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PODCAST

The Politics Shed

A series of podcast lectures by John Gibbs which support the Politics Shed Website. They are aimed to be resources for anyone interested in the the subject of Politics and in particular students of A level AQA & Edexcel Government and Politics A level. However the aim is to be useful to High School and higher education students through the breadth of links, videos and podcasts.

education courses

All Episodes

00:42:25

Democracy: The democratic deficit & participation...

The Politics Shed ·

2026/08/21

This episode explores the evolution, challenges, and future of democracy, examining historical roots, current crises, and the impact of modern political dynamics. In particular it discusses the concepts ofdemocracy, political participation, electoral systems, democratic deficit, political legitimacy, participation crisis, voter turnout, populism, authoritarianism, political reform

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01:01:22

How successful is the United Nations?

The Politics Shed ·

2026/07/23

Understanding the Role and Limitations of the United Nations in Global GovernanceThis episode explores the complex nature of the United Nations, its origins, structure, successes, and failures in maintaining international peace and security. We delve into international law, global conflicts, and the UN’s evolving relevance in a world of power politics and sovereignty disputes.The foundational principles and evolution of international law and the UNHow superpower rivalry undermines collective

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00:32:15

Why do Americans put up with the Electoral College?

The Politics Shed ·

2026/06/15

This episode explores the history, functioning, and controversies surrounding the U.S. Electoral College, including its origins, criticisms, and potential reforms. A must-listen for anyone interested in American politics and electoral reform.History and origins of the Electoral CollegeCriticisms and controversies surrounding the systemImpact of swing states and demographic polarizationProposed reforms and their challengesThe role of the Electoral College in recent elections

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00:23:00

Why do Americans allow gerrymandering?

The Politics Shed ·

2026/06/08

In this episode, we explore the history, mechanics, and implications of gerrymandering in the United States, revealing how political boundaries are manipulated and their profound effect on representation and racial justice.Key topics:The origins of gerrymandering and its historical context, including its political and racial motivationsThe legal framework governing district drawing in the US, including the Voting Rights Act and Supreme Court rulingsThe role of racial discrimination and racial

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00:20:38

Individual and Collective Rights in the UK

The Politics Shed ·

2026/06/06

Discover the nuanced differences between individual and collective rights, their historical evolution, and how the UK protects and balances these rights today. This episode explores how laws, culture, and politics shape our understanding of human, civil, and political freedomsIn this episode:The distinction between individual rights and collective rights, with examples like free speech, gun ownership, and union bargainingHow human rights are rooted in the notion of universal rights that belong to

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00:59:00

The Anatomy of Political Populism: From Rome to Trump

The Politics Shed ·

2026/05/25

This episode explores the nature of political populism, its historical roots, key features, and how it manifests in contemporary politics worldwide. We analyze how populist leaders appeal to common sense, identity, and emotion, often rejecting liberal elites and promoting authoritarianism.Understanding Political Populism03:02The Roots and Characteristics of Populism05:59Populism and National Identity08:46Masculinity and Populism11:10The Role of Religion in Populism13:46Common Sense and

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01:03:51

The Fragile Power of UK Prime Ministers: Lessons from...

The Politics Shed ·

2026/04/30

This episode explores the fragility and power dynamics of the UK Prime Minister role through the careers of John Major, Theresa May, and Liz Truss, highlighting how political, economic, and personal factors influence leadership stability.The Fragility of Prime Ministerial Power27:03The Rise and Challenges of Theresa May31:54The Brexit Dilemma: Soft vs Hard Brexiteers34:02Theresa May's Leadership Challenges38:26The 2017 Election: A Disastrous Campaign42:46The Windrush Scandal and Its

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00:31:38

Tony Blair: A study in power.

The Politics Shed ·

2026/04/29

This episode explores the political career of Tony Blair, his leadership style, policy reforms, and the legacy of his tenure as UK Prime Minister. It covers the rise of New Labour, constitutional reforms, foreign policy, and social changes.Rise of New Labour and the 1997 landslide victoryConstitutional reforms and devolution in the UKMedia control and political messaging under BlairForeign policy and the Iraq War impactSocial reforms and civil liberties advancements

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00:38:30

Margaret Thatcher: A Study in Leadership

The Politics Shed ·

2026/01/13

This podcast explores the rise and fall of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the UK, focusing on her leadership style, cabinet dynamics, and the challenges she faced during her time in office. It delves into her impact on the Conservative Party, the political landscape of the UK, and the lessons learned from her tenure.Thatcher emerged as the first female leader of a national party in the UK.She was not a typical Conservative, breaking from the post-war consensus.Her leadership

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00:41:15

Understanding the Powers of the Prime Minister and...

The Politics Shed ·

2026/01/10

This podcast explores the evolution, powers, and responsibilities of the British Prime Minister, examining the relationship with the Cabinet, conventions of collective responsibility, and the dynamics of ministerial accountability. It discusses the impact of special advisers and the core executive model, while also addressing the challenges faced by modern Prime Ministers and the future of their role in governance.The British Prime Minister's role has evolved since the 18th century.Robert

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00:39:25

In the UK, does the Government dominate Parliament?

The Politics Shed ·

2026/01/03

This podcast examines the relationship between the executive and legislature in the UK. Using examples from recent events, It also explores the intricate dynamics between the UK and US political systems, focusing on the power of the executive, the role of Parliament, and the evolution of the party system in the UK. It highlights the differences in legislative processes, the scrutiny role of Parliament, and the changing nature of political allegiance among voters. In the end, it attempts to answer

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01:03:22

Presidential Power: How powerful is Trump?

The Politics Shed ·

2025/12/11

This episode explores the evolution of presidential power in the United States, particularly in the context of recent events surrounding President Trump. It discusses the original intentions of the Founding Fathers, the checks and balances established in the Constitution, and how these have been challenged in modern politics. It also addresses the implications of Trump's presidency on the balance of power, the role of the Supreme Court, and the future of American democracy.

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01:08:20

Globalisation: A complete introduction

The Politics Shed ·

2025/10/16

This podcast explores the multifaceted nature of globalization, examining its historical context, key thinkers, and the ongoing debates surrounding its implications. It explores the evolution of nation-states, the impact of time-space compression, cultural hegemony, and the clash of cultures. The podcast also highlights the resurgence of nationalism, the role of regional organizations, and the complexities of human rights in a globalized world. Ultimately, it questions the impact of globalization on

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00:21:13

The Human Rights Act: A Legal Revolution

The Politics Shed ·

2025/09/18

This podcast examines the profound impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on British law, the expansion of rights through judicial interpretation, and the controversies surrounding its application, particularly in the context of immigration. It discusses the evolving landscape of human rights in the UK, the challenges faced by the judicial system, and the implications of potential changes to the Human Rights Act.

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00:13:28

The Impact of the Human Rights Act

The Politics Shed ·

2025/09/12

This podcast explores the foundational concepts of natural and human rights, their historical development, and the distinctions between various types of rights declarations. The impact of these rights on liberal democracy, the role of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights, highlighting the differences between advisory and justiciable rights. The podcast also explores the complexities of negative and positive rights, illustrating how they interact and

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00:11:05

The Human Rights Act: Intro. The idea of human rights

The Politics Shed ·

2025/09/11

This podcast explores the Human Rights Act, its historical context, controversies, and philosophical foundations. It discusses the criticisms from various political figures and the ongoing debate about the relevance and application of human rights in contemporary society. The conversation delves into the origins of human rights, the clash between universal values and human reality, and the implications of these ideas in political discourse

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01:00:33

Constitutional Reform from 1997.

The Politics Shed ·

2025/09/10

This podcast discusses the evolution of the British constitution, focusing on the significant reforms initiated by the Labour Party in 1997. It explores the philosophical shift within the party towards a more pragmatic approach to governance, emphasizing social justice over traditional economic transformation. The conversation also highlights the impact of devolution on the governance of the UK and the ongoing relevance of these changes in contemporary politics.

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00:46:11

Should the UK have a codified constitution?

The Politics Shed ·

2025/07/22

Arguments for and against a codified constitution The UK Constitution This podcast explores the complexities of the UK Constitution, its uncodified nature, and the ongoing debate about whether it should be codified. It discusses the historical context, sources, and comparative aspects of the UK and US constitutions, while examining arguments for and against codification. The podcast highlights the implications of flexibility, parliamentary sovereignty, and the role of judges in interpreting laws,

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01:01:15

In the UK have Human Rights and Civil Liberties been...

The Politics Shed ·

2025/07/10

This podcast episode offers a comprehensive overview of human rights and civil liberties in the UK, examining their evolution, the impact of political shifts, and the ongoing debate about the balance between security and individual freedoms. It discusses the historical context of rights protection, the significance of the Human Rights Act, and recent legislative developments that have influenced civil rights. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of human rights in the UK amidst

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00:21:56

Liberalism

The Politics Shed ·

2025/05/15

This podcast explores the origins, evolution, and contemporary challenges of liberalism. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of liberal thought, the influence of key thinkers like Hobbes and Locke, and the development of liberalism in response to social and economic changes. The discussion also addresses the rise of neoliberalism and the critiques it faces in today's political landscape.Liberalism has roots in ancient Rome and Christian thought.The Enlightenment played a crucial role

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32 results

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