Tag Archives: Politics and Activism

First, is humanity the most damaging predator on earth? Our guests say yes, and that its predatory practices may be disrupting evolution.[ dur: 23 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Chris Darimont, is a Professor at the Department of Geography at University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. He has a PhD in Evolution and Ecology from the Biology Department at the University of Victoria.
Dr. Tom Reimchen, is a Professor at the Department of Geography at University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. Canada. Please visit the Evolutionary Studies Lab at University of Victoria, Victoria BC, Canada where you will find additional studies on this subject.
Heather Bryan, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Applied Conservation Science lab exploring the physiological mechanisms by which wildlife responds to environmental change at University of Victoria BC, Canada.

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, many observers argue, that the economic forces are corrupting medical care and eroding the trust between patients and their doctors. The problems in health care delivery have wide implications related to how health care should function particularly when there are limited resources. We examine the ethics of medicine and healthcare, and the modern day issues that complicate them. [ dur: 37 mins. ]

Thomas Pogge is the Director of the Global Justice Program and Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs at Yale University and King’s College. His books include World Poverty and Human Rights, Freedom from Poverty: Who Owes What to the Very Poor? and World Poverty and Human Rights: Cosmopolitan Responsibilities and Reforms.
Martin Wilkinson is Professor of Political Studies and Deputy Head of Department of Politics & International Relns at the University of Auckland. His books include Freedom, Efficiency and Equality and Ethics and the Acquisition of Organs.
Richard Cookson is a Reader and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York. His books include The Humble Economist: Tony Culyer on Health, Health Care and Social Decision Making and Jonathan Bradshaw on Social Policy: Selected Writings 1972-2011.

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Scholars’ Circle – Ritual Human Sacrifice Sets Social Hierarchy -/- Politics of Emotions – August 14, 2016

August 13, 2016 host

First, a new study suggests that ritual human sacrifice played a critical role in creating and maintaining social hierarchy.[ dur: 28 mins. ]

Quentin Atkinson is Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is the co-author of the study Ritual human sacrifice promoted and sustained the evolution of stratified societies, Nature (2016).

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, we look at the politics of emotions. How do emotions drive outcomes like ethnic violence, wars and genocide? What roles to fear, anger, resentment and entitlement play in conflict?[ dur: 30 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Roger Petersen is a Professor of Political Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is the author of “Resistance and Rebellion: Lessons from Eastern Europe“, “Understanding Ethnic Violence: Fear, Hatred, Resentment in Twentieth Century Eastern Europe“, and “Western Intervention in the Balkans: The Strategic Use of Emotion in Conflict“.
David Altheide is Emeritus Regents’ Professor in the School of Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University. He is the author of “Terrorism and the Politics of Fear“, “Creating Fear: News and the Construction of Crisis“, and “An Ecology of Communication: Cultural Formats of Control.”
Jeff Birkenstein is an Associate Professor in, and chair of, the Department of English at Saint Martin’s University. He is the author of “Reframing 9/11: Film, Popular Culture and the War on Terror“.

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Scholars’ Circle – National Psychology in Age of Excess -/- Treatment of Misdeeds among Leaders in our Society – August 7, 2016

August 6, 2016 host

America has entered an age of excess, according to our guest. Driven by a maddening quest for perfection, technology, deregulation, and a superficial and often inaccurate mass media, our national psychology has become narcissistic. That is leading to a culture of cheating, lying, and reckless behavior that crashed the economy and continues to wreck lives and the national fabric. We examine our national psychology with J.R. Slosar author of, “Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success.” [ dur: 18 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Dr. Jay Slosar (JR Slosar) is a lecturer at Chapman Univeristy. He is the author of “Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success.“

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, why some misdeeds become scandals and others don’t? Why is it that the same type of transgressions are treated differently at different times, and might this differential treatment affect our politics, policies and society? [ dur: 41 mins. ]

Robert Entman is Professor of Media and Public Affairs and Professor of International Affairs at George Washington University and the author of Scandal & Silence: Media Responses to Presidential Misconduct, Projections of Power: Framing News, Public Opinion and US Foreign Policy, and The Black Image in the White Mind: Media and Race in America.
Brendan Nyhan is Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and co-author of All the President’s Spin: George W. Bush, the Media, and the Truth.
Sigurd Allern is a Professor at the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Oslo. He is the author of Scandalous!: The Mediated Construction of Political Scandals in Four Nordic Countries.

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Scholars’ Circle – What is media Freedom -/- Dictator’s handbook – July 31, 2016

July 30, 2016 host

First, we look at media freedom and its effects. What is media freedom? How do you know when it’s there? We speak with Jenifer Whitten-Woodring and Douglas A. Van Belle co-authors of “Historical Guide to World Media Freedom“. [ dur: 28 mins. ]

Jennifer Whitten-Woodring is a Professor of Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
Douglas A. Van Belle is a Senior Lecturer in the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.

Followed by what do dictators, CEOs, and political leaders have in common? We’ll explore some of their strategies for getting and keeping power with Alastair Smith, coauthor of, “The Dictator’s Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good Politics.” [ dur: 30 mins. ]

Alastair Smith, Professor of Politics, NYU. He has also co-authored the book “The Logic of Political Survival“.

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Scholars’ Circle – What will decide the US election? – July 24, 2016

July 24, 2016 host

First, a look behind the presidential campaign events with one of the top advance men. How do Advance people shape what we see in mass media? Steven Jacques, author of Advance Man. [ dur: 19 mins. ]

Steven Jacques is author and former Advance team leader for the White House and presidential campaigns. He is the author of Advance Man.

Then, what might be the factors that determine our next president? We’re joined by three experts of political science. [ dur: 40 mins. ]

Henry Brady is Professor of Political Science and Dean of Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Counting All the Votes: The Performance of Voting Technology in the United States, Letting the People Decide: Dynamics of a Canadian Election, Expensive Children in Poor Families: The Intersection of Childhood Disability and Welfare, and co-author of Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics
Jan Leighley is Professor in the Department of Government at American University. She is the author of Strength in Numbers? The Political Mobilization of Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Mass Media and Politics: A Social Science Perspective, and co-author of Who Votes Now? Demographics, Issues, Inequality and Turnout in the United States
Ricardo Ramírez is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Mobilizing Opportunities: The Evolving Latino Electorate and the Future of American Politics, and co-editor of Transforming Politics, Transforming America: The Political and Civic Incorporation of Immigrants in the United States.

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Scholars’ Circle – Ramparts Magazine -/- Crisis in Law Enforcement – July 10, 2016

July 10, 2016 host

First, the media’s role in political change. Richardson discusses his book A Bomb in Every Issue: How the Short, Unruly life of Ramparts Magazine changed America. Scheer, founder of Truthdig, contributes his thoughts as a former journalist at Ramparts.[ dur: 18 mins. ]

Peter Richardson was the publisher of Ramparts Magazine.
Robert Scheer was the editor at Ramparts Magazine.

Then, in light of the crisis in law enforcement, particularly in the black community, we are rebroadcasting at look at the deep structural and cultural disparities that laid the groundwork for the events in Ferguson. [ dur: 40 mins. ]

Clarissa Rile Hayward is Professor of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the author of How Americans Make Race: Stories, Institutions, Spaces.
Delores Jones-Brown is Professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice at City University of New York. She is the author of Race, Crime and Punishment.
Garrett Albert Duncan is Associate Professor of Education in Arts & Sciences. He also teaches African & African American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. His publications are listed here.

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Scholars’ Circle- Guns and the US Constitution – June 19, 2016

June 18, 2016 host

With the latest and most lethal shooting in America, we spend the hour analyzing how the second amendment came to be interpreted as a individuals’ right to bear arms, and how this change contrasts with other changes in constitutional interpretation, including the right for marriage equality and human rights protection. With speak with David Cole. His latest book is “Engines of Liberty: The Power of Citizen Activists to Make Constitutional Law“. [ dur: 58 mins. ]

David Cole is Professor of Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University Law Center. He is an award winning author. His numerous publications include, The Torture Memos: Rationalizing the Unthinkable, Enemy Aliens: Double Standard and Constitutional Freedoms in the War on Terrorism, and his latest, Engines of Liberty: The Power of Citizen Activists to Make Constitutional Law.

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Scholars’ Circle- Renewable Revolution in South Korea -/- American Congress influenced by Wealthy – June 12, 2016

June 11, 2016 host

What technological changes are needed to power the renewable revolution? [ dur: 26 mins. ]

Sung-Young Kim is a Lecturer at the University of Auckland with a specialty in political economy. His publications include “Developmental Environmentalism: Explaining South Korea’s Ambitious Pursuit of Green Growth” and “South Korea Doubles Down on Green Growth.“

Then, we know that the wealthy have more influence than other Americans. But just how unrepresentative is the american congress and the state legislature? [ dur: 32 mins. ]

Thomas Hayes is Professor of Political Science at the University of Connecticut. He is the author of the publications, “Do Citizens Link Attitudes with Preferences? Economic Inequality and Government Spending in the New Gilded Age” and “Responsiveness in an Era of Inequality: The Case of the U.S. Senate.”
Martin Gilens is Professor of Politics at Princeton University. He is the author of Affluence and Influence: Economic Inequality and Political Power in America.
Patrick Flavin is Professor of Political Science at Baylor University. He is the author of the publications, “Campaign Finance Laws, Policy Outcome, and Political Equality in the American States,” and “State Party Competition and Citizen’s Political Engagement.”

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Scholars’ Circle- Reasons for unethical Foreign Policies -/- Earth Climate 2047 -/- Wars not in human nature – June 5, 2016

June 4, 2016 host

What drives destructive or unethical foreign policies? Some point to pathological beliefs and pursuits of exceptionalism, honor and glory. Others point to systemic flaws. What are the consequences? [ dur: 14 mins. ]

Christopher Fettweis is a Professor of Political Science at Tulane University. He is the author of The Pathologies of Power: Fear, Honor, Glory and Hubris in U.S. Foreign Policy, Dangerous Times? The International Politics of Great Power Peace and Losing Hurts Twice as Bad: The Four Stages to Moving Beyond Iraq.

Then, Professor Mora and his colleagues have calculated how climate change will affect our temperatures around the year 2047. In the future, they found, our coldest year will be warmer than the past hottest years. The changes, which will first occur in the tropics, are already driving some 25,000 species to extinction each year. [ dur: 15 mins. ]

Camilo Mora, Associates Professor of Geography at University of Hawaii, Minoa; News Release on the article

Finally, our panel argues that warring is a relatively new phenomenon in human societies and that human beings are not warlike by nature. [ dur: 28 mins. ]

Douglas P. Fry, is Director of Peace, Mediation & Conflict Research at Abo Akademi University, Finland. He is author of Beyond War : The Human Potential for Peace.
Darcia Narvaez, is Professor of Psychology at University of Minnesota. Co-author of Evolution, Early Experience and Human Development: From Research to Practice and Policy.
Brian Ferguson, is Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University. Co-author of War in the Tribal Zone: Expanding States and Indigenous Warfare.

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Scholars’ Circle- Daniel Patrick Moynihan Letters -/- Guantanamo Prison Update – May 29, 2016

May 29, 2016 host

First, we speak with Steven Weisman, editor of the book “Daniel Patrick Moynihan: A Portrait in Letters of an American Visionary” which weaves compelling read of carefully selected from a 10,000 page collection of Senator Moynahan’s correspondence, housed at the Library of Congress. [ dur: 18 mins. ]

Steven Weisman is a vice president for publications and communications at Peterson Institute for International Economics and formerly served as chief international economics correspondent of the New York Times. He is the editor of the book Daniel Patrick Moynihan: A Portrait in Letters of an American Visionary.

Then, who remains in Guantanamo detention center and why? We’ll discuss the history, the intents to close Guantanamo, and what it has meant for the United States, for international law and for the prisoners themselves. [ dur: 40 mins. ]

David Glazier is Professor of Law and fellow at Loyola Law School. Author of article: Playing by the rules: combating al Qaeda within the law of war, Destined for an Epic Fail: The Problematic Guantanamo Military Commissions and The Misuse of History: Conspiracy, and the Guantanamo Military Commission.
Jonathan Hafetz is Professor of Law at Seton Hall University. Author of Habeas Corpus after 9/11: Confronting America’s New Global Detention System and co-author of The Guantánamo Lawyers: Inside a Prison Outside the Law.
an Honisgberg is Professor of Law at the University of San Francisco, School of Law. He is the founder and director of the Witness to Guantanamo project. Co-author of Our Nation Unhinged: The Human Consequences of the War on Terror and author of Crossing Border Street: A Civil Rights Memoir.

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Tag Archives: Politics and Activism

Scholars’ Circle – Humans Disrupting Evolution -/- Ethics in Health Care – August 21, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – National Psychology in Age of Excess -/- Treatment of Misdeeds among Leaders in our Society – August 7, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – What is media Freedom -/- Dictator’s handbook – July 31, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – What will decide the US election? – July 24, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – Ramparts Magazine -/- Crisis in Law Enforcement – July 10, 2016

Scholars’ Circle- Guns and the US Constitution – June 19, 2016

Scholars’ Circle- Renewable Revolution in South Korea -/- American Congress influenced by Wealthy – June 12, 2016

Scholars’ Circle- Reasons for unethical Foreign Policies -/- Earth Climate 2047 -/- Wars not in human nature – June 5, 2016

Scholars’ Circle- Daniel Patrick Moynihan Letters -/- Guantanamo Prison Update – May 29, 2016

By Maria Armoudian