Diverging Paths of Ukraine and Russia with Maria Popova
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Release Date: 03/05/2024
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...
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Conversation in an Age of Rage with Carol Off
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia sits with Carol Off to discuss her book, At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage, which explores the evolving meanings of political words like freedom, democracy, choice and truth. She argues that these words have been weaponized by the far right, emphasizing personal liberty over societal responsibility. Off critiques the rise of populism and demagoguery, highlighting the impact of billionaires on political discourse. She advocates for a return to rational language and transparency in journalism, stressing the importance of understanding historical context...
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Reflecting on Cold War Liberalism with Samuel Moyn
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia and Samuel Moyn discuss the evolution of liberalism, particularly during the Cold War. Moyn says that Cold War liberalism betrayed the emancipatory ideals of earlier liberals by focusing on negative liberty over positive liberty. He also highlights the contradictions in Cold War liberal thought, such as their pessimism about global freedom and their support for Israel. He also suggests that modern liberalism must reinvent itself to address current challenges, including rising inequalities and authoritarian populism, by revisiting and reviving the emancipatory ideals of...
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Building Solidarity in an Age of Insecurity with Astra Taylor
On the Frontlines of Democracy
In this week’s episode, we speak with Astra Taylor, a critically acclaimed writer, filmmaker and organizer about practicing solidarity in an age of insecurity. Taylor discusses insecurity as a structural feature of capitalism and advocates for solidarity, which fosters collective responsibility and mutual obligation. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia and Astra Taylor discuss the practice of solidarity in an age of insecurity. Taylor distinguishes between existential and manufactured...
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India's Surprising 2024 Election with Yogendra Yadav
On the Frontlines of Democracy
In this week’s episode, we speak with renowned public intellectual and political activist Yogendra Yadav about India’s 2024 national election. We’ll discuss the BJP’s surprising losses, the continued dominance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the shifting political landscape, including the rise of lower caste support for Hindu nationalism. Yogendra shares his thoughts on the erosion of Indian democracy and how a new form of republican politics can help revive its original constitutional values. ______________________________________________________________________________________...
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South Africa's political crossroads with Sithembile Mbete and Lawrence Hamilton
On the Frontlines of Democracy
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sithembile Mbete and Professor Lawrence Hamilton to shine a light on South Africa’s political landscape following the 2024 elections. While the ANC achieved political freedom thirty years ago, it failed to secure economic justice for the majority. We discuss why many in the Born Free generation view Mandela’s compromises as a betrayal and explore a critical take on the 1996 constitution. We also dive into the 2024 elections, the ANC’s declining popularity, and the rise of offshoot parties. How does political instability, alongside the challenges of...
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The Rise and Decline of Erdogan with Kaya Genç
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Kaya Genç, a scholar, writer and journalist and the Istanbul correspondent for the Los Angeles Review of Books. His latest book, The Lion and the Nightingale: A Journey Through Modern Turkey, weaves a narrative of the current political climate in Turkey after the terror events and failed coup in 2016 through the personal stories of regular Turkish people. The “lion” represents Turkey’s past, its militant strength and power; while the “nightingale” conjures a song, representing Turkey’s rich cultural history of art, literature and romance. In...
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Protecting Canadian democracy from US influence with Rob Goodman
On the Frontlines of Democracy
Host Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Rob Goodman, an assistant professor of politics at the Toronto Metropolitan University. An award-winning author and former political speechwriter, his most recent book is Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding, and How Canada Can Protect Itself. In this episode, they discuss how founding myths between Canada and the United States have shaped the moral character of their respective governments and if Canada can avoid the rise of right-wing populism we've witnessed in the United States. ...
info_outlineHost Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Maria Popova, an associate professor of political science at McGill University, where she holds the Jean Monnet Chair. Dr. Popova is a widely noted scholar of corruption, autocracy and populism in post-communist Europe, and recently released her book Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States which she co-authored with Oxana Shevel. As Ukraine enters its third year of the war with Russia, Maria joins us to discuss Russia and Ukraine's divergent paths after the fall of the Soviet Union, the two countries’ conflicting memories of the Holodomor, and Russia’s motivations in Ukraine that extend beyond NATO’s encroachment.
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Show Notes:
Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University
Guest: Maria Popova, Jean Monnet Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science at McGill University
Further Reading:
Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States by Maria Popova and Oxana Shevel
Ukraine in Histories and Stories: Essays by Ukrainian Intellectuals by Volodomyr Yermolenko (editor)
Red Famine by Anne Applebaum
Stalin: Paradoxes of Power, 1878-1928 by Stephen Kotkin