Season 2, Episode 9 Staff Season 2, Episode 9 Staff

The Wild Web

In the mid-1990s, the U.S. Congress moved to regulate internet content and gave tech companies wide latitude, setting the stage for a Wild West of data flow — along with abuses of privacy. UVA law professor Danielle Citron says it’s time to rein in cyberspace.

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Season 2, Episode 8 Staff Season 2, Episode 8 Staff

People Power

Nonviolent protests have taken down dictators and protected civil rights. But very often they fail instead. Renowned Serbian activist Srdja Popovic outlines the key characteristics of successful movements.

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Season 2, Episode 7 Staff Season 2, Episode 7 Staff

Growing Pains

Degrowth. In classical economic circles the idea is heretical. For economic anthropologist Jason Hickel, dialing down production in rich countries — and canceling debt for poor countries — is the only path to real democracy and, by the way, saving the planet.

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Season 2, Episode 6 Staff Season 2, Episode 6 Staff

Census Division

If people aren’t counted in a representative democracy, it’s as if they don’t exist. And for politicians or parties banking on minority rule, that’s just fine. Until they meet Dale Ho — who defends citizens’ voting rights for the American Civil Liberties Union.

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Season 2, Episode 5 Staff Season 2, Episode 5 Staff

Hard Lessons

Last summer, young people were at the forefront of demonstrations for racial justice in America. In many ways, they were modeling democratic values for their educators. But can their teachers learn from them? UVA president Jim Ryan offers some insight on this and other tough questions.

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Season 2, Episode 4 Staff Season 2, Episode 4 Staff

Threadbare Country

In a tattered corner of rural Kentucky, Eduardo Porter came upon a puzzle. The New York Times journalist saw that while Harlan County was benefiting more than most places from federal tax dollars, its overwhelmingly white residents distrusted the government and feared minorities. Why?

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Season 2, Episode 3 Staff Season 2, Episode 3 Staff

The Bane of Brazil

Denying ecological devastation in the Amazon, ridiculing opponents, and playing down the coronavirus pandemic are all part of the Bolsonaro toolkit. Sound familiar? Media studies scholar David Nemer takes us on a haunting tour of his native country’s political landscape.

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Season 2, Episode 1 Staff Season 2, Episode 1 Staff

Cults of Personality

Remember Silvio Berlusconi? Sex scandals, shady deals and a cult-like following marked the Italian prime minister’s time in office. NYU historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat breaks down a political playbook with a long history and continued appeal.

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