Best OpenDemocracy Podcasts (2024)

1
The Conversation Weekly: The Brexit roots of the UK's Rwanda asylum plan – and why other EU leaders might want to copy it 31:16

17d ago31:16

31:16

A controversial British government plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been central to the UK’s response to a recent sharp increase in the number of people making the dangerous journey across the English Channel in small boats. But if the Conservative party loses the general election in early July, the Rwanda plan is likely to be abandoned. I…

1
Statelessness: No country to call home 45:05

3M ago45:05

45:05

In the Season 2 finale, host Maggie Perzyna asks her guests: What does it mean to live without a nationality? This episode of Borders & Belonging will dive into the complexities behind statelessness, its causes and social realities, and the far-reaching effects it has on individuals and communities. Guests: Rintu Borah, PhD candidate at the Indian …

1
From oil to innovation: Changing economies in the Gulf 43:58

4M ago43:58

43:58

Did you know that the Middle East holds the world's highest ratio of migrants to its national population? From historical ties to the oil economy to the burgeoning knowledge-based economies of today, host Maggie Perzyna explores how evolving economic landscapes in the Gulf are reshaping migration dynamics. Guests: Deepak Unnikrishnan, Assistant Pro…

1
Rising tides, sinking roots: Climate change, adaptation and mobility in Pacific Island nations 47:49

4M ago47:49

47:49

Land is a critical component of Pacific Island societies, and the impact of climate change on these populations is a growing global concern. Host Maggie Perzyna, along with esteemed guest researchers and a community consultant from one of the world's lowest lying countries, seeks to understand the regional implications of climate change and the rol…

1
The Migration Podcast: "Road families" en route to the Mexico-US border 19:16

5M ago19:16

19:16

Itzel Eguiluz speaks with Alejandra Díaz de León about how the journey of Central American migrants walking north, through Mexico, is about much more than just having practical strategies to survive the journey. Solidarity, trust and social bonds that are formed along the way, can also be valuable elements of the experience. We hear about what Alej…

1
Is Japan turning into a migration state? 50:11

5M ago50:11

50:11

Despite its historical reputation for social, political, and legal closure and a certain reluctance towards admitting immigrants, Japan is taking steps towards a more inclusive national immigration policy. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna and her guests explore the evolving role of Japan as a migration state, shedding light on innovative polici…

1
The Arctic: Climate, resources and migration in times of change 44:19

6M ago44:19

44:19

While the Arctic has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia, settlers in the past few centuries have been drawn to the region's remote wilderness, majestic landscapes and ample resources. More recently, global market forces and climate change are shaping migration to the Arctic in new and complex ways. Guests: Malini Sengupta, coordinator at…

1
How the cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua lives on 21:49

6M ago21:49

21:49

Never miss a story from our Africa desk by signing up for alerts on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEgF1qFi8xgf1MRmD1WBy openDemocracy

1
Migration & technology: The rise of digital nomads 42:21

6M ago42:21

42:21

A small but increasing number of today's knowledge workers are breaking free from traditional offices, using technology to craft a life that blends work, travel and freedom. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna and her guests dive deep into the changing nature of work and the rise of digital nomads. What is driving this growing phenomenon, and how …

1
Brokering borders: EU bilateral agreements and the price of ‘return migration’ 43:53

7M ago43:53

43:53

In the pursuit of controlling its external borders, the European Union has forged numerous bilateral agreements with African countries. These agreements are not just pieces of paper, they're instruments that wield immense influence over the movement of people between Europe and Africa. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna seeks to understand how EU…

1
Why is xenophobia so entrenched in South Africa? 37:15

8M ago37:15

37:15

In contrast to the late Desmond Tutu's hopeful aspirations for the "rainbow nation" and his efforts to champion human rights, post-apartheid South Africa has been marked by xenophobic violence, adding insecurities for both citizens and foreign nationals. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna asks why xenophobia has become so entrenched across the po…

1
Healthcare workers are dodging abortion rules in Mexico 13:42

8M ago13:42

13:42

You can read part 2 of this investigative series here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050... ═ See our latest stories: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Support our work: https://bit.ly/3o0XTgi Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/odytsubBy openDemocracy

1
Anti-abortion group targets women and children in Mexico 18:54

8M ago18:54

18:54

You can read part 1 of this investigative series here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050... ═ See our latest stories: https://www.opendemocracy.net/ Support our work: https://bit.ly/3o0XTgi Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/odytsubBy openDemocracy

1
How border policies in the Americas are pushing people to travel across the treacherous Darién Gap 38:25

8M ago38:25

38:25

The Darién Gap, also dubbed as “Hell on Earth”, has become a leading transit point for migrants in search of work and safety in North America since authorities have cracked down on other routes by air and sea. In this episode, host Maggie Perzyna investigates how global migration regimes push migrants to risk their lives for a chance at a better li…

1
Why are so many undocumented migrants in the US Indigenous? 39:35

9M ago39:35

39:35

Every year, hundreds of thousands of migrants from Central America and Mexico make their way to the US border, fleeing violence, environmental destruction, persecution, and displacement. Many of these migrants are from indigenous groups. In the first episode of Season 2, host Maggie Perzyna explores the historical roots of this migration, and how t…

1
Borders & Belonging: Season 2 Trailer 1:46

9M ago1:46

1:46

In Season 2 of Borders & Belonging, host Maggie Perzyna continues her mission to shed light on the voices and stories often overlooked. She takes listeners on a world tour, asking questions like “what fuels xenophobia in South Africa? Is Japan becoming a migration state? And “how is technology changing the places where people work and the countries…

1
Daniel Trilling in conversation with Gary Younge 52:14

1y ago52:14

52:14

Gary Younge, one of the UK’s leading political voices, on the significant events of the last few decades that have affected the Black diaspora around the globe.By openDemocracy

1
Why do Russians support the war? 23:27

1y ago23:27

23:27

One year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, surveys demonstrate that over two-thirds of Russians still support the war. Why do people believe that the ‘special military operation’ was necessary? How is it possible that they don’t change their minds even when they know about the Russian army’s devastating war crimes in Ukraine and losses…

1
Does brain drain hurt the Global South? 38:03

1+ y ago38:03

38:03

Many countries are mining the Global South for one of its vital natural resources – its people. This creates a ‘brain drain’ of professionals and academics leaving the Global South in search of better opportunities abroad. Why exactly is this happening, though, and what is the socio-economic harm done to the countries left behind? Is brain drain sa…

1
Are Ukrainian refugees still ‘temporary’? 37:14

1+ y ago37:14

37:14

Since February 2022, over 19m Ukrainians have fled their country. Almost half probably remain spread across the world, most of them in Europe. They are considered temporary refugees – but are they really temporary? Where are these people, and what challenges face their host countries? First in this episode, we'll hear from Aleksandra and Michał Mis…

1
Long Read - How Britain’s broken asylum system props up the Iranian government 11:36

1+ y ago11:36

11:36

Iran’s leaders use the UK’s increasingly hostile asylum policies to warn political refugees against fleeing Reax the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/britain-asylum-system-broken-iran-protests-refugees-migrants-channel/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - Idaho bill tries again to equate trans healthcare with female genital mutilation 10:11

1+ y ago10:11

10:11

Idaho Republicans are trying for the second time to ban gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Will they succeed? Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/ban-trans-healthcare-female-genital-mutilation-idaho-texas/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Should we call people climate refugees? 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

As temperatures rise around the planet, floods, drought and deforestation are forcing people in the Global South from their homes and livelihoods. The media likes to call them climate refugees, but is that accurate? This episode will unpack the catchy phrase and guide us through some of the nuanced intersections between the environment and migratio…

1
Ukrainian journalists share their stories of war 21:26

1+ y ago21:26

21:26

Hear Igor Burdyga and Kateryna Semchuk explain what it's like working in a homeland under threat. Plus British author Oliver Bullough and chair Daniel Trilling. Watch the full discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX2ziEDpjx8 Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Are migrants the answer to labour shortages? 44:14

1+ y ago44:14

44:14

Nations in the global North are struggling with labour shortages dubbed in the media as ‘the great retirement' and ‘the great resignation'. Unemployment rates are running at near-record lows. As a result many nations are letting more temporary migrant labourers in to fill the gaps. Is this a good idea? In this episode we'll hear from someone on the…

1
Environmental campaigners ‘spied on’ ahead of Sadiq Khan event 11:39

1+ y ago11:39

11:39

Security agents linked to London mayor Sadiq Khan “spied” on a group of environmental activists and blocked them from participating in a public debate, openDemocracy can reveal. Read the full article here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/environmental-campaigners-spied-on-mayor-london-sadiq-khan-o2/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendem…

1
The migrants that the West doesn’t talk about 39:55

1+ y ago39:55

39:55

From the way Western media and politicians talk about migration, you’d never guess that only 30% of refugees, asylum seekers and economic migrants are heading for the Global North. Instead, most people on the move like this are travelling from one country in the Global South to another. Why does this get so little coverage? What are the most popula…

1
Long Read - Are we seeing the collapse of the dollar-dominated global economy? 10:24

1+ y ago10:24

10:24

Financial shocks in recent years are forcing the global monetary architecture to change, say some economists Read the full story here: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/end-dollar-dominated-global-economy-bretton-russia-ukraine-china-saudi-arabia/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Why has China become an international student hub? 36:14

1+ y ago36:14

36:14

For years, many students from China sought to further their studies in countries like the US or the UK. But in the past decade or so, China has itself become a hub for international students. In this episode, two leading researchers will shed light on this phenomenon, and help us understand how and why China has become such a popular destination fo…

1
Long Read - A year after Partygate, why is the government still being so secretive? 8:02

1+ y ago8:02

8:02

A year after the news broke about Partygate, the Cabinet Office is still refusing openDemocracy’s FOI requests on key evidence Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/partygate-cabinet-office-cctv-conservative-party-boris-johnson/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - BlackRock says we’re all doomed. It’s being optimistic 6:59

1+ y ago6:59

6:59

The world’s largest asset manager has forecast systemic economic chaos. The reality is even worse Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/blackrock-asset-management-economy-prediction-inflation-recession/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - Ukraine prepares to give free rein to property developers 12:22

1+ y ago12:22

12:22

Critics fear a new planning law will hand power to property developers and put Ukraine’s historic buildings at risk Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/ukraine-planning-law-historic-building-demolition-property-developer/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - How austerity caused the NHS crisis 7:11

1+ y ago7:11

7:11

The A&E delays can be traced back to Cameron – and have been worsened by successive health secretaries Read the full story: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/nhs-a-and-e-delays-austerity-emergency-care-hospitals-hunt-hancock-lansley/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/home…

1
Long Read - The government’s wrong. We can afford public sector pay rises 8:21

1+ y ago8:21

8:21

OPINION: There’s one obvious way to fund public sector wage increases: tax the wealthy Read the full piece: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/public-sector-strikes-pay-rise-nurses-james-meadway/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/homeBy openDemocracy

1
Long read - At the UK’s detention centres, border violence and outsourcing collide 7:14

1+ y ago7:14

7:14

OPINION: We need unity between the detained, the outsourced and the underpaid – unions must take on the fight Read the original article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/manston-immigration-border-violence-outsourcing-security/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/homeBy openDemocracy

1
Long Read - The UK firm at the heart of a high-level fraud conviction in Russia 10:39

1+ y ago10:39

10:39

The Magomedov brothers defrauded the Russian state of billions – via a Scottish limited partnership Read the original article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/newbay-investments-magomedov-fraud-russia/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/homeBy openDemocracy

1
Long read - Labour knows our democracy is broken. So why are its ‘reforms’ so weak? 7:18

1+ y ago7:18

7:18

OPINION: Gordon Brown is on the money with his diagnosis of the problem. But his solutions aren’t nearly enough Read the original article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/labour-abolish-house-of-lords-democratic-reform/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/homeBy openDemocracy

1
When AI is managing migration, should we be afraid? 38:33

1+ y ago38:33

38:33

Climate change and other disasters are displacing ever more people. Could artificial intelligence help predict impending crises and where humanitarian aid will be needed? Could algorithms be used to match refugees to regions where they will have the best chance of thriving? And what happens when you take human judgement out of the process, or if da…

1
Long read - Russia forced them to fight. Ukraine tried them for treason 13:31

1+ y ago13:31

13:31

Russia has forcibly mobilised tens of thousands in Ukraine’s occupied territories to fight, but when captured those recruited under duress are facing difficult legal battles back home. Read the orignal article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/russia-forced-mobilisation-donetsk-luhansk-ukraine/ Donate to openDemocracy: https://support.opendemoc…

1
Long Read - Crisis in legal aid system as asylum seekers unable to find lawyers 7:40

1+ y ago7:40

7:40

More than 40% of asylum seekers may be unable to access legal aid, despite the vast majority needing such support Read the original article: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/asylum-seekers-legal-aid-system-crisis-justice/ Support openDemocracy: https://support.opendemocracy.net/project/homeBy openDemocracy

1
Human Smuggling or Human Trafficking? Why the Difference Matters 29:33

1+ y ago29:33

29:33

Politicians sometimes talk about human smuggling and trafficking as if they were the same thing. It’s not always because of ignorance: they want to gain support for blocking the flows of all migrants and refugees. In this episode we hear from Luca Stevenson of European Sex Workers Rights Alliance, who explains that, even with sex workers, we have t…

1
How has Brexit Changed the UK for Migrants? 29:50

1+ y ago29:50

29:50

Despite the well-documented benefits of labour migration, much of the discussion before the referendum in the UK argued that it was a bad thing. Now, a few years on, are labour shortages painting a new picture or are migrants forever stigmatised? Alex Bulat, a Romanian-born councillor on Cambridgeshire County Council, provides a voice from the grou…

1
Why We Build Border Walls 38:52

1+ y ago38:52

38:52

Since the 1990s, the world has seen a spike in border wall construction. What is driving the increase? The episode begins with a reflection from journalist Todd Miller on the dangers facing undocumented migrants along the Mexican border. Maggie Perzyna (researcher with the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration program…

1
Coffee, Comedy, Music 27:17

2y ago27:17

27:17

Usman Khalid wanted to set up a coffee shop with a difference - Haven Coffee is a social enterprise, a cafe with a mission of breaking false narratives around migration. Their Laff-Uccino comedy gigs are regular events in London, with comedians of refugee or migrant background and Kryzsia, one of the comedians involved, talks comedy, migration and …

1
Art Athens Activism 27:33

2y ago27:33

27:33

Wael Habbal started the Syrian Greek Youth Forum, (the SGYF) in 2018 to advocate for human rights, to connect people together, to break stereotypes around migration, and to create their own opportunities in Athens. He sits down with another member of SGYF - Kareem Al Kabbani - and our reporter Bairbre Flood to talk about how activism, creativity an…

1
From All Over: LGBTQ Turkiye 16:55

2y ago16:55

16:55

Two LGBT refugees in Yalova, Turkiye, Mehdi and Nihal, are setting up their own group, From All Over. Bairbre Flood met them at their home to see why they need this group, and what life is like for LGBT refugees outside of Istanbul. Presenter Mahmoud Hassino also shares some of his personal experiences helping to organise a Mr Gay Syria event which…

1
Art Here 34:04

2y ago34:04

34:04

Art and migration in Türkiye, Jordan and Ireland. Arthereistanbul is a community space, an art centre and place where artists can create in peace. Founder Omar Berakdar and artist and curator Sherin Zeraaty talk to Bairbre Flood. In Jordan, Syrian illustrator and painter Haya Halaw is having her first solo exhibition show in Jacaranda Gallery in Am…

1
Borders & Belonging: Trailer 1:24

2y ago1:24

1:24

Borders & Belonging What's the difference between human smuggling and human trafficking? Did migration myths drive the 2016 Brexit vote? Do border walls stop migration? Maggie Perzyna wants to dispel migration myths: why people leave their homeland and the changes they bring in the societies they move to. Maggie is a researcher with the Canada Exce…

1
Ana Surie 24:01

2y ago24:01

24:01

Mohamad Khalf has been teaching photography in Zaatari refugee camp, Jordan, for many years – instilling a love of learning and creative expression in his students Ali and Mohammed Nour Al-Babisi. They talk to Bairbre Flood about the photography exhibition Mohmamad Khalf organised in the camp, called ‘Ana Surie’ (‘I Am Syrian’) and why they are Syr…

1
Media and Migration 34:11

2y ago34:11

34:11

A look at migration and the media with journalists Osama Gaweesh, Nasruddin Nizami and Mohammad Subat. Osama Gaweesh is an Egyptian journalist who joined the Refugee Journalism Project in the UK. He explains how the project works, and why it’s so important – not just for individual journalists, but for the quality of news and media overall. His own…

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