Podcasts about Civil society

Praying for Change: A Path to National Reconciliation   Feeling stuck on how to pray for America? You're not alone—but there is a path forward. In this timely episode, Good Faith “founding friend” and New York Times columnist David French lays out five virtue-based ways to pray for our nation with clarity, courage, and compassion. Drawing upon Scripture with a healthy dose of personal reflection, David extols the importance of praying for America as a daily act to seek God's best for our country and each other—restoring unity and healing what's broken.   Episode Companion: Prayer Guide   Donate to Redeeming Babel   Scriptures mentioned in this episode: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:5-13 (ESV) "The Ministry of Reconciliation" in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (ESV) Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36-46 (ESV) Micah 6:8 Ephesians 4:3 Isaiah 42:3 Psalm 34:18   Resources mentioned in this episode: The Ongoing Los Angeles Protests Australian journalist shot by rubber bullet during L.A. protests (video) Waymo taxis Ablaze in Los Angeles Georgetown scholar recalls ‘mockery of due process' in immigration jail The Westminster Confession's Standards for the 9th Commandment South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission Les Miserables: The Bishop and the Redemption of Jean Valjean What Is Restorative Justice? More about the work of Brennan Manning Tim Keller's Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God Dennis F. Kinlaw's Prayer: Bearing the World as Jesus Does E.M. Bounds on Prayer Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Praying the Psalms The work of Michael Card More about the work of Rich Mullins The Lost Dogs' Pray Where You Are (song & lyrics)   More From David French: David French's New York Times pieces HERE Follow David French on Threads   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up: Redeeming Babel Newsletter

Send us a textIn this episode of the Philanthropisms podcast we talk to Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation Northern Ireland (CFNI), about the landscape for philanthropy and civil society in Northern Ireland. Including:How and why was CFNI originally formed, and what is the organisation's focus today?What is the history and current context for civil society in NI?What is the overall makeup of the NI civil society sector, in terms of formalised vs informal orgs, large vs small, different cause areas etc.?What is the history and current context for giving in NI? E.g. how much HNWI giving is there? How much mass market giving? What role does corporate philanthropy play? What role do foundations play?What is the attitude of the NI government towards civil society in general? What is the attitude towards philanthropy?Northern Ireland has a well-document history of challenges with political and religious polarisation - what role have civil society organisations and philanthropy played in trying to overcome this? At a time of increasing polarisation elsewhere, does the NI experience have things to teach CSOs and funders elsewhere about how to address these issues effectively?Are there ongoing challenges with polarisation in NI? Are these continuations of long-standing issues, or are there new fault lines emerging?Does working further upstream demand a willingness to blur the boundaries between philanthropy and politics? How much of a barrier is this?How can philanthropic funders bring people together across divides to have meaningful conversations, work together and find common cause?What is the USP of Community Foundations within the wider ecosystem of philanthropy?Can the successes of place-based initiatives inform activities or policymaking at a regional or national level? How can organisations based in one place ensure they ‘influence upwards'?Is “place” more complex than it is sometimes presented? I.e. at what geographic level do we feel a sense of belonging or identity?Is there potential for cultivating philanthropy from a Northern Irish Diaspora? What might this look like?Related Links:CFNI's websiteCFNI Strategy 2023-26Philanthropisms podcast conversations with Michaela Giurgiu on Eastern European Philanthropy and Community Foundations, Anelise Hanson Shrout on the history of philanthropy and the Great Famine, Farai Chideya on philanthropy's role in building a multiracial pluralistic democracy, and Natasha Friend & Maria Ahmed on participatory place-based philanthropy.WPM article “Why isn't all philanthropy trust-based philanthropy?”Republic of Ireland's National Philanthropy Policy, launched by govt in 2023

Jeremy speaks with Aaron Renn about his influential book, Life in the Negative World. They speak about his framework for understanding the three eras in which American Evangelicals have found themselves in the post-war context—the positive world, the neutral world, and the negative world—and we talk about the decline of institutions, Evangelical strategies for surviving and flourishing in the negative world, and much more.Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/.#interview #podcast #newepisode #nonprofitCenter for Civil Society's YouTube ChannelCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Civil society groups are calling for stronger measures to monitor food affordability and pricing. A new report by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa, has revealed the daily struggles many South Africans face to put food on the table. 23,1% of households nationally (that is, over one in five) consider their access to food as inadequate or severely inadequate. The report also reveals that 10 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in South Africa, which constitutes about one-third of all available food. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Senior Researcher at SERI, Dr Yvonne Erasmus

Jeremy speaks with Joshua Hochschild about the principle of subsidiarity, the idea of the order of charity, and the challenges presented by contemporary technology.Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/.#interview #podcast #newepisode #nonprofitCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Show Notes In this episode, Simon Western speaks with Lebanese scholar and activist Karim Safieddine. Together, they discuss the vibrant and volatile political landscape of Lebanon, exploring how social movements, intellectual traditions, and grassroots activism collide and coalesce in the streets of Beirut. Karim shares his personal story of growing up amidst conflict, complexity, and contradiction, offering a lens into how identity is formed in a fractured society and how hope emerges through resistance. They explore themes of secularism, anti-establishment politics, and the evolving role of intellectuals in social change. The conversation touches deeply on what it means to live a good life and how ordinary people - through organising, dissent, and imagination - shape the possibility of a good civile society. Key Reflections · Elites often suppress transformative movements; activism persists through localised, organic mobilisation. · Intellectuals must step beyond theory and engage meaningfully with activist work. · A good life is not about material excess but about meaningful relationships, creativity, and communal survival. · Resistance is necessary for vitality; dissent keeps societies alive and evolving. · Bridging academia and activism is essential for sustainable change. · Empowering local voices and grassroots movements is crucial to Lebanon's future. Keywords social movements, political sociology, secularism, identity, intellectuals, activism, anti-establishment, cosmopolitanism   Brief Bio Karim Safieddine is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh whose work explores the intersection of social movements, intellectual history, and political power in Lebanon. With a particular focus on the Lebanese Left, Karim investigates how oppositional movements both contest and reproduce dominant ideological frameworks and structures of authority from the late 20th century to the present. Rooted in a Gramscian tradition yet open to diverse theoretical tools, his research engages with questions of leadership, resistance, and hegemony. His work bridges political sociology and historical analysis, offering critical insights into how movements emerge, evolve, and navigate Lebanon's sectarian and neoliberal political terrain. Karim holds an MSc in Comparative Politics from the London School of Economics (2020) and a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut (2019). His academic interests include political and historical sociology, social movements, and the role of intellectuals in shaping public discourse.

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy is joined by political scientist and philanthropic leader James Piereson, who discusses his time at the helm of the Olin Foundation and William E. Simon Foundation. They also discuss the impact of conservative philanthropy since Reagan, the successes and missteps of conservative philanthropy during that time, what the future holds for the conservative movement, and what Trump's ultimate influence will be. Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/.#interview #podcast #newepisode #nonprofitCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Global Cyber Alliance's President and CEO Phil Reitinger and Chief Business Officer Komal Bozaz-Smith discuss with Justin Sherman critical cybersecurity issues facing core internet infrastructure, including the role of small, often under-appreciated, and frequently underfunded nonprofits in keeping the internet secure and functioning. They talk about their organization's Common Good Cyber project (video here) to address gaps, detail how better data could help inform internet security efforts, and talk about how the current landscape is shifting internet security into the future.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

329 civil society organisations across Europe issued a very clear call to Brussels: stop Hungary's latest attempt to silence pluralism. In a public letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, the signatories urge the EU to act immediately against a new Hungarian law that could destroy what little remains of the country's democratic public space. But is the EU still willing to protect the rule of law at all?Join us on our journey through the events that shape the European continent and the European Union.Production: By Europod, in co production with Sphera Network.Follow us on:LinkedInInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Civil society groups including Blind SA, SECTION27, and the South African Democratic Teachers Union will today picket outside the Constitutional Court to push for two important laws: the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill. The apex court will hear a case regarding the constitutionality of both Bills. The Bills aim to make it easier for everyone especially people with disabilities, teachers, and artists to access and share creative works fairly. Elvis Presslin spoke to BlindSA President, Christo de Klerk

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy is joined by one of America's foremost thinkers on philanthropy, Indiana University's Les Lenkowsky, about the Jewish philanthropic tradition in America. They highlight, in particular, Julius Rosenwald, who funded over 5,000 schools for African Americans in the Deep South in the first half of the 20th century. They also discuss the impact of the Trump administration on contemporary philanthropy and touch on the troubling rise of anti-Semitism. Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

The upending of US policy by the new presidential administration has collapsed the foundation for global health and the HIV response at every level, from research to program delivery.  It's been a desperate scramble for everyone who cares the lives and wellbeing of those impacted by HIV. Wading into the chaos, all over the world are advocates who began organizing within days, even minutes—as soon as the US government federal executive orders started coming down.   Positive change depends on fierce and effective community leadership, and pressuring powerbrokers to do the right thing.)  Two veteran global health leaders from civil society talk about how civil society is responding. Amanda Banda is Strategic Advisor to the COMPASS Coalition and Asia Russell is Executive Director of Health Gap, and both are members of CHANGE, a coalition with more than 1,500 people, from organizations in nearly every continent, working in coordination to defend global health and the HIV response. https://avac.org/resource/critical-advocacy/ Key Resources Join weekly CHANGE calls, every Thursday 9 AM Washington DC | 4 PM Nairobi to get involved, send us an email for the link to join: contact.change.2025@gmail.com CHANGE resources to fight back against US government HIV and global health cuts and funding freezes, visit pepfarwatch.org/pepfar-funding-freeze Research Matters – Resources to Protect Research Funding  PxWire: May 2025 Despite USG Global Health Collapse, Here Are Several Data Trackers To Support Your Advocacy 

In Nigeria's farming communities, more farmers are turning to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for better yields, raising debates about their long-term effects. While some experts see the move as a positive development, however, others warn that unregulated GMO use could harm the environment, food security, and national sovereignty. In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we will find out whether GMOs are a helpful tool or a hidden threat to Nigeria's agricultural future.

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy is joined by historian John Pinheiro to discuss the negative role philanthropy has sometimes played in American history. They discuss the “second great awakening,” anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic prejudice, the popularity of eugenics, how experts have turned apocalyptic, and the harm caused by even a well-intentioned technocratic mindset.Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy interviews historian Wilfred McClay about his best-selling book Land of Hope, which offers a more balanced view of American history than the hypercritical perspective popular today. Wilfred expands on the importance of teaching history accessibly and free of academic jargon, the selective application of criticism to historical figures, what the adoption of technology says about the adaptability of American culture, the “unsettlement of Europe,” and his experiences as a member of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and the challenges it has faced.Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Conflict diamonds, sanctions evasion and the evolution of organized crime in digital assets. In this episode we cover all that and more with Eitan Danon (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis) and Brad Brooks-Rubin (Partner, Arktouros PLLC). Brad shares his extensive experience working at the intersection of policy, financial crime and international illicit finance to walk the audience through discussions on complex jurisdictions, sanctions and innovative solutions using blockchain technology.  He also  brings to light the critical issues surrounding sanctions compliance and how organized crime is exploiting digital assets particularly in emerging markets where crypto adoption is burgeoning. Eitan and Brad offer a deep understanding of the role U.S. policy plays on the global stage, the challenges of sanctions enforcement and the potential of blockchain in disrupting illegal financial ecosystems. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Brad's career journey from conflict diamonds to crypto   5 | Crypto's role in corruption and illicit financial activities 10 | Blockchain and how it fosters transparency in the diamond trade and sanctions 18 | Africa's economic potential and western engagement challenges with crypto 23 | Evolution of organized crime in the digital age 28 | The value of digital assets during times of geopolitical uncertainty 30 | Crypto Sanctions: Iran, Russia and China's impact on digital assets Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: ARKTOUROS: Law & Advisory Boutique Dedicated to Civil Society & Emergent Technology Hearing: Crypto Crime in Context Part II: Examining Approaches to Combat Illicit Activity (with Michael Mosier, Partner Arktouros) Report: The Taking of South Sudan: The Tycoons, Brokers, and Multinational Corporations Complicit in Hijacking the World's Newest State Video Series: Gold Mafia - Episode 1 - The Laundry Service I Al Jazeera Investigations Report: The Chainalysis 2025 Crypto Crime Report (Download Your Copy Today) Event: Links 2025 Digital Premiere: Free virtual event bringing together the leaders defining the future of blockchain intelligence Blog: The DOJ's NCET Disbanded: What the “Blanche Memo” Means for Digital Assets YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today's episode Eitan Danon *host* (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis) Brad Brooks-Rubin (Partner, Arktouros PLLC)  This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. 

Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Discussion Highlights:Idemo!'s Mission: Building bridges between Austria and the Western Balkans.Democratic Challenges: Addressing political instability and ethnic divisions in the region.Diaspora Engagement: Mobilizing communities to support democratic initiatives."Speak Up!" Program: Empowering young leaders to collaborate across ethnic lines.EU Integration: Navigating the path toward European Union membership.Grassroots Activism: The role of civil society in promoting democratic values.Transnational Cooperation: Leveraging networks to foster regional stability.Inclusive Civic Spaces: Creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration.​About Teresa ReiterTeresa Reiter is a journalist and policy professional based in Vienna. She is a co-founder of Idemo!, an organization promoting civic engagement and cross-ethnic cooperation among Austria's Western Balkans diaspora. Most recently, Reiter worked as a political specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. Reiter previously led communications at the European Forum Alpbach, co-hosted The Defence Café podcast, and served as a foreign policy advisor for NEOS in the Austrian Parliament. She was a candidate in the 2019 European Parliament elections. Reiter was a 2020/21 Europe's Futures Fellow of the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) and ERSTE Foundation.Learn more about Idemo! at idemo.jetzt.​Further Reading & ResourcesIdemo!'s Initiatives: idemo.jetztFacebook: IDEMOX: @idemomediaLinkedIn: Idemo Social Media Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM Vienna) implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union's enlargement prospects.The Institute for Human Sciences is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.For further information about the Institute:https://www.iwm.at/

The seventh season of the Givers, Doers, & Thinkers podcast is here! In this special three-part season, we'll explore the past, present, and future of American exceptionalism as we approach America's 250th birthday. In this season, we will explore how American civil society came about, what challenges threaten its flourishing, and what the future promises for our great country. In part one of the season, we discuss with leading thinkers the historical, religious, and philosophical origins of America's distinctive civil society.In part two, we speak to innovative and generous givers who are keeping the wheels of philanthropy turning and have their fingers on the pulse of charitable innovation. In part three, we talk to the doers leading the formation and growth of some of today's most promising mission-driven enterprises. These historians and scholars, nonprofit leaders and innovators, and seasoned philanthropists will shed light on the prominent role philanthropy has played in the 250-year history of American civil society, and what it means for the 250 years ahead. Center for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

The Christian Outlook – April 12, 2025

Send us a textRyan Streeter is the executive director of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin. Today, he tells us about his time in the intersection of think tanks, government, and academic communities. We talk about cities, the importance of mobility and growth, how to foster those characteristics, skepticism of government, and living in and creating a community that fosters social cohesion and critical thinking. Want to explore more?Alain Bertaud on Urban Planning and Cities, a Great Antidote podcast.Raj Chetty on Economic Mobility, an EconTalk podcast.Scott Winship on Poverty and Welfare, a Great Antidote podcast.Charles Murray on Dignity and the American Dream, a Future of Liberty podcast.Jeremy Horpedahl, Americans are Still Thriving, at Econlib.Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In this episode, we explore a word that has largely faded from everyday conversation yet holds the key to rebuilding a fractured culture—fidelity. Join Dr. Robert P. George, esteemed professor at Princeton and leading voice in public ethics, as he makes the case for Fidelity Month and shares why faith in God, strong families, and love of country are the three pillars our society must reclaim.Together with host Davies Owens, Dr. George unpacks:

Michael B. Benedict @michaelbbenedict discusses his book, The Civil Society Playbook which offers practical steps to improve respect and empathy in America. michaelbbenedict,com #civility #america

Keir Starmer commissioned a number of high-profile reviews into difficult policy areas on taking office, but the prime minister seems to have become more sceptical about their value in recent weeks.   At this event, to mark the launch of a new IfG report on lessons from past policy reviews, a panel of former reviewers and commissioners of reviews explored when reviews can lead to real change – and what needs to be done to ensure they succeed.     When is it the right time to launch a review? How should ministers best set up, work with and respond to reviews? And has the prime minister changed his view of reviews – and, if so, why?   Discussing these questions, and more, were:    Rt Hon Ed Balls, former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Special Adviser at HM Treasury (and commissioner of several reviews) Dame Carol Black, leader of multiple past reviews, including: the Review of Drugs (2021), Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Obesity: effects on employment outcomes review (2016), Health at Work Review (2011) and Working for a Healthier Tomorrow Review (2008) Dame Tracey Crouch, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society and Chair of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance (2021) Sir Howard Davies, Chair of the Airports Commission (2012–15)   The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Parallax Views, host J.G. Michael engages renowned Israeli pollster Dahlia Scheindlin in a revealing discussion on the evolution of Israeli civil society and its dynamic relationship with both Palestinian civil society and internal societal shifts within Israel. Drawing from her insightful essay, “The Rise, Weakening, and Resurgence of Civil Society in Israel,” Dahlia navigates the complex interplay of historical, political, and social forces that have shaped civic life in the region. - Internal Transformation: Explore how the transition to the Likud government in the 1970s led to the weakening of Israel's welfare state, creating a vacuum that civil society eagerly filled with new social and political initiatives. - Historical Perspectives: Trace the development of Israeli civil society from its Zionist origins through the transformative eras of the Oslo Accords and beyond, while examining how these shifts have paralleled, intersected, and at times clashed with Palestinian civic movements. - Interplay of Resistance and Repression: Learn how grassroots resistance against occupation as well as anti-democratic movements in Israel has fueled a dynamic interplay between Israeli and Palestinian civil societies, fostering both collaboration and contention in the quest for justice and democratic reform. - Legislative and Social Backlash: Understand the impact of autocratic policies and legislative attacks under Netanyahu's government, which not only suppressed dissent but also galvanized a renewed civic activism among diverse groups. - Turning Points and Future Prospects: Delve into the dramatic civic mobilization following the events of October 7, 2023, and explore what this resurgence means for the future of democratic engagement and cross-community solidarity in a divided society. This episode offers a compelling narrative that weaves together historical context, political resistance, and the powerful role of civic action in shaping both Israeli and Palestinian futures. We will also discuss Dahlia's recent trip to the United States, where she is currently on a speaking tour. Additionally, Dahlia and will discuss into the gap between the perspectives of diaspora populations vs. those living in Israel/Palestine. You can currently obtain an ebook download of Suppressing Dissent, which features Dahlia's essay, for FREE at the Carnegie Endowment website. Contributors include such previous Parallax Views guests as Nathan J. Brown, Dana El Kurd, and Dahlia Scheindlin as well as Lara Friedman, Marwa Fatafta, Yael Berda, Jessica Buxbaum, and many others.

Keir Starmer commissioned a number of high-profile reviews into difficult policy areas on taking office, but the prime minister seems to have become more sceptical about their value in recent weeks. At this event, to mark the launch of a new IfG report on lessons from past policy reviews, a panel of former reviewers and commissioners of reviews explored when reviews can lead to real change – and what needs to be done to ensure they succeed. When is it the right time to launch a review? How should ministers best set up, work with and respond to reviews? And has the prime minister changed his view of reviews – and, if so, why? Discussing these questions, and more, were: Rt Hon Ed Balls, former Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and Special Adviser at HM Treasury (and commissioner of several reviews) Dame Carol Black, leader of multiple past reviews, including: the Review of Drugs (2021), Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Obesity: effects on employment outcomes review (2016), Health at Work Review (2011) and Working for a Healthier Tomorrow Review (2008) Dame Tracey Crouch, former Minister for Sport and Civil Society and Chair of the Fan-led Review of Football Governance (2021) Sir Howard Davies, Chair of the Airports Commission (2012–15) The event was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of China's Digital Silk Road, which has become an increasingly crucial component of Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy project: the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, China has massively expanded its digital infrastructure investment across the globe. Accompanying the investment has been the diffusion of China's digital governance norms and standards in recipient states. Countries in the Indo-Pacific have been at the forefront of this stretching Chinese digital influence landscape. The conflation between digital development cooperation and digital governance norms adoption has far-reaching implications that need to be better understood and addressed. To discuss the issue, Michael Caster joins host Bonnie Glaser. Caster is the Head of Global China Programmeat ARTICLE 19, an NGO that advances freedom of opinion and expression. His organization has published two reports examining China's Digital Silk Road. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:30] Understanding China's Digital Silk Road [05:57] China's Digital Governance Norms[10:16] China's Digital Footprints Abroad[16:07] Attractiveness of Chinese Digital Solutions[18:56] Role of High-Tech Companies in Digital Governance[21:44] Assessing the Effectiveness of China's Digital Governance[23:14] State-Driven Surveillance and Censorship[27:39] China's BeiDou Navigation System [31:09] How should governments respond to these normative shifts? 

Lisa Vetten, a leading gender-based violence researcher from the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, joins John Maytham to unpack the implications of Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi's decision to pause plans to make South Africa’s National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Sambaad, speakers Nisha Onta, Anaya Bhadra Khanal, and Dinesh Gautam dive into the evolving landscape of Nepali civil society—its identity crisis, growing fragmentation, and shifting role from political activism to policy influence. They discuss the rise of think tanks, the challenges of donor dependence, and the need for greater collaboration in a sector grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. This is a live recording of the panel discussion at Project Sambaad. Project Sambaad is a collaborative platform that promotes in-depth conversations that critically examine Nepali society and its policy-making space. Through Project Sambaad, PEI and like-minded organizations seek to explore broad, impactful questions that contribute to a wider dialogue on the politics and development of Nepal and the South Asia region.Just a quick heads-up—this is a live recording of the conversation, so the audio quality might not always be perfect. This episode starts off a bit disturbed but evens out soon enough. Also, you'll hear a mix of Nepali and English throughout the conversation—hope you enjoy!!

Infrastructure in the U.S. now costs dramatically more than in countries like Germany or Croatia—without clear signs of higher quality or better environmental outcomes. Why has infrastructure spending spiraled out of control? Could democracy itself—through litigation, regulations, and empowered citizen voices—be driving costs sky-high?George Washington University Professor of Public Policy Leah Brooks investigates why the U.S. pays so much more per mile of highway compared to other nations in her paper “Infrastructure Costs”. Brooks reveals shocking findings: from the late 1960s onward, the cost to build highways in America surged dramatically, not because of higher wages or materials, but because of legal battles, environmental reviews, and citizen demands.

Episode NotesDiscussion Highlights:Europe's Democratic Challenges: How can the EU defend its core values against rising authoritarianism?Ukraine's Struggle and Global Freedom: Why does Ukraine's resistance matter beyond its borders?Populism and Economic Inequality: How have neoliberal policies contributed to democratic erosion?The Role of Transnational Civil Society: Can grassroots movements counter authoritarian trends?Technology, Capitalism, and Democracy: How does the digital age reshape political power?Serbia's Grassroots Protests: Why is Serbia's movement for democracy significant for Europe?EU Foreign Policy and Strategic Autonomy: Can Europe navigate an era of geopolitical realignment?France's Constitutional Crisis: What does the future hold for the French Republic's democratic model?About Niccolò MilaneseNiccolò Milanese is a political theorist, activist, and co-founder of European Alternatives, a transnational movement advocating for democracy and equality beyond nation-states. He has co-authored Citizens of Nowhere: How to Save Europe from Itself and edited Illiberal Democracies in Europe: An Authoritarian Response to the Crisis of Liberalism. Milanese regularly advises cultural, political, and activist organizations on issues of European democracy, citizenship, and generational change.Find more about European Alternatives at euroalter.com.Further Reading & ResourcesEuropean Alternatives' Initiatives: euroalter.comNiccolò Milanese's Books & Articles: Citizens of Nowhere, Illiberal Democracies in EuropeInstitute for Human Sciences (IWM): iwm.at Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM Vienna) implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union's enlargement prospects.The Institute for Human Sciences is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.For further information about the Institute:https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, hosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley discuss the resilience of South Africa's healthcare system amidst U.S. aid cuts, particularly through USAID and PEPFAR. They highlight the devastating impacts on HIV treatment, TB care, and broader healthcare services due to the sudden cessation of funding. But the country is markedly more prepared than critics might have feared, to assume full responsibility for its infectious diseases strategies - including procurement and surveillance strategies that the US maintained control over in exchange for the aid. Their conversation extends to cover issues around mental health, future healthcare innovations like long-acting antiretrovirals, and the broader geopolitical implications of donor aid cuts.   00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:33 Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa 03:08 Healthcare Challenges and Government Response 07:04 The Role of Civil Society and Future Preparations 10:21 Consequences of Sudden Aid Withdrawal 14:17 Future of HIV Treatment and Advocacy 16:55 The Threat of Drug-Resistant TB 17:35 Government Investment in Healthcare 19:01 Mental Health Crisis Among Youth 19:41 Impact of USAID Funding Cuts 20:57 Soft Power and International Relations 22:37 South Africa's Self-Reliance 26:43 Addressing Racism and Emigration 32:42 Parting Thoughts and Optimism  

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week...With over 17 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and the Sunday 7 won a Gold Award as “Best Conversation Starter” in the International Signal Podcast Awards If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Guests Niamh Shaw - Irish Scientist and STEM Communicator Tim Peake - Former ESA Astronaut Meganne Christian - The UK Space AgencyWill Guyatt - The Smart 7's Tech Guru Jo Maher - Pro-Vice Chancellor for Sport at LoughboroughStephanie Peacock - Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and YouthDr Kate Tryon - Vitality's Commercial Director Dr Emma O'Donnell - Senior Physiology Lecturer at Loughborough Kemi Badenoch - Leader of the Conservative Party Andrew Bowie - Tory Shadow Energy Secretary Sir Keir Starmer - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Green - YouTuber and Author of “Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of our Deadliest Infection”Ian Russell - Online Safety Campaigner and Founder of the Molly Rose FoundationSuzanne Carter - Ofcom's Enforcement DirectorDP Wickremasinghe - Sri Lanka's Secretary of Agriculture Dr Wolfgang Dittus - The Smithsonian Primate Centre Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Presented by Jamie East, written by Liam Thompson and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Graeme Raubenheimer, in for CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King, is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Reylynne Dela Paz, Civicus Advocacy and Campaigns Lead. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when the government turns the law into a weapon? In these first few months of the second Trump administration human rights advocates, legal scholars, and university leaders are warning of a political landscape where funding is slashed, free speech is chilled, and legal institutions are bent to serve those in power. From defunding human rights initiatives to threatening universities and using the justice system for political retribution, many say the future of democracy is on the line.In this episode, we explore the growing fear—and defiance—among those on the frontlines. Can universities withstand political pressure? Will the rule of law hold against efforts to consolidate power? What does the future of human rights look like in this new environment, and can it adapt, change and survive?

LISTEN!!!

Send us a textWe talk a lot about civil society and the importance of local, communal networks which hold us up when we're down and inspire us to be good, striving members of society. But what does that actually look like? How do civil institutions get build, and what does it take?  Today, I'm excited to welcome Rachel Ferguson to the podcast. She is the director of the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University in Chicago and an affiliate scholar at the Acton Institute. She is the president of the board at Love the Lou, a neighborhood stabilization project which we are talking about today.  Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about why civil society matters, how it is built, what threatens it, and what the implications of civil society (or the lack thereof) are on the ground. How do institutions we speak of conceptually actually change people's lives, in real and concrete ways? Tune in to find out. Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

In this episode, Adam and Nina kick off with the latest headlines, including Ukraine's ceasefire deal in exchange for renewed US military and intelligence aid, plus a NATO military chiefs' meeting in Paris. They also break down what's happening in Romania, the online clash between Poland's Foreign Minister and Elon Musk, and wrap up with updates from Azerbaijan. Later, Alexandra and Nina chat with Zuzana Pavlíčková, a human rights lawyer and Fulbright Scholar under the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the American University Washington College of Law. Zuzana dives into the crucial role civil society has played in the region—and why governments see it as a threat today. They take a step back to unpack what civil society actually is before getting into foreign agent laws and why they're so controversial. In the bonus content, Zuzana takes a closer look at foreign agent laws in Bulgaria, Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, and Russia—exploring what they have in common and where they differ. Listen to our bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-214-124276657

Filip Vagač was a student leader during the Velvet revolution, since then has been a part of different NGOs in Slovakia. At the start of the century, he was working at the Slovak embassy in the USA when Slovakia was attempting to join NATO. Recently he was the Plenipotentiary SR for the development of civil society. Currently he is the program director of the Platform for Democracy. He sat down with Ben Pascoe to discuss the current state of civil society in Slovakia and to look back at the important role civil society has played in Slovak society.

The House Un-American Activities Committee marks a dark chapter for Congress. In targeting some advocacy groups for scrutiny, is HUAC making a comeback? Patrick Eddington comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Mets lost, a minor league catcher looked good, the ABS system fixed many calls, and we had some good beer. We also open the NLT Mailbag!

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Ivan Vendrov for a deep and thought-provoking conversation covering AI, intelligence, societal shifts, and the future of human-machine interaction. They explore the "bitter lesson" of AI—that scale and compute ultimately win—while discussing whether progress is stalling and what bottlenecks remain. The conversation expands into technology's impact on democracy, the centralization of power, the shifting role of the state, and even the mythology needed to make sense of our accelerating world. You can find more of Ivan's work at nothinghuman.substack.com or follow him on Twitter at @IvanVendrov.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Setting00:21 The Bitter Lesson in AI02:03 Challenges in AI Data and Infrastructure04:03 The Role of User Experience in AI Adoption08:47 Evaluating Intelligence and Divergent Thinking10:09 The Future of AI and Society18:01 The Role of Big Tech in AI Development24:59 Humanism and the Future of Intelligence29:27 Exploring Kafka and Tolkien's Relevance29:50 Tolkien's Insights on Machine Intelligence30:06 Samuel Butler and Machine Sovereignty31:03 Historical Fascism and Machine Intelligence31:44 The Future of AI and Biotech32:56 Voice as the Ultimate Human-Computer Interface36:39 Social Interfaces and Language Models39:53 Javier Malay and Political Shifts in Argentina50:16 The State of Society in the U.S.52:10 Concluding Thoughts on Future ProspectsKey InsightsThe Bitter Lesson Still Holds, but AI Faces Bottlenecks – Ivan Vendrov reinforces Rich Sutton's "bitter lesson" that AI progress is primarily driven by scaling compute and data rather than human-designed structures. While this principle still applies, AI progress has slowed due to bottlenecks in high-quality language data and GPU availability. This suggests that while AI remains on an exponential trajectory, the next major leaps may come from new forms of data, such as video and images, or advancements in hardware infrastructure.The Future of AI Is Centralization and Fragmentation at the Same Time – The conversation highlights how AI development is pulling in two opposing directions. On one hand, large-scale AI models require immense computational resources and vast amounts of data, leading to greater centralization in the hands of Big Tech and governments. On the other hand, open-source AI, encryption, and decentralized computing are creating new opportunities for individuals and small communities to harness AI for their own purposes. The long-term outcome is likely to be a complex blend of both centralized and decentralized AI ecosystems.User Interfaces Are a Major Limiting Factor for AI Adoption – Despite the power of AI models like GPT-4, their real-world impact is constrained by poor user experience and integration. Vendrov suggests that AI has created a "UX overhang," where the intelligence exists but is not yet effectively integrated into daily workflows. Historically, technological revolutions take time to diffuse, as seen with the dot-com boom, and the current AI moment may be similar—where the intelligence exists but society has yet to adapt to using it effectively.Machine Intelligence Will Radically Reshape Cities and Social Structures – Vendrov speculates that the future will see the rise of highly concentrated AI-powered hubs—akin to "mile by mile by mile" cubes of data centers—where the majority of economic activity and decision-making takes place. This could create a stark divide between AI-driven cities and rural or off-grid communities that choose to opt out. He draws a parallel to Robin Hanson's Age of Em and suggests that those who best serve AI systems will hold power, while others may be marginalized or reduced to mere spectators in an AI-driven world.The Enlightenment's Individualism Is Being Challenged by AI and Collective Intelligence – The discussion touches on how Western civilization's emphasis on the individual may no longer align with the realities of intelligence and decision-making in an AI-driven era. Vendrov argues that intelligence is inherently collective—what matters is not individual brilliance but the ability to recognize and leverage diverse perspectives. This contradicts the traditional idea of intelligence as a singular, personal trait and suggests a need for new frameworks that incorporate AI into human networks in more effective ways.Javier Milei's Libertarian Populism Reflects a Global Trend Toward Radical Experimentation – The rise of Argentina's President Javier Milei exemplifies how economic desperation can drive societies toward bold, unconventional leaders. Vendrov and Alsop discuss how Milei's appeal comes not just from his radical libertarianism but also from his blunt honesty and willingness to challenge entrenched power structures. His movement, however, raises deeper questions about whether libertarianism alone can provide a stable social foundation, or if voluntary cooperation and civil society must be explicitly cultivated to prevent libertarian ideals from collapsing into chaos.AI, Mythology, and the Need for New Narratives – The conversation closes with a reflection on the power of mythology in shaping human understanding of technological change. Vendrov suggests that as AI reshapes the world, new myths will be needed to make sense of it—perhaps similar to Tolkien's elves fading as the age of men begins. He sees AI as part of an inevitable progression, where human intelligence gives way to something greater, but argues that this transition must be handled with care. The stories we tell about AI will shape whether we resist, collaborate, or simply fade into irrelevance in the face of machine intelligence.

Glenn Diesen's Book: The Think Tank Racket: Managing the Information War with RussiaConversations on Groong - February 17, 2025TopicsThink Tanks: Defining the ProblemMedia Manipulation, NGOs, and Colored CoupsReforming the Think Tank IndustryGuestGlenn DiesenHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 415 | Recorded: February 6, 2025Video: https://youtu.be/CAd1N-UAegEGet the book: https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-think-tank-racket-managing-the-information-war-with-russia/Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

The Estrangement of Georgia and the WestConversations on Groong - February 10, 2025TopicsEffects of the Cutoff of USAIDGeorgia and the EUGeorgian and the South CaucasusGuestArchil SikharulidzeHostsHovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 412 | Recorded: February 9, 2025Subscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong

A draft declaration of the Paris AI Action Summit has raised concerns for The Future Society, a nonprofit tasked by organisers to provide recommendations for protecting civil society from the risks of artificial intelligence.

Introduction: Caleb O. BrownPatrick Eddington, Mike Fox, and Brent Skorup on surveillance and criminal justiceRomina Boccia and Adam Michel on how Congress can help the DOGE be successfulRyan Tracy, Norbert Michel and Jennifer J. Schulp on what to expect from the Trump administration's impact on financial marketsJennifer Huddleston and Rep. Jay Obernolte on AI policy and its futureExclusive: Tom Palmer on his Free Society article, “Civil Society or Political Society?” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a text Today, I am excited to host Anna Claire Flowers to discuss F. A. Hayek and the mesocosmos. The mesocosmos is a fancy way to describe all the social groupings on the spectrum between the extremes of individualism and society. Think families, neighborhoods, farmers markets, firms, and universities. We talk about the importance of characterizing this missing middle piece of social organization and how it can resolve issues than a single individual or government can. She characterizes some of the important aspects of these associations for us. We talk about the family's role in particular, and what benefits it brings to individuals and society. Anna Claire Flowers is pursuing a PhD in Economics from George Mason University. She is a PhD Fellow with the Mercatus Center and a Graduate Fellow with the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics for 2024-2025. Want to explore more?Bruce Caldwell on Hayek: A Life, a Great Antidote podcast.Amy Willis, Could Too Much Division of Labor be Bad? at Speaking of Smith.Dan Klein on Hayek and the Band Man, a Great Antidote podcast.Viviana Zelizer on Money and Intimacy, an EconTalk podcast. Profile in Liberty, Friedrich A. Hayek, at Econlib.Never miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Israel and Hamas reach a cease-fire deal aimed at exchanging hostages and prisoners while seeking a longer-term pause in fighting; the incoming Donald Trump administration weighs ambitious moves on immigration; Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin sign off on a twenty-year partnership agreement; and students in Serbia protest violations of civil rights.   Mentioned on the Podcast   Antony Blinken, “U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the Biden Record in the Middle East—and What Comes Next,” Atlantic Council   Steven A. Cook, Elliott Abrams, and Elise Labott, “Virtual Media Briefing: The Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal,” CFR.org   “Serbia: ‘A Digital Prison': Surveillance and the Suppression of Civil Society in Serbia,” Amnesty International For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The World Next Week at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/twnw/israel-hamas-cease-fire-trumps-first-immigration-moves-russia-iran-new-partnership

A cultural shift seems to be underway, at least within the United States, that is potentially making society more open—perhaps even more positively disposed—to the wisdom of the Catholic social thought tradition. If there is an opportunity for Catholic teachings to have more cultural and political traction now, how should the Church take advantage of it? What counsel can the Church give on complex policy issues like education, immigration, the economy, and foreign policy? Today we discuss the Catholic understanding of the common good and how it is especially relevant in this moment. A listener asks, what is the kingdom of God? 00:00 | Intro 01:41 | Bishop Barron visits a mentor 02:52 | Religion: public or private? 06:56 | Assessing recent shifts in culture 08:09 | Common good vs. utilitarianism 10:49 | Dignity vs. autonomy 14:35 | Common good vs. social justice 18:37 | Common good vs. generic conservatism 21:25 | Nonnegotiable moral principles vs. variable prudential judgments 24:27 | Common good and education 28:23 | Common good and the economy 30:30 | Common good and immigration 33:38 | Common good and foreign policy 35:38 | Listener question: What is the kingdom of God? 37:38 | Join the Word on Fire Institute Links: Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.