Democracy on Trial

[jackstarbright]

Did anyone catch to this on radio 4 on Tuesday? Now on the iplayer
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sc7yp

I'd recommend it to anyone who (like me) has discovered an interest in politics over the last few weeks.

Tis Michael Portillo - but don't let that put you off.

Great programme, I thought. But then I like anything they air on Radio 4 Especially the revelation about how few democracies existed early 20th century and how it was thought to be on the way out.

I think Portillo makes an enthusiastic and thoughtful presenter. Just shows how good the press are at character assassination...

Portillo's working class, immigrant childhood and Labour voting parents are a bit of a revelation.

And yes. it's surprising that democracy is so young and fragile.

The discussion about the conditions necessary for democracy was interesting: That it works best in affluent countries reliant on a large number of tax payers and tends not to work in countries where the wealth is highly concentrated (like the major oil producers).

Makes me wish I'd studied PSE at Oxford

excellent programme. Can't wait for the next 2 episodes

Thanks for the link I'm going to watch it.