The Future of Our Former Democracy

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.

In this bonus episode, listeners can hear the full presentation and poetry reading from Irish poet, conflict mediator, and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama, which was excerpted throughout season 1 of The Future of Our Former Democracy. Before jumping in, Colin and George offer a quick reflection on the results of last week’s U.S. presidential election and compare the rise of far-right movements in the U.S. to similar trends in Western Europe, focusing on the electoral dynamics in France, the UK, and Germany. 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/

In this bonus episode, George sits down with Claire Hanna, Member of Parliament from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) representing Belfast South and Mid Down. Claire shares insights into her journey as an activist and politician, her family's history with the SDLP, and her experiences running in different electoral systems. She delves into the complexities of Northern Ireland's political landscape, the intricacies of the Good Friday Agreement, and the impact of power-sharing mechanisms. Claire also reflects on the changing role of women in politics, the challenges of campaigning, and offers her perspective on the state of democracy in the US.   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/

This bonus episode we’re sharing a panel discussion between Councilor Hazel Chu from the Dublin City Council and former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Councilor Yemi Adenuga from the Meath County Council, and moderated by Liliana Fernandez from the National Women's Council. Both are women of color who have made significant strides in Irish politics. The discussion covers their historic campaigns, personal stories, challenges faced, and the importance of representation in politics. They also delve into election strategies, voter education, and the impact of the Single Transferable Vote system. Their journeys highlight resilience, authenticity, and the drive to create an inclusive political landscape.   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/

In this bonus episode of 'The Future of Our Former Democracy,' we’re sharing our extended conversation with poet, theologian, and conflict mediator, Pádraig Ó Tuama.     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/

After the end of World War II, Germany adopted a new electoral system designed to prevent a faction like the Nazis from taking over government ever again. In our new season, we compare how far-right movements operate in modern-day Germany and the United States to explore hard-learned lessons from German political history and what they might mean for democracy in the U.S..

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/

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/

George and Colin turn their attention to the US – because believe it or not, parts of the US once used proportional representation! They explore the history and impact of ranked choice voting (RCV) in New York City and its broader implications for electoral reform in the United States and Ireland. After highlighting NYC's adoption of RCV in 2021 and its positive outcomes, including a more diverse city council, George and Colin explore NYC's first-ever use of RCV... all the way back in 1933!      They draw parallels between electoral reforms in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, focusing on their common political landscapes and the systemic challenges faced by their respective minorities. Then for the policy nerds, they dig into gerrymandering and the manipulation of electoral systems, different versions of RCV, and underscore the ongoing potential of proportional representation. They conclude with reflections on modern efforts to revive these electoral reforms, with a case study of Portland, Oregon, and a hopeful vision for the future.    Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound   Jenny Lee, Coalition of Communities of Color    Episode photo gallery  Music and archival  Transcript  Article - Back to the future: What New York’s democracy experiment of the 1930s says about today    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/

George and Colin get into The Troubles - Northern Ireland's turbulent period from the late 1960s to 1998. They discuss the social, political, and sectarian divisions that sparked the Troubles, featuring key events such as Northern Ireland’s civil rights movement, Bloody Sunday, the Abercorn bombing and the killing of three Scottish fusiliers. The narrative explores both the historical and contemporary impacts of segregation and violence in Belfast, the evolution of the IRA, and the contentious policies of internment, British military intervention and direct rule by Westminster during this time. We hear from people who experienced the conflict firsthand, and underscore the importance of the early and bold attempt at power sharing, (the Sunningdale Agreement) in arriving at a historic peace accord years later (the 1998 Agreement) an important step towards lasting peace through power-sharing. The narrative underscores the ongoing struggle for power-sharing and the implications of different electoral systems in conflict resolution.    Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast   Paul Donnelly, Dead Center 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  Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound    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/

In our final episode of the season, George and Colin explore the historic and ongoing dynamics of Northern Ireland's peace process, focusing on the transformative impact of the 1998 Agreement. They discuss the establishment of new power-sharing structures and the adoption of proportional representation. More importantly, they discuss how these structural changes to Northern Ireland’s democracy largely brought an end to 30 years of violent, sectarian, political conflict in the region.  The story of the 1998 Agreement gives Americans permission to hope again for our democracy. If Northern Ireland has taught us anything, it’s that we can—and should—reimagine a more inclusive, vibrant future of our former democracy.    Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Dominic Bryan, Queens University Belfast   Paul Donnelly, Dead Center 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  Pádraig Ó Tuama, Poetry Unbound    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/

This episode is a special postscript of 'The Future of Our Former Democracy,' focusing on a learning tour organized by More Equitable Democracy to the Republic of Ireland to observe elections in June 2024. Colin and George recount their experiences at the Royal Dublin Society, witnessing the tallying process, and the cultural importance of elections in Ireland. The episode features interviews with Irish citizens including election volunteers, taxi drivers, and elected officials, providing diverse perspectives on the Republic of Ireland's democracy.    Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Yemi Adenuga  Hazel Chu  Teresa Buczkowska  Northern Ireland Youth Forum     Episode photo gallery  Music and archival  Transcript    Video: Ballot Sorting Process in Ireland    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/

While the United States slips deeper into authoritarianism, Heather Villanueva and Colin Cole from More Equitable Democracy explore how Germany redesigned their elections after World War II to prevent another fascist takeover. As we prepare to rise to our own challenge, how can the U.S. learn from the mistakes and course-corrections of another nation that's been where we are now? Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Nicola Hieke, Landeskoordinierungstelle Bayern gegen Rechtsextremismus (Bavaria State Coordination Office Against Right-Wing Extremism) Martin Lange, ⁠⁠Tour with a Berliner Professor Thomas Gschwend, ⁠⁠University of Mannheim Jonny Pechstein, Geschichte für Alle Brendan MacGurk, Tour Guide (to arrange a private tour, email inquiries to bmacgurk(at)web(dot)de) ⁠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/⁠

Many people know that the Nazis came to power in 1933 under Germany's democratic system, but fewer people know how they got there in the first place. In this episode, Colin and Heather explore the economic and social conditions that led to the birth of Germany's first democracy — and why it quickly came crashing to an end. Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Brendan MacGurk, Tour Guide (to arrange a private tour, email inquiries to bmacgurk(at)web(dot)de) Hermann "Bobby" Grampp, ⁠Berlin-based historian and music critic⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Martin Lange, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tour with a Berliner⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Finn Ballard, ⁠Finn Ballard Tours⁠ ⁠Nicola Hieke⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Landeskoordinierungstelle Bayern gegen Rechtsextremismus⁠⁠ (Bavaria State Coordination Office Against Right-Wing Extremism) Excerpt from the 1998 Broadway revival of "Cabaret" ⁠⁠⁠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/⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Heather and Colin walk through how Hitler and the Nazi Party executed their plan to dismantle Germany democracy and, often under-examined, how German democracy was rebuilt after World War II. Most importantly, they explore electoral system design decisions made to prevent a party like the Nazis from ever coming to power again, including the 5% threshold and the so-called "firewall against the far-right" — in German, "die Brandmauer." Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Timothy Ryback, The Atlantic ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Martin Lange, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tour with a Berliner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Jonny Pechstein⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Geschichte für Alle⁠ Dr. Berit Ebert, Bard College Berlin ⁠⁠Professor Thomas Gschwend⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Mannheim⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Nicola Hieke⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Landeskoordinierungstelle Bayern gegen Rechtsextremismus⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Bavaria State Coordination Office Against Right-Wing Extremism) Brendan MacGurk, Tour Guide (to arrange a private tour, email inquiries to bmacgurk(at)web(dot)de) Professor Doctor Magnus Brechtken, ⁠Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History⁠ By Timothy Ryback: The Atlantic: ⁠How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy in 53 Days⁠ The Atlantic: ⁠The Oligarchs Who Came to Regret Supporting Hitler⁠ Timothy's forthcoming book: 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy, The Atlantic Monthly Press, publishing September 2026. ⁠⁠⁠⁠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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

In Germany, as in the United States and much of Europe, there has been a rising surge of support for far-right populism and anti-democratic forces. This is exemplified in the growth of the far-right political party "Alternative for Germany" (AFD). In this episode, Heather and Colin compare still-simmering political tensions between former East and West Germany with those between red and blue states in the US — and examine why German democracy has, so far, proven more resilient to authoritarianism than US democracy. Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   Martin Lange, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tour with a Berliner⁠⁠ ⁠Dr. Berit Ebert⁠, Bard College Berlin Alec MacGillis, ProPublica Nicola Hieke⁠, ⁠Landeskoordinierungstelle Bayern gegen Rechtsextremismus⁠ (Bavaria State Coordination Office Against Right-Wing Extremism) ⁠Professor Thomas Gschwend⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Mannheim⁠ German Democratic Republic borders, 1949-1990 Map of German federal election results, 2025 The New Yorker: The Complicated Rise of the Right in Germany’s Left-Behind Places by Alec MacGillis ⁠⁠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/⁠⁠

While Germany makes a continuous effort to grapple with their past and practice remembrance of historic atrocities, there are still significant tensions today about German identity: what a German sounds like, what a German looks like, and what it means to be German. Heather and Colin take a focused look at how identity shows up in the context of modern Germany's government. For immigrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities, how does the German system fare when it comes to a sense of belonging in society and representation in government? Is the grass any greener than in the US? Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   - Khuê Phạm, Author and Journalist - Hesham Moadamani, Bard College Berlin - Haşim Anık, Tour Guide - Dr. Yaşar Aydın, German Institute for International and Security Affairs and Center for Applied Turkey Studies USA Today: Does my country want me? Germany's historic far-right election gain worries me by Khuê Phạm Study on "Heritage Cultural Identity" in Germany: Understanding Ethnic-Racial Identity in a Context Where “Race” Is Taboo ⁠⁠⁠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/⁠⁠⁠

Throughout this season, we've heard excerpts from interviews and presentations that were part of a February 2025 learning tour organized by More Equitable Democracy. This tour brought US academics, racial justice advocates, and political reformers to Germany to see proportional representation in action during their national elections. In our season 2 finale, some of the learning tour's participants share their reflections—not just about what they learned in Germany, but about what they intend to bring back home to their work in the US. Then, we visit Portland, Oregon, which in 2024 became the first major US city since the 1950s to use a system of proportional representation. We'll hear from community organizers, elections administrators, journalists, and candidates (both successful and less so) who ran under Portland's new system. Does Portland represent the future of our former democracy? Special thanks to the experts featured in this episode:   ⁠⁠Dr. Berit Ebert⁠⁠, Bard College Berlin Deb Otis, FairVote Professor Kevin Deegan-Krause, Voters Not Politicians LaShanda Jackson, Philanthropic Advisor Neal Ubriani, Institute for Responsive Government Professor Spencer Overton, Multiracial Democracy Project Shane Dixon Kavanaugh⁠, The Oregonian Leah Benson, Multnomah County Elections Division Andrés Oswill, Oregon Futures Lab Sameer Kanal, Portland City Councilmember Tiffany Koyama Lane, Portland City Councilmember Steph Routh, 2024 Candidate for Portland City Council Hermann "Bobby" Grampp, ⁠⁠Berlin-based historian and music critic⁠ Nicola Hieke⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Landeskoordinierungstelle Bayern gegen Rechtsextremismus⁠⁠ (Bavaria State Coordination Office Against Right-Wing Extremism) Professor Doctor Magnus Brechtken⁠, ⁠⁠Leibniz Institute for Contemporary History⁠ Referenced works: The Oregonian: "Portland’s ranked-choice debut sees voter engagement crater" Portland Mercury: "Portland’s Ranked Choice Voting Was a Success (Despite What the Oregonian Claims)" More Equitable Democracy: ⁠2025 Portland Learning Symposium ⁠⁠⁠"Lift Every Voice" Data and Democracy Lab: Study of the 2024 STV City Council Election in Portland, Oregon Salon: "⁠Sorry, haters: Ranked-choice voting produced the most diverse city council in NYC history⁠" Additional links: Oregon Public Broadcasting: "In East Portland, a light post offers hope for a change in City Hall representation" Rose City Reform: "Diversity By Design - An analysis of Portland City Council’s 2025 voting record" ⁠⁠⁠⁠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/⁠⁠⁠⁠