?

WHAT IS POLITICS? launched 7 years ago and published 42 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on WHAT IS POLITICS? include:

1. Kostro Bahmendi

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