PPP4 - Politics, Democracy, and Representation

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POSITIVE POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 4: POLITICS, DEMOCRACY, AND REPRESENTATION.

In this episode, Joel and Neil explore the parlous state of democracy in Britain and the United States today. Joel talks about money and power in British politics, giving the example of the recently passed Health and Social Care Act that effectively condemns the UK National Health Service to privatisation. With help from David Cameron, Neil reflects on how politics today is little more than a 'spectacle'. Prof Inderjeet Parmar highlights the limits to American democracy, emphasising the anti-democratic consequences of highly concentrated wealth. Finally, Prof Archon Fung offers hope by giving examples from around the world of pro-democratic changes that have been both driven from below and implemented from above.

TRACKLISTING:

• Radiohead - Electioneering
• Ernst Busch and Group - Hans Beimler
• Elvis Costello - Oliver's Army

PPP3 - The Eurozone Crisis

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POSITIVE POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 3: THE EUROZONE CRISIS.

In this episode, Joel and Neil explore the current Eurozone crisis. They hear from Tiana, a Greek state employee, about the horrific social disaster being wreaked on Greek society by the political leaders and banks of France and Germany. They then here from Prof Alex Callinicos about how the Greek people are faced with two choices: a default from above - continue this unbearable pain and have a chaotic default imposed - or a default from below - take immediate pain now, but begin the process of healing and regaining sovereignty. Dr Claes Belfrage tells us about how the Icelandic people did say 'no' to the 'markets', but also how the left-wing government which came to power after the bankruptcy has struggled to implement a progressive agenda, how the left has struggled to unite, and how entrenched reactionary forces have regrouped. Finally, James Meadway tells us how at the heart of this battle between financial capital and European people is a struggle for democracy itself.

TRACKLISTING:

• Rebel Diaz - Which Side Are You On?
• Faith No More - We Care A Lot
• Raphael Saddiq - Go To Hell

PPP2 - Activism, Resistance, Organising

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POSITIVE POLITICS PODCAST EPISODE 2: ACTIVISM, RESISTANCE, ORGANISING.

In this episode, Joel and Neil ask 'what can we do to challenge injustices and change our world?' They speak with activists working at the local and national level and highlight the common obstacles, goals, and strategies that activists share globally.

TRACKLISTING:

• Plan B - Ill Manors
• Grace Petrie - Farewell to Welfare
• Bob Dylan - Paths of Victory
• Rage Against the Machine - Wake Up

PPP1 - Austerity and Austerilisation

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In this first episode, Neil and Joel explore the politics of austerity.

We follow a Foodbank van delivering food to those in Oxford who need it most. There we hear how the policies of austerity are damaging not just the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable, but also those who were previously self-sufficient.

We then hear from Prof Matthew Watson about how austerity is destroying our economy and welfare state, and is, in reality, the way of making the poor pay for the rich's financial crisis.

Finally, Dr Adam Hanieh tells us how the same neo-liberal policies devastated societies throughout the Middle East and North Africa and how the Arab Spring is a direct popular response to them. The programme is interspersed with inspiring, politically conscious music.

Tracklisting:

• For What It's Worth – Buffalo Springsteen
• Someday – Ce Ce Rogers
• Atlantic City – Bruce Springsteen
• Maggie’s Farm – The Specials
• Ringing of Revolution – Phil Ochs
• No More Silence – El Haqed
• Hope – Fat Freddy’s Drop