Ben Ansell

Ben Ansell, a political scientist at Nuffield College, delves into the intriguing concepts of FAFO and its counterpart FADFO, dissecting how reckless policies often go unpunished—think Brexit and defunding police. He argues that liberal democracies create buffers that delay consequences, which populists exploit. The discussion also critiques the value of Western education for global leadership and questions the cultural impact of admitting international students from China into American universities.

Ben Ansell, a political columnist and professor at Oxford, joins the discussion on the rising tide of populism as Labour faces a polling slump. He delves into what defines a populist politician and how Labour might adapt its messaging to resonate with voters. The conversation covers potential policies Labour could adopt, the challenges of implementing wealth taxation, and who within the party might lead a populist charge. Plus, an amusing diversion about the cultural rise of saunas in the UK adds a lighthearted twist!

Ben Ansell, a Professor at Oxford, joins to explore the intriguing concept of 'FADFO'—the idea of 'fucking around and not finding out.' He explains how modern political systems allow for reckless actions without immediate consequences, illustrated by Brexit's mixed results. The conversation dives into the impact of social media on public discourse and the importance of institutional guardrails. They also discuss how major political shifts, from defund-the-police movements to populism, may lead to future FADFO moments.

Ben Ansell, a Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions at Oxford University, brings his expertise on democracy to the discussion. He explores the evolution of misinformation in elections, highlighting the dangerous role of deepfakes and AI. Ansell examines the erosion of democracy, emphasizing the connection between conspiracy theories and public distrust, particularly after January 6th. The conversation also delves into AI's implications for electoral integrity and the importance of empathy in addressing extreme beliefs, all while reflecting on the quest for truth in today's polarized landscape.

Ben Ansell, political columnist who decodes polling and party trends, and Tom Clark, on-the-ground reporter from Gorton and Denton, discuss a tense three-way contest. They describe local mood swings, tactical decisions around candidacies, and what a Labour, Greens or Reform result might signal for national politics. The conversation focuses on turnout, split votes and shifting trust in traditional parties.