The Future of Our Former Democracy

MED and Larj Media

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. read less
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Episodes

A Tale of Three Cities – Revisiting Proportional Representation in the U.S.
Oct 16 2024
A Tale of Three Cities – Revisiting Proportional Representation in the U.S.
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/
Bullets to Ballots - Past Lessons and Present Challenges from The Troubles
Oct 23 2024
Bullets to Ballots - Past Lessons and Present Challenges from The Troubles
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/