We live in a world grappling with growing inequality, political polarisation, a climate crisis and rapid technological change. From socialism and liberalism to nationalism, conservatism and fascism, political ideologies offer different explanations for what’s wrong with society and how we might fix it.
BFM discusses whether ideology is still relevant today and whether it can help us navigate the problems of the 21st Century.
In this conversation, it discusses:
Can we ever be non-ideological?
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Whether our political and economic choices are always shaped by an underlying set of beliefs and values, even when we claim to be acting pragmatically or staying out of politics. From public healthcare to private insurance, we explore how seemingly practical policy decisions reflect different ideas about how society should work.
Ideology versus pragmatism: Is it a false dichotomy?
Why pragmatism is often presented as the alternative to ideology, and how this framing can make the existing economic order seem natural while alternatives are dismissed as unrealistic.
Can the ideas of the 20th Century solve the problems of the 21st?
From climate change and nuclear conflict to great power rivalry and artificial intelligence, we explore whether socialism, liberalism and other established political traditions can help us confront today’s existential challenges. Or do we need to move beyond these ideological frameworks to find new ways of understanding and solving our problems?
Can we tackle climate change without tackling inequality?
The climate crisis raises difficult questions about the relationship between human welfare, economic growth and the limits of the planet. We discuss the unequal distribution of responsibility for carbon emissions, the obstacles facing developing countries, and whether public transport, green infrastructure and the redistribution of wealth can help us build a more sustainable future.
Is human equality compatible with planetary survival?
Can we create a more equal world without reproducing the consumption patterns that are driving ecological destruction? We examine the tensions between human development and environmental protection, and whether a different economic system could move us away from endless consumption towards a society organised around public goods and collective needs.
Do we need ideology, or do we need better problem-solving?
As the political centre loses ground and both right-wing populism and democratic socialism gain renewed attention, we consider whether we are entering a new age of ideology. Can political ideas provide a framework for collective action without becoming rigid dogma? And how do we balance long-term political objectives with the practical compromises needed to achieve them?
Presenters: Dashran Yohan and Sharaad Kuttan
Producer: Dashran Yohan for BFM
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