UofG Spotlight

A new podcast discussing public policy and the political process – at a local, national and international level – through a Scottish lens.

Beyond Srebrenica and Responsibility to Protect 06/19/2025

Beyond Srebrenica and Responsibility to Protect This powerful episode marks the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. Hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugale reflect on the events of July 1995, when over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered in a UN-declared "safe area" and 30,000 Bosnian Muslim women and children forcibly removed during the Bosnian War. They are joined by Sabina Kadić-Mackenzie, Chair of the Scottish charity Beyond Srebrenica and a survivor of the genocide, who shares her personal story and the mission to ensure remembrance and education in Scotland and beyond. Sabina discusses the importance of bearing witness, the challenges of teaching genocide to young people, and the lingering tensions in Bosnia today. Later, Dr. Richard Illingworth, Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Glasgow, joins to examine the global response to mass atrocities and the legacy of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine. What has R2P achieved in the past two decades — and where has it fallen short? This episode explores difficult but essential questions: What does it mean to remember? What can be learned from failure? And how can the international community do better — not just in the past, but right now? Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of genocide, war crimes, and other themes listeners may find distressing. Event: 30th Commemoration of the genocide in Srebrenica: Link to Richard’s article: Beyond Srebrenica Commemoration Event: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/37069225

In Conversation with Anton Muscatelli 06/04/2025

In Conversation with Anton Muscatelli In this special episode, we sit down with Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli as he prepares to step down after 16 transformative years as Principal of the University of Glasgow. We reflect on his time at the University and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for higher education in Scotland and beyond. From steering the institution through global upheavals — including the financial crisis, Brexit, and the pandemic — to championing internationalisation while staying rooted in civic responsibility, Sir Anton shares candid insights on leadership, resilience, and the balancing act of marrying local impact with global ambition. We also delve into the economic outlook under a new UK Government and the role of regional innovation in this. Graeme Roy joins us to answer the question ‘What is the Spending Review’ as we look ahead to the upcoming statement. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/36847675

The Immigration White Paper 05/16/2025

The Immigration White Paper In this episode of Spotlight, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale are joined by Professors Nasar Meer and Sergi Pardos-Prado from the University of Glasgow to unpack the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper. This episode offers an evidence-based insight into the politics shaping UK immigration discourse. The discussion explores the policy, politics and the rhetoric being used - particularly language like "island of strangers" and its implications for integration and public perception. They examine whether the proposals reflect genuine policy concerns or are driven by political positioning. Challenging some assumptions around immigration, including the idea of a zero-sum labour market and the notion that stricter conditions foster better integration. They also consider Scotland’s distinct workforce needs and the differences in response from the Scottish Government. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/36589825

Parallel Politics: 2025 Elections in England, Canada, and Australia 05/08/2025

Parallel Politics: 2025 Elections in England, Canada, and Australia This week, co-hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale bring together three expert guests to delve into the outcomes and potential parallels of the recent 2025 elections in England, Australia, and Canada for a special Elections Bumper episode. Nicola and Kez start us off with insights from Mark McGeoghegan, University of Glasgow researcher of nationalism and contentious politics, on local elections in England. Then Nicola brings us into conversation with Andre Lecours, world-leading scholar on Canadian politics from the University of Ottawa, who reflects on the outcomes of the Canadian federal election and implications for nationalism, fragmentation, and US/Canada relations. Finally, Kez speaks with Ariadne Vromen, previously at the Australian National Univeristy and now head of Political and International Studies at the University of Glasgow, who shares insights into the campaign lead-up and results of the Australian federal election. Sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/stayintouch/ /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/36486685

Energy Policy: Grangemouth and Panama in Transition 04/23/2025

Energy Policy: Grangemouth and Panama in Transition In this special Energy Bumper episode of Spotlight, host Kez Dugdale explores how global energy policy decisions are shaping communities and industries from Central America to Central Scotland. First, Kez speaks with Dr Ewan Gibbs, Senior Lecturer in Economic and Social History, about the shifting energy and industrial landscape in Grangemouth and Scunthorpe — two UK towns at the frontline of transition debates. Then, Dr Hannah Salamon interviews Rosilena Lindo Riggs, former National Secretary of Energy for Panama and a leading voice in climate and energy policy. Their conversation touches on Panama's path toward a sustainable future, the global ripple effects of U.S. policy, and the vital role of women in driving a just energy transition. Two different perspectives on one global conversation on the future of energy. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/36278235

What do young people want from our politics? 04/13/2025

What do young people want from our politics? What do young people want from our politics? This week, Nicola McEwen is joined by Eddie Barnes and Elisabeth Loose from the John Smith Centre at the University of Glasgow to discuss their newly published UK Youth Poll 2025. The UK Youth Poll 2025 explores the attitudes and priorities of young people aged 16-29 across the UK. The findings reveal strong support for democracy but concern for its future, with financial worries and material needs driving much of their anxiety. Young people are calling for a more honest, solutions-focused politics, while issues like toxic masculinity, racism, and the role of social media are also key concerns. Read the full findings at . /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/35975045

Child Poverty and the Public Debt Crisis 03/24/2025

Child Poverty and the Public Debt Crisis Our Associate Director, Kezia Dugdale hosted a political panel discussion, asking all the major parties in Scotland what we can expect to see from them in the run up to the election on the issues of poverty, public debt and the multi-level governance challenges at play. During the panel we heard from the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville; Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP; Cllr Blair Anderson; Miles Briggs MSP; and Paul O’Kane MSP. This was a joint conference the Centre for Public Policy hosted with Aberlour Children's Charity, centered on research with Professor Morag Treanor on how public debt practices can worsen families' experience of poverty. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/35834190

Council Tax and International Security 03/13/2025

Council Tax and International Security This week our Spotlight hosts bring you interviews on two substantial topics from experts at the University of Glasgow. Nicola McEwen starts with a brief and timely insight from Marcin Kaczmarski about the outlook for Ukraine and Europe in response to the unpredictable directions coming from the White House. Kez Dugdale then brings you an in-depth conversation with Ken Gibb on reforming council tax and the recent rises we’ve been seeing across Scotland. Read more about the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence here: https://housingevidence.ac.uk/ /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/35669065

Why is prevention so hard? 02/19/2025

Why is prevention so hard? Today’s podcast focuses on a big question in public policy – why is prevention so hard? Can we spend money more wisely? Given the fiscal pressures on the system, prevention is now not just an option but a necessity to create sustainable public services. Policymakers know we should be tackling the root causes of issues, but systems, short-termism and complexity get in the way. We discuss overcoming these barriers with the former Auditor General for Scotland, Caroline Gardner, and Fiona Duncan, the Independent Strategic Advisor on The Promise Scotland. With regular University of Glasgow hosts Prof. Graeme Roy and Prof. Nicola McEwen. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/35350140

The Cost of Austerity 02/06/2025

The Cost of Austerity In today’s episode, we’re exploring the impact of austerity on life expectancy, population health and health inequalities across the UK. Since the early 2010s life expectancy stopped improving in the UK; in fact, for those living in the more disadvantaged areas, it actually declined. This means people have been dying younger and in larger numbers year on year. Dr David Walsh and Professor Gerry McCartney, both from the University of Glasgow, have been working in the population health space for a long time and have published a book setting out the evidence on how austerity policies have impacted health inequalities. Our regular host Kez Dugdale is joined by Centre for Public Policy colleague Dr Claire MacRae to discuss the findings. You can now purchase the book ‘Social Murder? Austerity and life expectancy in the UK’, with all proceeds going to NHS charities: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-murder /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/35173370

Trump 2.0: What's next? 01/23/2025

Trump 2.0: What's next? In today’s episode, we’re discussing the big news of the week: the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Hosts Nicola and Kez speak to two experts in political philosophy and foreign policy to find out what the return of Trump means for the United States and the rest of the world. Dr Michael Frazer, Lecturer in Politics at the University of Glasgow gives a political philosophy take on Trump, exploring what philosophers like Plato might tell us about his personality and how he might push – and potentially break – the boundaries of democracy in the US. Juliet Kaarbo, Professor of Foreign Policy at the University of St Andrews and Scottish Council on Global Affairs, gives us fascinating insight into what Trump’s ho Trump might approach foreign policy, and what he might do on issues like Russian and Ukraine, and the Middle East. Join the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: Find out more about the Scottish Council on Global Affairs: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/34969425

Delivering Mission-Led Government 12/04/2024

Delivering Mission-Led Government This week Kez speaks to Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK, and Ian Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Public Administration at the Centre for Public Policy. We explore the Prime Minister’s new approach to government, drawing on a paper just published by Carnegie in collaboration with the Centre for Public Policy on Mission-Led Government. What does it mean in practice, and how can it move beyond a slogan? We discuss the practicalities of delivering these missions, the role of the Treasury, and lessons from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Plus, how can communication play a part in rebuilding public trust in government? Read the paper: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/34281755

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 11/27/2024

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence This week’s episode focuses on some of the vital work happening at the University of Glasgow in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and takes a look at some of the legal reforms passing through the Scottish Parliament on this issue. Prof Sara Carter, the University’s Gender Equality Champion, highlights the campaigns and events happening across campus to mark the 16 Days of Activism. Kez speaks to Dr Anastacia Ryan about her new organisation ‘SISU’ and its work to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality. Kez then chats to Eamon Keane, co-director and Principal Solicitor of the Emma Ritch Clinic, about his work and the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill currently passing through the Scottish Parliament. Content Warning: This episode focuses on Gender-Based Violence. If you would like to access support without listening further, , which includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence. Links mentioned during the episode: SISU Website and Launch Event: Fight for the Night March and other events to mark the 16 Days by the SRC: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/34176960

Poverty, Policy and the Budgets 11/14/2024

Poverty, Policy and the Budgets This week Kez Dugdale reflects with guests on what the Budget means for families at the sharp end of poverty across the UK. She speaks to Chris Birt, Associate Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Morag Treanor, Professor of Social Policy and Inequality at the University of Glasgow. Graeme Roy also walks us through the Budget process, what it means for Scotland and why the upcoming Scottish Government Budget might be slightly different to recent years. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/33926407

US Election: The race to the White House 10/31/2024

US Election: The race to the White House With the US Presidential Elections on 5 November 2024 rapidly approaching, we’re bringing you two University of Glasgow experts to unpack the election campaign so far. Hosts Professor Graeme Roy and Professor Nicola McEwen speak to Professor Christopher Carman, Stevenson Professor of Citizenship at the University of Glasgow, about the state of the race, the possible impacts of the results on the UK and the wider world, the role of misinformation and disinformation in the campaigns, and how the election itself might run. Dr Hannah Salamon, Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy, gives us a closer look at what the election might mean for climate policy, about the records of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on the climate, and the correlation between women’s representation and leadership and and climate outcomes, drawing on Hannah’s area of research. In her interview, Hannah uses the acronym EPA, which is the US Environmental Protection Agency. Keep in touch - sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: Find out more about the Stevenson Trust for Citizenship events: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/33702297

Alternative Economic Development Approaches 10/04/2024

Alternative Economic Development Approaches In this episode Prof. Graeme Roy and Dr David Waite, both Senior Fellows at the Centre for Public Policy discuss alternative economic development approaches such as Doughnut Economics and Community Wealth Building that seek to balance growth with social and environmental justice to create more inclusive and sustainable cities. They’re joined by Prof. Anne Green, City-REDI, University of Birmingham, and Richard Crisp, researcher at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University. They discuss the findings of their research with David on this topic and the policy context of these concepts. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/33326612

Ten Years on from Indy Ref, What Next? 09/17/2024

Ten Years on from Indy Ref, What Next? In this episode Nicola McEwen speaks with Kezia Dugdale, former leader of Scottish Labour, and Stephen Noon former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, about their experiences of the referendum, the years that followed, and an upcoming report they’ve written for the Centre for Public Policy about what could be next for Scotland’s constitution. The report is designed to stimulate debate on the path to indyref2, further devolution and how the operation of the constitution relates to some of the big domestic social challenges we face. In the second half of the episode Nicola and Kezia discuss public opinion and polling on independence and devolution with Mark McGeoghegan, a University of Glasgow researcher of nationalism and contentious politics and an Associate Member of the Centre on Constitutional Change. To ensure make sure you don’t miss the upcoming report from the Centre for Public Policy, make sure to join our mailing list: /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/33089952

The Programme for Government 09/06/2024

The Programme for Government In this episode Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale from the Centre for Public Policy speak to the Rt Hon. Ken Macintosh, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, and Liz Lloyd, former Strategic Adviser and Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland. They discuss the First Minister’s Programme for Government announcement, what it means about the direction of this government and the fiscal challenges it faces. As two very experienced practitioners in this political event, they also dive into the process involved in drafting the Programme for Government and the Parliament's ability to scrutinise its content. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/32940297

In conversation with Mary McAleese 07/18/2024

In conversation with Mary McAleese Our Spotlight: On the Election mini-series has wrapped up and we're returning to season three for the final episode of the season. In this episode, host Graeme Roy is joined by former President of Ireland Professor Mary McAleese. Graeme and Mary talk about building bridges - the hallmark of her presidency from 1997 to 2011 - and how she took that philosophy and turned it into action. They discuss social justice, the health of democracy and political leadership in Europe, taking the long view in policymaking and much, much more. Sign up for the Centre for Public Policy mailing list to keep up with our latest updates: Watch the Donald Dewar Memorial Lecture on YouTube: Hit subscribe on the UofG Spotlight podcast – we'll be back with season four soon! /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/32194187

The Politics and the Prospects 07/02/2024

The Politics and the Prospects This week our hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale are joined by Stephen Noon, former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, and Eddie Barnes, former adviser to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives. They reflect on the key moments of the campaigns, the polls, what might happen on election night and what the results could mean. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31976922

Climate Policy: The Science and the Politics 06/27/2024

Climate Policy: The Science and the Politics In this episode of Spotlight: On the Election, we’re talking climate policy. Featuring two interviews, with Chris Stark, Chief Executive of The Carbon Trust and Honorary Professor here at the Centre for Public Policy, and Professor Gioia Falcone, Director of the Glasgow Centre for Sustainable Energy at the University of Glasgow. Can new oil exploration be compatible with the transition to net zero? Why is climate change not featuring in the election campaign? How can different levels of government work together on the issue of climate change? What is GB Energy and what will it do? Visit the Centre for Public Policy blog to read more analysis in our Policy Insights series: www.gla.ac.uk/publicpolicy /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31910457

A Deep Dive into Immigration Policy 06/20/2024

A Deep Dive into Immigration Policy In this episode of ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale talk to Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado, Dr Dan Fisher and Professor Nasar Meer all experts from the University of Glasgow. They talk about the UK’s attitude to immigration the current status of the UK’s asylum system and what each party is proposing to do about it. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31821217

Policy Insights Live: Analysis from civil society leaders 06/19/2024

Policy Insights Live: Analysis from civil society leaders We’re bringing you a bonus episode! On Monday 17 June we brought together leaders from across civil society in an online event to discuss the #UKGeneralElection2024, reflecting on the campaigns to date, the most recent polling and what they hope to see in the closing stages of the race. Steered by Kezia Dugdale, the episode features a discussion between Professor Nicola McEwen; Anna Fowlie, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations; Dr Emily Gray, IPSOS Scotland; Nathalie Agnew, Institute of Directors, Edinburgh and Lothians. Visit the Centre for Public Policy website for more analysis: www.gla.ac.uk/publicpolicy /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31806922

The UK's Future with Europe 06/13/2024

The UK's Future with Europe In this episode of Spotlight: On the Election, Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale talk to the UK’s leading voice on Brexit and its impact in the UK, Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe at King's College London. They talk about the recent European elections, what’s in the UK party manifestos on Europe ahead of the 4 July UK General Election, and what the UK and EU relationship might look like in the future. Join us for Policy Insights Live, our live, online event on Monday 17 June. More info and sign up on the Centre for Public Policy website: . /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31730847

The Economy and Living Standards 06/05/2024

The Economy and Living Standards In this episode of ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ Prof. Kezia Dugdale speaks to world leading economist Prof. Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal & Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, about the big economic challenges facing the parties and the potential policy solutions for the next government. Also in this episode, Prof. Graeme Roy and Dr Tanya Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Glasgow, discuss how these economic issues impact people’s lives, especially low-income households, and what the parties are proposing as solutions. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31611292

The State of the Race 05/29/2024

The State of the Race In this first episode of our ‘Spotlight: On the Election’ miniseries Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale from the Centre for Public Policy speak to Stephen Noon, former senior policy adviser for the first SNP Government, and Eddie Barnes, former adviser to Ruth Davidson and the Scottish Conservatives. They reflect on the timing of the election, what's likely happening in party HQs and the big seats to watch in the coming weeks. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31510242

Deaths in Custody 05/23/2024

Deaths in Custody In this episode Professor Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy speaks to Professor Sarah Armstrong, criminologist at the University of Glasgow. They discuss an important report by the Scottish Centre for Crime & Justice Research on deaths in custody and care in Scotland, titled Nothing to See Here? /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31431482

The Promise 05/09/2024

The Promise On this week's episode we focus on The Promise - the term used for the work required to deliver the findings of a review published in 2020 into the care system and what it would take to ensure every child in Scotland could grow up loved, safe and respected. We speak to Fraser McKinley, Chief Executive of The Promise Scotland, the organisation set up to support and drive the change to deliver on the promise. We also talk to Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK, about wider challenges around delivering on The Promise in the context of wider public sector reform. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31211122

Minority Government 05/02/2024

Minority Government On this special episode focussing on minority government, we speak to Geoff Aberdein, former FM chief of staff to Alex Salmond, and Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the UofG Centre for Public Policy. They discuss what minority government might mean for Scotland, from day-to-day practicalities to potential implications longer term for the political process and public policy. Produced by for . /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/31085308

Minimum Unit Pricing 03/28/2024

Minimum Unit Pricing We are delighted to bring you this special episode on Minimum Unit Pricing, ahead of an anticipated rise by the Scottish Government later this spring. Professor Nicola McEwen talks to Dr Peter Rice, a former addiction psychiatrist and President of the European Alcohol Policy Alliance. He is also Chair of the Institute of Alcohol Studies. Dr Rice was one of the founders, and a former Chair, of the Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), which was set up in 2006. He was part of the SHAAP group that developed the proposal for Minimum Unit Pricing in 2007, which was adopted by the Scottish Government, became law in 2012 and introduced in 2018. /episode/index/show/uofgspotlight/id/30577653

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