Why We Need to Abolish Politicians | Hélène Landemore interview
About this episode
Hélène Landemore discusses the inadequacies of current political systems and advocates for alternatives like citizens' assemblies.
In this interview, Yale political scientist Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, argues that the political systems we take for granted are no longer fit for purpose. As trust in politicians reaches historic lows across Britain, Europe and the United States, Landemore makes the case that elections alone may no longer be enough to produce governments that truly represent ordinary people. Drawing on examples from Ancient Athens, France, Ireland, the United States, and the UK, she explains why professional politicians often become disconnected from the people they represent—and why citizens chosen by lottery could make better decisions than elected MPs. The interview also examines the growing gap between political elites and ordinary voters, discussing the rise of career politicians, the influence of wealthy interests, and why so many voters feel ignored by Westminster, Washington and Brussels. Landemore discusses the Yellow Vest movement in France, the Democratic Party's handling of Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped aside, the legitimacy of replacing prime ministers without a general election, and how public frustration has fuelled anti-establishment…
People in this episode
Guest: Hélène Landemore
Topics covered
- political representation
- democracy
- citizens' assemblies
- anti-establishment movements
- political elites
- elections
- public trust in politicians
Keywords
- politicians
- democracy
- citizens' assemblies
- political trust
- elections
- anti-establishment
- political elites
- Yellow Vest movement
- Kamala Harris
- Joe Biden
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Yale
Books & works: Politics Without Politicians
Places: Britain, Europe, United States, Ancient Athens, France, Ireland, UK, Westminster, Washington, Brussels
More episodes of PoliticsJOE Podcast
- How The UK Is Letting Silicon Valley Take Over | Beeban Kidron interview
- What does Andy Burnham’s Britain look like?
- Nigel Farage's resignation stunt backfires | PMQs reaction
- I exposed Nigel Farage's criminal benefactor | Sunday Times Investigation
- The walls are closing in on Nigel Farage
- Beginning of the end of Keir Starmer | PMQs analysed
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the PoliticsJOE Podcast podcast page.