Why are students protesting in Serbia? What are the social and political reasons for the upheaval? What is the state of the Serbian democracy? Is the European Union choosing interests over values? And should we fear the recent geopolitical tensions in the Balkans? 
Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Ivan Vejvoda, Permanent fellow at the IWM. Ivan is the head of Europe’s Futures program and a host of Vienna Coffee House Conversations. He was the Senior Vice President for Programs at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States, Executive Director of GMF’s Balkan Trust for Democracy, and in the Serbian government as a senior advisor on foreign policy and European integration to Prime Ministers Zoran Djindjic and Zoran Zivkovic. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of the Belgrade-based Fund for an Open Society from 1998 to 2002. He was a key figure in the democratic opposition movement in Yugoslavia during the 1990s, and has published widely on the subjects of democratic transition, totalitarianism, and post-war reconstruction in the Balkans. Tune in for their talk!

Find out more about the guest: https://www.iwm.at/fellow/ivan-vejvoda

Listen to the episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda and Leszek Jazdzewski https://www.iwm.at/europes-futures/publication/defense-of-democracy-in-central-europe-and-the-us

This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Mass Student Protests in Serbia with Ivan Vejvoda

Evening my fellow consumers,

We getting anywhere re the divvy up earth for little more than short-term profit margins based outcomes approach? Our "bigger pictures" as a "global community" or should I say species (subspecies mammal), to ask me we need to step back and reassess the lot! This finite in nature planet that we reside on, to ask me its worth more than the sum total worth of our as in wee made it up growth based capitalism economic system!

Regards Dion,

Peace to you and all "including all future loved ones as yet to come 👉🌍✌️👈

A Dip My Toes In The Democratic Waters Re Why I'm Online Sort Of Chat

As comemorações do 25 de Abril foram canceladas pelo governo? Os lutos nacionais deviam ser repensados? Fascista bom é fascista preso? O aumento da tensão entre a Índia e o Paquistão é motivo de preocupação? Ou tudo não passam de escaramuças e zaragatas que se arrastam há anos? A estratégia chinesa é melhor do que a norte-americana? Trump é um joguete nas mãos de Xi e Putin? Europa, que decisões tomas?

Ep. 256 - 25A25 com fascistas presos; Índia e Paquistão; EUA, China, UE e Ucrânia

Part 2a: “So… What Are We Actually Living In Right Now?”
Democracy? Authoritarianism (with a smidge of dictatorship)? Or Something Else

ElevenLabs_PART_2a_v1_So…_What_Are_We_Actually_Living_In_Right_Now_ (1)

This day marks a pivotal moment in South Africa's history, commemorating the first democratic elections held on April 27, 1994. It's a day to celebrate freedom, democracy, and the end of apartheid.

In this feature we talk about how the first democratic elections changed the political landscape of South Africa, the importance of why we commemorate this day, and the role education and awareness play in preserving the legacy of Freedom Day for future generations. 

Guest: Professor Premesh Lalu - Research professor in the centre for Humanities Research at the University of the Western Cape's Iyatsiba Lab

The commemoration and significance of Freedom Day | Radio 786

In this episode of The Language of Power, the EPC’s Paul Taylor is joined by Amanda Paul and Demir Murat Seyrek to unpack Turkey’s evolving geopolitical role amid US attempts to end Russia’s war on Ukraine. As Turkey’s strategic relevance grows, so does concern over President Erdoğan’s crackdown on the democratic opposition, notably the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The discussion explores the EU’s dilemma: engage Turkey as a vital NATO partner or stand firm on human rights? The episode also sheds light on Turkey’s relations with the US, Russia, and EU, the strength of its civil society and opposition movements, and whether a new EU-Turkey relationship beyond accession is both necessary and possible. 

The Language of Power: Talking Turkey

America has fallen, we must hail to Octavia. 

this was my submission for Round 2 of Rhythm Rivalry (Season 1).
vs @ArikXu @parallexdubstep

Octavia [FREE DL]

Four tracks: (1) BUNKERS ON THE BEACH (2) MONEY (3) CYME (4) I’m too poor in this world…

“RESISTANCE is CREATIVITY & CREATIVITY is RESISTANCE.” Sephane HESSEL (1917-2013) adaped from TIME FOR OUTRAGE…

IMAGE: V2 Rocket, designed by NAZI scientist, Herbert von BRAUN; built in NAZI slave complex, PENEMUNDE, launched from NAZI firing site in Scheveningen, The Netherlands, 1945, against LONDON, final days of WWII.

TIMES FOUR: Music & Poetry, side by side “Dodenkerdenking / Remembrance Day”

Os serviços secretos alemães terem considerado a AfD como organização extremista é o primeiro passo para a sua ilegalização? Poderá ser o que outros países europeus precisam de fazer? Ou será espalhar gasolina no fogo europeu? O debate político em Portugal está cada vez pior? Isto ameaça a democracia? Ainda não há explicações para o apagão? O que esperar do futuro do Reino Unido com um Reform UK vitorioso? 

Ep. 257 - A AfD extremista; O debate político em Portugal; A vitória do Reform UK

TRACKLIST
Michael Franti & Spearhead - This World Is So Fucked Up (But I Ain't Ever Giving Up On It)
Thievery Corporation - Unified Tribes
YG feat Nipsey Hussle - FDT
A Tribe Called Quest - We The People...
Living Colour - Cult Of Personality
MDC - Born To Die
Green Day - American Idiot
Janet Jackson - The Knowledge
Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation (Nick* Silver Salute Remix)
Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You (Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
C.C.C.P. vs Micro Chip League - American Soviets In New York, NY (DJ Richie Rich Ultimix)
Depeche Mode - People Are People
Miley Cyrus - End Of The World
Barbra Streisand - Don't Lie To Me (Dave Aude Remix)
Stevie Wonder - Love's In Need Of Love Today (America: A Tribute To Heroes Version)


Mixtape For The Resistance

This poem is inspired by recent research, which has found that citizens in more democratic nations report greater wellbeing.

Disposition

A fearless protest track by Leo Engels. This is not just rap – it’s resistance. A lyrical rebellion against hypocrisy, injustice, and fake dialogue. Parliament or street – this voice won’t be silenced.

#LeoEngels #PoliticalRap #SpeakUp #RebelMusic #ProtestSong #WhyDoIDoThis #ChangeThroughMusic #RapActivism #SoundCloudRap #EnglishRap #VoicesForChange

Why do I do this?

Paper Title:
The Perils of Omission: What Syria’s Constitutional Declaration Fails to Say

Date:
12 May 2025

Publisher: 
LUGARIT

Authors: 
Zedoun Alzoubi (AR), Nihad Alamiri (EN)

Summary:
Issued in March 2025, Syria’s Constitutional Declaration outlines a five-year roadmap but omits key democratic principles, oversight mechanisms, and implementation timelines. This commentary identifies six critical omissions that could undermine the legitimacy and success of the country’s post-conflict political transition.

Link:
https://link.lugarit.com/qtoe

Photo:
Overview of the main hall inside the Syrian Parliament.  Photo published in Engineers' Syndicate Magazine in 31 January, 1955.  Photo via AMASyria.


The Perils of Omission: What Syria’s Constitutional Declaration Fails to Say

What does the forthcoming presidential election in Poland mean for Europe? What are the main issues and divisions between the candidates that occur in the ongoing campaign? And how will the election result influence the current government and its policy?

Leszek Jazdzewski (Fundacja Liberte!) talks with Adam Jasser, an economic and political analyst with 30 years of professional experience as a journalist, an editor, and a policymaker. He is currently the Deputy Director at TVP World, a leading English-language news channel in Central Eastern Europe, and the host of 'On the Record', a current affairs show. Tune in for their talk!

This podcast is produced by the European Liberal Forum in collaboration with Movimento Liberal Social and Fundacja Liberté!, with the financial support of the European Parliament. Neither the European Parliament nor the European Liberal Forum are responsible for the content or for any use that be made of.

Who Will Win the Polish Presidential Election? with Adam Jasser

From the album _Neighborhood Zero_ by Mike Logan (Stone & Sky Records, 2025)

ASTROBOVIK (Mike Logan)

In this episode, host Paul Taylor explores how cryptocurrency, once seen as fringe “funny money,” is now influencing democracy and financial systems. Paul Taylor is joined by guests Joe Litobarski and Alice Stollmeyer to unpack how crypto works, its regulation or lack thereof, and its political implications, especially under the second Trump administration. Debating whether crypto is empowering citizens or undermining states, this episode shares critical insights into crypto’s risks, benefits, and what Europe should do in response.

The Language of Power: Crypto Democracy

Oklahoma schools mandate 2020 election conspiracy theories, including discrepancies, mail-in ballot security risks, and ballot-counting halts under new curriculum. Critics accuse the state of promoting the "Big Lie" and undermining critical thinking by bypassing public input on election misinformation.

Oklahoma schools force students to learn election lies

8647

Radio 786 is a community broadcaster based in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Stay up to date with this regular podcast on EU affairs. Sounds dry? Don't worry, we'll be sure to find something to wet your appetite.
Stay tuned, stay fresh, stay informed.

alt for WIP dumping or Occasional Soundcloud exclusive songs

LUGARIT is a small think tank active in international development.

Composer. Writer. Photographer. Former conductor & founder of the ASKO ensemble.

On a bike/ski/hike trek of the Pacific Northwest studying native plants & climate breakdown 🌲 from sagebrush sea to whitebark pine. Composing off-grid the whole way.

#Sun2Sound 🌕 on X

THINKING LIKE A STONEPINE, a soundpoem manifesto https://vimeo.com/844665859

“LOVE & WATER, three thought poems w/ coda, PHAROS for small orchestra, “Nightwind”” https://vimeo.com/847079690 

CURRENTLY on mt bike/ski/climbing trek through Pacific Northwest, working on a photobook about WHITEBARK PINE COLLAPSE and CLIMATE CRISIS. BASES in the WALLOWAS | AMSTERDAM | ALPS. 

WEEKLY photo/poetry updates at www.picture-poems.com & THE CIRCLE IN THE SQUARE new music, poetry & dance performance project at www.cs-music.com

ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT for progressive, tech-savy, instrumental virtuosi interested in dialogue & collaborative undertakings.

CONTACT cliff@picture-opoems.com
Or on SKYPE or FACETIME @cliffcrego

MUSIC? The one thing humans do,
that makes the rest of nature jealous.

In meinen Songs geht’s um das echte Leben.
Um Alltagsprobleme, die jeder kennt. Um politische Entscheidungen, die viel zu oft an uns vorbeigehen. Ich blicke zurück auf 22 Jahre Kommunalpolitik – mit all ihren Höhen, Tiefpunkten und dem Wissen: Veränderung beginnt vor der Haustür.

Ich schaue auch auf die Bundespolitik – dorthin, wo Grundrechte leise ausgehöhlt und Proteste zu Störungen erklärt werden. Ich singe nicht für die kollektive Entsorgung unserer Freiheit, sondern für mehr Rechte – für alle.

Wenn Altparteien nicht zuhören und Rechte klatschen, braucht es neue Stimmen. Neue Wege, um zu mobilisieren. Mehr politischen Druck – aus der Bevölkerung heraus.

Ich glaube an die Kraft der Menschen. An klare Worte, an ehrliche Beats.
Wenn die gewählten Flaschen im Parlament taub bleiben, hören sie uns vielleicht im Netz. Auf der Straße. Oder direkt aus dem Radio.

Musician, composer, arranger, producer. . .

The European Liberal Forum (ELF) is the official think tank and political foundation of the European Liberal Party, the ALDE Party.
Together with 56 member organisations we work all over Europe to bring new ideas into the political debate, to provide a platform for discussion and to enable citizens to make their voices heard.

A realidade a partir de um triângulo que foi vergonha e hoje é Orgulho. Político, sempre. Cultural e Social, quando nos apetecer. Comunitário e atrevido, se estivermos para isso. Um podcast sem linhas de formatação, mas com todas as formas da diversidade.

Correio dos Ouvintes: darkroom@triangulacaodocirculo.pt

Hi! I'm an academic whose work is dedicated to making science more accessible to diverse audiences via the medium of poetry.

New tracks tagged #DEMOCRACY