Building Democratic Resilience and International Solidarity with Bob Rae
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with The Honourable Bob Rae, in a special live recording at DemocracyXchange 2026, about the state of global order, Canadian democracy, and the country’s role in a shifting international landscape. Their conversation explores how today’s moment of geopolitical uncertainty has been shaped by overlapping crises, from war and inequality to rising populism, alongside the growing strain on multilateral institutions, while also examining the strengths and vulnerabilities of Canada’s democratic system and the challenges it faces at home. The two reflect on how...
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The Struggles for Black Freedom in the US and Africa with Howard French
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Howard French, professor of journalism at Columbia University and author of The Second Emancipation: The Unfinished Project of Liberation and the Modern Black Freedom Struggle, about Kwame Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, and the global movement for Black liberation in the twentieth century. Their conversation explores how Nkrumah’s political vision was shaped by his experiences in the United States and Britain, the deep connections between African independence movements and the civil rights struggle in the United States, and the promise and limits of postcolonial...
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Dignity, Freedom and Memory with Lea Ypi
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Lea Ypi, professor of politics and philosophy at the London School of Economics and Political Science and author of Indignity: A Life Reimagined, about dignity, freedom, and moral responsibility in times of political upheaval. Sparked by a photograph from her grandmother’s past and a journey into archives of communist Albania, their conversation explores the limits of historical truth, the tension between agency and structure, and the meaning of identity and belonging amid the collapse of empires, fascism, and communism. They reflect on how individuals...
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The Fight for Global Human Rights with Ketty Nivyabandi
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Ketty Nivyabandi, Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, about the global state of human rights amid rising authoritarianism, conflict, and democratic erosion. Their conversation examines the roots of today’s human rights crises and explores how international law, civil society, and citizen action are being tested by wars in Gaza and Sudan, growing gender-based repression, the rollback of migrant and refugee protections, and the escalating consequences of climate change. They also discuss the strategies human rights advocates use to confront...
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The Political Economy Underlying the US-China Clash with Ho-Fung Hung
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Ho-Fung Hung, the Henry and Elizabeth Wiesenfeld Professor in Political Economy at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss contemporary understandings of China and how they're shaped and influenced by China's storied past. Their conversation draws on themes from Ho-Fung’s upcoming book, The China Question: Eight Centuries of Fantasy and Fear, set for release in February 2026. The two explore how historical perceptions, geopolitical anxieties, and longstanding fantasies about China have shaped global engagement with the country over the centuries. They trace how...
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The Making and Unmaking of American Power with Ed Luce
On the Frontlines of Democracy
U.S. national editor and columnist at the Financial Times, Edward Luce, joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to discuss the topic of latest book: Zbigniew Brzezinski. They cover his life, legacy, as well as lessons learned from Brzezinski in global affairs and national security. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with Ed Luce, the U.S. national editor and columnist at the Financial Times, about the subject of his recent book, Zbigniew Brzezinski. The two catalogue Brzezinski’s life before politics,...
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Globalization and the New Geography of Inequality with Branko Milanović
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Economist, professor and author Branko Milanović joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to discuss global economic inequality, the impact of globalization and the role of migration in addressing inequality. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with economist Branko Milanović about the structural forces driving economic inequality around the world. Milanović explains how globalization has narrowed income gaps between countries while widening them within nations. He reflects on the...
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From Law Student to Chief Justice - The Role of the Judiciary in Democracy with Beverley McLachlin
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin about the role of courts in upholding constitutional democracy. McLachlin reflects on fairness and moral intuition in making judgments. She also discusses the evolution of the “living tree” doctrine and efforts to build consensus and transparency at the Supreme Court. The conversation ends with a look at the balance of power among branches of government and the threats posed by leaders who challenge constitutional norms. ________________________________________________________________________________________________...
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Leadership, Diplomacy, and Democracy with Lloyd Axworthy
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia and the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy sit to discuss Axworthy’s life in politics, which culminated in his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Recorded just a day before the 2025 Ontario general election and eleven days ahead of the 2025 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, they also discuss how Canada’s role on the global stage has evolved over the years and the future of Canadian politics. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host: , Jarislowsky...
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Wild Democracy: Anarchy, Solidarity, and Ruling the Law with Anne Norton
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia and Anne Norton sit to discuss Norton’s book Wild Democracy: Anarchy, Courage, and Ruling the Law, which reimagines freedom and democracy as expansive and inclusive. They discuss how anarchy, rather than being chaotic, can be a nursery for democracy. Norton argues that authoritarianism is a greater threat than anarchy and examines the qualities necessary for a truly free and democratic society. Their conversation also touches on the nature of rights, the responsibility to resist unjust laws, the role of institutions, and why democracy must remain "wild" to allow space...
info_outlinePranab Bardhan, an Indian economist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to talk about the global shift toward electing right-wing regimes. They also tackle themes pertaining to the growing social and political divide around the world. Pranab Bardhan argues that the driving force of polarization is cultural insecurity. With policy solutions like universal basic income and stronger labour unions, he believes the rise of right-wing extremism can be tamed.
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Show Notes: Pranab Bardhan
In this episode of On The Frontlines of Democracy, host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down with Pranab Bardhan, distinguished professor emeritus of economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Sanjay and Pranab discuss social and political division and the rise of right-wing governments around the world. Specifically, Professor Bardhan discusses his theory of cultural insecurity as a pervading threat to societal stability.
Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Guest: Pranab Bardhan, distinguished professor emeritus of economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Background Reading:
Pranab Bardhan’s A World of Insecurity: Democratic Disenchantment in Rich and Poor Countries
Pranab Bardhan’s The Political Economy of Development in India
Pranab Bardhan’s How India can do UBI: Universal Basic Income is a practical solution to poverty and inequality