Politically In/Sane

Why do political elites so often misread the public -- and why does it matter for democracy? In this episode of Politically In/Sane, Sarina Sharma-Welsh speaks with Dr. Miguel Pereira (LSE) about how politicians learn what voters want, why elite blind spots persist, and how social background, unequal political voice, and social media distort representation. The conversation explores distrust in institutions, polarization, and whether democratic accountability still works—and what it would take to rebuild it.

The episode explores political entrepreneurs like Nigel Farage, their strategies (issue entrepreneurship and anti-establishment rhetoric), and how they're disrupting traditional party systems across Europe and beyond. A conversation with Prof. Sara Hobolt.Prof. Sara Hobolt: https://bsky.app/profile/sarahobolt.bsky.social

What really happens when politicians and public servants don’t see eye to eye? In this episode, Dr. Elisa Wirsching (LSE) unpacks the hidden power struggles inside local government and the NYPD. From strategic slowdowns to blurred lines of accountability, we explore how everyday decisions—and even elections—can be shaped by the quiet clash of bureaucrats and politicians.

From New York’s mayoral race to the Dutch snap elections, we ask whether modern campaigns still persuade voters - or simply rally those already on their side. Political scientist Dr. Florian Foos joins Marc to unpack the campaign strategies and outcomes, the ongoing ideological reshuffle, and how the relationship between political elites and citizens is evolving. Together, they explore whether persuasion still happens, how it might happen, and what these changes mean for the future of democratic politics.

In this Prologue episode, we introduce the podcast and the questions we'll try to answer in the upcoming weeks.Stay tuned !