The Future of Our Former Democracy  (MED and Larj Media)

American Democracy sucks right now! More specifically, the United States' electoral system is outdated and needs reform to better represent its diverse population. George Cheung and Colin Cole from More Equitable Democracy probe what the U.S. can learn from Northern Ireland's adoption of proportional representation to overcome political divisions and achieve fairer representation. The episode examines the origins of the American electoral system, critiques its current inefficiencies, and makes a case for rethinking democracy by looking at Northern Ireland. Through historical context, personal stories, and expert interviews, the podcast seeks to inspire listeners to consider radical changes that can lead to a more equitable and representative democracy.  Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast   Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours  Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking 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  Music and archival references   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/ 

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.

Colin and George go waaaay back in time to discuss the historical roots of the tension between Ireland and England, through four historical touchpoints - the Ulster Plantations, Cromwell's Conquest, the Battle of the Boyne, and the Great Hunger. Believe it or not, the contemporary subjugation and tragedies faced by the Irish at the hands of the English reach all the way back to Henry VIII, and these historical animosities continue to influence contemporary Northern Irish identities and politics to this day.     Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast   Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours  Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours  Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound   Brain Ephraim, Millmount Museum  Shane Heaney, Millmount Museum     Episode photo gallery  Music and archival  Video: The Difference between the UK, Great Britain & England Explained  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/ 

Revolution and electoral politics – our favorite! George and Colin discuss Ireland's tumultuous journey towards independence and the partition of Northern Ireland post-World War I, focusing on significant events like the Easter Rising of 1916 and the War of Independence.     With the help of experts, George and Colin discuss key historical milestones such as the 1918 General Election, which saw Sinn Féin's landslide victory, the eventual partition of Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, their adoption of different electoral systems, and how those systems changes set both regions on divergent paths. The episode also dips into the complexities of naming and identity in Northern Ireland, reflecting deep-rooted political and social divides.     Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast   Paul Donnelly, Dead Center Tours  Daragh Fitzgerald, Historical Walking Tours  Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound   Erik Stewart, General Post Office    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/