#29 Research Agenda for The Next Decade: Inequality – Transforming Marginality
In this episode of Unequal Worlds: A Research Podcast, we bring you a compelling keynote and panel discussion from the 2024 Bergen Exchanges on Law and Social Transformation. Titled "Research Agenda for The Next Decade: Inequality – Transforming Marginality," this episode features insights from leading experts.
Join us as we explore the complexities of globalised capital, the role of law in perpetuating and addressing inequalities, and the importance of a relational view of inequality. Key takeaways include the importance of legal certainty and equality before the law, the devaluation of spaces and people due to capital, and the need for a relational view of inequality that considers the interconnectedness of poverty and wealth.
Listeners will gain insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations within the criminal justice system, the limitations of liberal reforms in addressing deep-seated issues, and the significance of continuous societal discussion and critique.
This episode is essential listening for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing the root causes of inequality. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire new ways of thinking about and tackling inequality in our modern world.
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#28 Global Capitalism's Impact on Society and Environment: Insights from the 2024 Bergen Exchanges Book Launch
In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we discuss the intricate world of global capitalism by launching the book edited by Don Kalb titled "Insidious Capital: Frontlines of Value at the End of a Global Cycle." The episode was recorded during the 2024 Bergen Exchanges on Law and Social Transformation.
Explore the pervasive influence of capital on societies, the environment, and everyday life. From the financialisation in China to the rise of Trump in the US, our experts dissect the complex relationships between capital, class, and labour. Gain insights into the environmental degradation caused by unchecked capitalist development and the role of creativity and knowledge industries in today's economy.
Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the dynamics of global capitalism, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and critical analysis.
Join us as we navigate the dialectic of collusion and collision with capital, and uncover the hidden forces shaping our world.
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#25 Navigating Green Finance: Challenges and Opportunities Explored at SDG Conference
In this episode, we dive into the dynamic discussions from the SDG Conference in Bergen, where experts explored the complexities and opportunities in financing the shift towards sustainability. Moderated by Natalia Buier, the session featured insights from Ruth Carlitz of the University of Amsterdam, Lina Strandvåg Nagell from Bellona Europa, and Yann Robiou du Pont from Utrecht University.
Key Highlights:
Climate Finance: Addressing Inequity and Aligning Investments with Needs: Ruth Carlitz discusses the disparity between climate change impacts and emissions, emphasising the responsibility of higher-income countries to support lower-income nations. She highlights the need for transparency and effectiveness in climate finance allocation.
Sustainable Finance: Unveiling the Taxonomy Tango: Lina Strandvåg Nagell delves into the complexities of defining “sustainable” finance and its role in industrial decarbonisation. She discusses Bellona’s involvement in the EU’s sustainable finance taxonomy and the challenges of balancing economic considerations with climate goals.
Equity and Ambition: Sharing the Burden of Emissions Reduction: Yann Robiou du Pont contrasts the aspirational nature of the SDGs with the legally binding framework of the Paris Agreement. He advocates for equitable distribution of emissions reductions and introduces the concept of “fair share” based on historical emissions, per capita emissions, and GDP per capita.
From Disputes to Solutions: Charting a Course for Effective Climate Action: The panellists address disputes surrounding green finance taxonomies and the diversity of instruments involved. They emphasise the importance of international support mechanisms, transparency in foreign aid, and comprehensive sustainability criteria.
Political Will and Beyond: A Multifaceted Approach to Climate Finance: The conversation transitions to political solutions, with a focus on international cooperation, leadership from high-emitting countries, and the inclusion of non-state actors and grassroots voices.
Scepticism, Capitalism, and the Road Ahead: The session grapples with the complexities of climate change scepticism and its impact on green finance. The speakers discuss the drivers of scepticism and the challenges of achieving ambitious climate goals.
A Balancing Act for a Sustainable Future: The session concludes with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in financing climate action. The speakers highlight the need for transparent and equitable finance allocation, systemic changes in financial flows, and political solutions to address climate change effectively.
Join us as we explore these pressing issues and discuss innovative strategies for mobilising investments in sustainability. This episode reinforces the importance of collaboration and innovation in overcoming the challenges of green finance.
Tune in to gain insights and be part of the conversation on navigating the complexities of green finance for a sustainable future. 🎧
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#27 Populism and the Far-Right Manifestation on the African Continent
In this episode, host Wesley Maraire sits down with Satang Nabaneh from the University of Dayton to explore the rise of the illiberal right within the African continent through the lens of the human rights framework. They discuss the complexities of how conservative values, religious extremism, and authoritarian tactics manifest in different African countries, drawing comparisons with global trends.
Satang provides a historical overview of The Gambia’s transition from a secular state to an Islamic state under authoritarian rule, highlighting the ongoing challenges even in a democratic dispensation. The discussion covers the role of law and violence in the rise of the illiberal right, with examples from Kenya and Uganda, and examines the push factors driving these movements, such as religious sentiments and cultural traditions.
The conversation also addresses the hope for those fighting against the rise of illiberalism, emphasising the importance of strategic, intersectional organising and movement building within Africa. Satang shares insights on the need for critical self-reflection and the adaptation of human rights frameworks to local contexts.
For more on Satang Nabaneh’s work, check out her latest book:
Choice and Conscience: The Politics of Abortion in Africa
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#26 The Annual GRIP Lecture 2024: Exploring the Rise of the Far-Right
In this episode, we bring you highlights from the Annual GRIP Lecture held at Ulrikes Aula, University of Bergen. This year’s lecture, titled “The Politics of Inequality and the Rise of the Illiberal Right: A Global Perspective,” was curated by Don Kalb, Academic Director at GRIP, and featured keynote speaker Walden Bello, a distinguished international sociologist.
Walden Bello provided a deep dive into the rise of the illiberal Right across the Global South and North, examining how leaders like Narendra Modi, Jair Bolsonaro, Viktor Orban, and Rodrigo Duterte exploit economic insecurities and societal anxieties to advance their agendas. Bello’s analysis of authoritarian processes and right-wing mobilisations offered a profound understanding of these global issues.
The lecture featured case studies illustrating how far-right leaders use fascist charisma and populist sentiments to resonate with audiences. Bello discussed the role of neoliberalism and globalisation in fuelling the rise of the far-right, particularly among disenfranchised rural communities and disillusioned white working-class voters.
Join us as we explore these critical discussions and gain insights into the rise of the far-right and its impact on global politics.
Subscribe to Unequal Worlds on your favourite podcast platform and leave a review to let us know your thoughts!
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About Unequal Worlds; an inequality research podcast
The Global Research Programme on Inequality (GRIP) is a radically interdisciplinary research programme that views inequality as both a fundamental challenge to human well-being and as an impediment to achieving the ambitions of the 2030 Agenda.
In this podcast, we aim to explore and illuminate all aspects of global inequality and to investigate the possible ways of addressing these inequalities.
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