Sanjay Ruparelia - Podcast Details

Shows

In Focus by The HinduCanada post-elections: Can PM Carney bring about a reset in relations with India?It’s been a month since Canada’s federal elections. Canadians have voted in a Liberal government, although a minority one, for the fourth straight time. They have reposed their faith in Mark Carney, a former central banker who had no prior political experience and hadn’t held political office until the start of this year. Everyone seems to agree that the Trump factor played a big role in the electoral outcome. What are the challenges facing the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney? With the liberals and Conservatives together polling 85% of the votes...2025-06-0349 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyGlobalization and the New Geography of Inequality with Branko MilanovićEconomist, professor and author Branko Milanović joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to discuss global economic inequality, the impact of globalization and the role of migration in addressing inequality. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with economist Branko Milanović about the structural forces driving economic inequality around the world. Milanović explains how globalization has narrowed income gaps between countries while widening them within nations. He reflects on the political consequences of these shifts, including the rise of plutocracies and the erosion of middle-class stability. The conversation explores proposals to reduce inequality—such as pre-di...2025-05-1644 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyFrom Law Student to Chief Justice - The Role of the Judiciary in Democracy with Beverley McLachlinHost Sanjay Ruparelia speaks with former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin about the role of courts in upholding constitutional democracy. McLachlin reflects on fairness and moral intuition in making judgments. She also discusses the evolution of the “living tree” doctrine and efforts to build consensus and transparency at the Supreme Court. The conversation ends with a look at the balance of power among branches of government and the threats posed by leaders who challenge constitutional norms. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. Gues...2025-04-1641 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyLeadership, Diplomacy, and Democracy with Lloyd AxworthyHost Sanjay Ruparelia and the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy sit to discuss Axworthy’s life in politics, which culminated in his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Recorded just a day before the 2025 Ontario general election and eleven days ahead of the 2025 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, they also discuss how Canada’s role on the global stage has evolved over the years and the future of Canadian politics. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metrop...2025-03-1238 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyWild Democracy: Anarchy, Solidarity, and Ruling the Law with Anne NortonHost Sanjay Ruparelia and Anne Norton sit to discuss Norton’s book Wild Democracy: Anarchy, Courage, and Ruling the Law, which reimagines freedom and democracy as expansive and inclusive. They discuss how anarchy, rather than being chaotic, can be a nursery for democracy. Norton argues that authoritarianism is a greater threat than anarchy and examines the qualities necessary for a truly free and democratic society. Their conversation also touches on the nature of rights, the responsibility to resist unjust laws, the role of institutions, and why democracy must remain "wild" to allow space for dissent and change. ____________________________________________________________________________________...2025-02-1235 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyConversation in an Age of Rage with Carol OffHost Sanjay Ruparelia sits with Carol Off to discuss her book, At a Loss for Words: Conversation in an Age of Rage, which explores the evolving meanings of political words like freedom, democracy, choice and truth. She argues that these words have been weaponized by the far right, emphasizing personal liberty over societal responsibility. Off critiques the rise of populism and demagoguery, highlighting the impact of billionaires on political discourse. She advocates for a return to rational language and transparency in journalism, stressing the importance of understanding historical context and the dangers of irrational debates. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________2025-01-1541 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyReflecting on Cold War Liberalism with Samuel MoynHost Sanjay Ruparelia and Samuel Moyn discuss the evolution of liberalism, particularly during the Cold War. Moyn says that Cold War liberalism betrayed the emancipatory ideals of earlier liberals by focusing on negative liberty over positive liberty. He also highlights the contradictions in Cold War liberal thought, such as their pessimism about global freedom and their support for Israel. He also suggests that modern liberalism must reinvent itself to address current challenges, including rising inequalities and authoritarian populism, by revisiting and reviving the emancipatory ideals of historical liberalism. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and...2024-12-1737 min

Talk Nation RadioEp. 3: The Melting Pot(Nov. 16, 2024) Criminals, murderers and gangsters are slipping through the cracks in our immigration system. Canada's Indian community is in upheaval. Anti-Indian sentiment is on the rise. And everyone is pointing their finger at the government. Join Rodney Palmer as he speaks with some of Canada's top thinkers explaining the fallout from recent relaxed immigration policies. Jatinder Singh Grewal, Director of Sikhs for Justice; Vijay Jain, Hindu-Sikh Unity Forum; Anirudh Bhattacharyya, Hindustan Times Foreign Correspondent; and Prof. Sanjay Ruparelia, Politics, Toronto Metropolitan University.2024-11-1650 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyBuilding Solidarity in an Age of Insecurity with Astra TaylorIn this week’s episode, we speak with Astra Taylor, a critically acclaimed writer, filmmaker and organizer about practicing solidarity in an age of insecurity. Taylor discusses insecurity as a structural feature of capitalism and advocates for solidarity, which fosters collective responsibility and mutual obligation. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia and Astra Taylor discuss the practice of solidarity in an age of insecurity. Taylor distinguishes between existential and manufactured insecurity, emphasizing that insecurity is a structural feature of capitalism. She also contrasts solidarity with unity and fraternity, highlighting solidarity's relational and tra...2024-11-1341 min

In Focus by The HinduTrump vs Harris: Who has the upper hand on eve of polling day? | In Focus podcastAmericans are all set to pick their 47th President on November 5. The campaigning has been one of the most fractious in US history, and the stakes have perhaps never been higher. With the Trump campaign focussed on immigration and Harris on women’s rights, whose narrative has won? With just a couple of days of campaigning left, where do the candidates stand with regard to key constituencies such as Latinos, Blacks, especially Black men, Arab/Muslim communities, and women? And who is ahead in the battleground states?Guest: Sanjay Ruparelia, Associate Professor, Ja...2024-11-0440 min

This is TorontoWhat violence outside a Hindu temple could mean for Canada's already strained relationship with IndiaSanjay Ruparelia, associate professor in Politics and Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, breaks down a recent skirmish outside a Hindu temple in Brampton. And personal finance expert Shannon Lee Simmons makes the argument for starting your holiday shopping early.2024-11-0414 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyIndia's Surprising 2024 Election with Yogendra YadavIn this week’s episode, we speak with renowned public intellectual and political activist Yogendra Yadav about India’s 2024 national election. We’ll discuss the BJP’s surprising losses, the continued dominance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the shifting political landscape, including the rise of lower caste support for Hindu nationalism. Yogendra shares his thoughts on the erosion of Indian democracy and how a new form of republican politics can help revive its original constitutional values. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down with Yogendra Yadav to discuss the political shifts that have defi...2024-10-0949 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracySouth Africa's political crossroads with Sithembile Mbete and Lawrence HamiltonIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sithembile Mbete and Professor Lawrence Hamilton to shine a light on South Africa’s political landscape following the 2024 elections. While the ANC achieved political freedom thirty years ago, it failed to secure economic justice for the majority. We discuss why many in the Born Free generation view Mandela’s compromises as a betrayal and explore a critical take on the 1996 constitution. We also dive into the 2024 elections, the ANC’s declining popularity, and the rise of offshoot parties. How does political instability, alongside the challenges of inequality, corruption, and gender...2024-09-1152 min

In Focus by The HinduHow will concerns over Biden’s ‘cognitive decline’ impact the US Presidential race? | In Focus podcastThere have been doubts over President Joe Biden’s mental acuity for quite some time. But his performance in the recent Presidential debate seems to have come as a shock to many, and especially to Biden’s support base. Almost the entire American liberal establishment, has called on Biden to step back and allow someone else get the Presidential ticket.Is he likely to stay the course, or will he make way for someone else? With the Democratic National Convention coming up next month, what are the options for the Democrats? Can they convince donors and voters that...2024-07-0934 min

Parley by The HinduDo coalition governments slow down the economic reforms agenda? | The Hindu parley podcastUntil the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 282 seats and Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode to power, India had had coalition governments for 21 years. Ten years later, the BJP has 240 seats in the Lok Sabha and India once again has a coalition government in power. Fitch had stated that coalition politics and a weakened mandate for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) could make it challenging to pass legislation on the more ambitious parts of the reform agenda.Do coalition governments slow down the economic reforms agenda? Here we discuss the question....2024-06-1336 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyThe Rise and Decline of Erdogan with Kaya GençHost Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Kaya Genç, a scholar, writer and journalist and the Istanbul correspondent for the Los Angeles Review of Books. His latest book, The Lion and the Nightingale: A Journey Through Modern Turkey, weaves a narrative of the current political climate in Turkey after the terror events and failed coup in 2016 through the personal stories of regular Turkish people. The “lion” represents Turkey’s past, its militant strength and power; while the “nightingale” conjures a song, representing Turkey’s rich cultural history of art, literature and romance. In this episode, Dr. Genç talks about populism and the rise o...2024-06-0439 min

Critical SouthFrom chaiwalla to prime minister: Hindu nationalism and Narendra Modi’s rise to powerSend us a textHow has Narendra Modi survived as India's Prime Minister since 2014? And how will he last beyond India's current 2024 elections? In this episode of Critical South we trace the political trajectory of Modi as Professor Lawrence Hamilton has a one-on-one with Professor Sanjay Ruparelia from Toronto Metropolitan University. Ruparelia draws some parallels between Modi's party and the African National Congress in South Africa and talks about castes, class and voting ability in the largest democracy in the world.And in our slice of the political agenda, Political Studies scholar Moshibudi Motimele lo...2024-06-0353 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyProtecting Canadian democracy from US influence with Rob GoodmanHost Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Rob Goodman, an assistant professor of politics at the Toronto Metropolitan University. An award-winning author and former political speechwriter, his most recent book is Not Here: Why American Democracy is Eroding, and How Canada Can Protect Itself. In this episode, they discuss how founding myths between Canada and the United States have shaped the moral character of their respective governments and if Canada can avoid the rise of right-wing populism we've witnessed in the United States. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of...2024-05-0736 min

The DecibelThe stakes of India’s election as Modi seeks third termWith nearly one billion eligible voters, India is the world’s biggest democracy. Beginning April 19, with voting staggered over six weeks, they will decide their leader for the next five years. Narendra Modi aims to consolidate power with his third term as prime minister, as a coalition opposition looks to unseat him.Sanjay Ruparelia is an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and Jarislowsky Democracy Chair explains why India’s elections matter for democracy – and the balance of power for the rest of the world.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com 2024-04-1818 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyWhat We Can Learn from Indonesian Democracy with Dan SlaterHost Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Dan Slater, the James Orin Murfin professor of political science at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he directs the Center for Emerging Democracies. Dan has written a series of essays and books on major issues in Southeast Asia, the latest of which is a book with Joseph Wong called From Development to Democracy: The Transformations of Modern Asia. On March 20, Prabowo Subianto was officially declared the next president of Indonesia. In today’s episode, Dan illuminates that election and Prabowo’s victory by discussing topics such as political power-sharing among elit...2024-04-0541 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyDiverging Paths of Ukraine and Russia with Maria PopovaHost Sanjay Ruparelia sat down with Maria Popova, an associate professor of political science at McGill University, where she holds the Jean Monnet Chair. Dr. Popova is a widely noted scholar of corruption, autocracy and populism in post-communist Europe, and recently released her book Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States which she co-authored with Oxana Shevel. As Ukraine enters its third year of the war with Russia, Maria joins us to discuss Russia and Ukraine's divergent paths after the fall of the Soviet Union, the two countries’ conflicting memories of the Holodomor, and Russia’s motivations in Ukraine that...2024-03-0538 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyRescuing Social Democracy with Olle TournquistHost Sanjay Ruparelia interviews Olle Tornquist, professor emeritus of political science and development research at the University of Oslo. Professor Tornquist’s research focuses on the rise and decline of second and third-wave democracy in Scandinavia as well as the Global South. This episode explores the power of participatory socialism in democratization, the challenges of applying the Scandinavian model elsewhere in the world, and the limitations of NATO in thwarting far-right authoritarianism. __________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan Uni...2024-02-0632 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyThe Politics of Remembering the Chilean Coup with Marcela Ríos TobarHost Sanjay Ruparelia talks with Marcela Ríos Tobar, a visiting scholar at the Latin American Center at the University of Oxford, and the former Minister of Justice and Human Rights in Chile. Their discussion coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup, an event that continues to haunt the country’s democratic institutions. In this episode, Dr. Ríos Tobar discusses the external forces that made the establishment of socialism before 1973 so difficult, as well as the lingering effects of the Pinochet dictatorship on Chilean politics. Fifty years later, despite its violent means, memory of the military coup...2024-01-0938 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyOn The Frontlines of Democracy - Season 2 trailerOn The Frontlines of Democracy is back! Join us this season as we unravel the complexities, celebrate the achievements, and navigate the dangers faced by democracies across the globe. Make sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss an episode! 2024-01-0201 min

Grand TamashaThe India-Canada Conundrum1. Sanjay Ruparelia, “The opportunities and challenges of courting India,” in Maxwell A. Cameron, David Gillies and David Carment, eds.,Democracy and Foreign Policy in an Era of Uncertainty: Canada Among Nations 2022(Palgrave Macmillan, 2023): 241-268.2. “Reframing Canada’s Global Engagement: Ten Strategic Choices for Decision-Makers,” Global Canada, September 2020.3. Sanjay Ruparelia, “In India, the government’s election machine is humming – but the economy and democracy are at risk,”The Globe and Mail, March 22, 2022. 2023-11-0852 min

Grand TamashaThe India-Canada ConundrumIt’s been six weeks since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to the floor of Parliament to announce that Canadian security agencies had evidence of credible allegations that Indian authorities had a hand in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil in June 2023. Nijjar was a well-known activist in Sikh diaspora circles but someone Indian authorities branded a terrorist.Trudeau’s allegations led to a rapid downward spiral in bilateral relations between India and Canada, a spiral that shows no immediate sign of ending. To discuss these recent events—and the larger...2023-11-0851 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyUS-China conflict with Kristen HopewellSanjay Ruparelia is joined by Kristen Hopewell, the Canada Research Chair in Global Policy at the University of British Columbia, to discuss the current conflicts in international trade. In this episode, Hopewell explains the stalemates in the World Trade Organization, particularly the escalating conflict between China and the U.S. in trade negotiations. Although China is still considered a developing country, its rising economic status has halted the U.S.’s uncontested dominance. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down with Kristen Hopewell, the Canada Research Chair in Global Policy at the University of Br...2023-07-1153 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyDemocratization in Asia-Pacific with Joseph WongSanjay Ruparelia is joined by Joseph Wong, a professor of political science at the University of Toronto and the Roz and Ralph Halbert Professor of Innovation at the Munk School of Global Affairs. Professor Wong discusses why it’s better for authoritarian regimes to transition to democracies when they’re strong, rather than when they are weak. Although it may seem counterintuitive, Wong argues that autocratic governments have an incentive to transition to democracies when they’re most powerful, rather than when they’re on the brink of collapse. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: In this episode...2023-06-2738 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyCultural Insecurity with Pranab BardhanPranab Bardhan, an Indian economist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to talk about the global shift toward electing right-wing regimes. They also tackle themes pertaining to the growing social and political divide around the world. Pranab Bardhan argues that the driving force of polarization is cultural insecurity. With policy solutions like universal basic income and stronger labour unions, he believes the rise of right-wing extremism can be tamed. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Pranab Bardhan In this episode of On The Frontlines of Democracy, host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down wi...2023-06-1338 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyDiverse Democracies with Yascha MounkYascha Mounk, political scientist and associate professor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins University, sits down with Sanjay Ruparelia to discuss the challenges facing diverse democracies. In this episode, Mounk explains why being overly optimistic about ethnically and religiously diverse democracies might explain our disappointment when challenges arise. Instead, Mounk acknowledges that building a diverse society is difficult, but with the right policies in place, it’s far from impossible. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Yascha Mounk Host Sanjay Ruparelia talks to writer and political scientist Yascha Mounk about why diverse democracies fail in this episode of O...2023-05-3040 min

On the Frontlines of DemocracyRacism in Liberal Societies with Debra ThompsonDebra Thompson, a McGill professor and political scholar on the comparative politics of race, joins host Sanjay Ruparelia for a conversation on racism and democracy in Canada and the U.S. In this episode, Thompson discusses the way racist policies and systems of oppression operate differently in the two countries, resulting in a complicated relationship between Black citizens and their national identity. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Show Notes: Debra Thompson In this episode of On The Frontlines of Democracy, host Sanjay Ruparelia talks to Debra Thompson, the Canada Research Chair in Racial Inequality in Democratic Societies at Mc...2023-05-161h 15

On the Frontlines of DemocracyInterrogating Liberalism with Francis FukuyamaAfter the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early ‘90s, political scientist Francis Fukuyama argued that humankind had reached its ideological end as more countries embraced liberal democracy. Today, this theory has come under greater scrutiny, and people across the political spectrum are dissatisfied with this system. In this episode of On the Frontlines of Democracy, Francis Fukuyama and Sanjay Ruparelia discuss the pitfalls of liberalism, and whether or not its merits outweigh its shortcomings. Show Notes: In this episode of On The Frontlines of Democracy, host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down with Stanford professor and...2023-04-291h 13

On the Frontlines of DemocracyOn The Frontlines of DemocracyIn this podcast, we'll sit down with scholars, writers, and academics to figure out how we can protect democratic values in a time of political mistrust, severe partisanship, and resurgent nationalism. Listen to the trailer now and subscribe to On The Frontlines of Democracy, launching May 2023! 2023-04-1802 min

The Open Canada PodcastIs Democracy Western or Universal? with Sanjay Ruparelia The notion that democracy is a form of government native to a certain part of the world, whether it be Europe or North America, that it's somehow endemic or culturally-aligned with certain societies, seems to fly in the face of the evidence. Some Western countries are moving away from democracy, while many Asian, African and Latin American countries have proud, resilient democracies. Ben speaks with Sanjay Ruparelia, who holds the Jarislowsky Democracy Chair at Ryerson University on the universality of democracy, and how it might be time for the West to learn from the Rest for a...2022-01-2135 min

Media NationMedia Nation - May 4, 2021 - Long Term Care never ending problems, Vaccine for Seasonal Agricultural Workers & COVID19 Crisis in IndiaOn MediaNation Karlene Nation discusses never-ending problems with Long Term Care & Auditor General's Report, David Cravit. Push is on to get thousands of seasonal agricultural workers #COVID19 vaccines and Karlene is joined by Stefan Larrass from Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Lastly, #Covid19 has hit India with a health crisis. Professor Sanjay Ruparelia from Ryerson University joins.2021-05-0447 min