Please join us in welcoming a special guest host for this episode! Cyanne Loyale is Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at Penn State and a Global Fellow at the Pease Research Institute Oslo. Her research focuses on transitional justice and democratic rebuilding after conflict, which makes her the perfect person to reflect on South Africa's democratic transition.

One additional programming note — Chris Beem lost power during this recording so the closing segment is Cyanne and Jenna reflecting on the interview.

At the end of April, South Africa marked the 30th anniversary of its first post-Apartheid election — the first in the country where everyone could vote. South African writer and scholar Antjie Krog join us for a look at the state of South African democracy today, the impact of the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and how South Africa has served as a model for other countries in democratic transition.

Krog is a South African writer, scholar, and activist. She covered the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the South African Broadcasting Corporation and wrote about the experience in the book Country of My Skull. She has published more than a dozen volumes of poetry and translated Nelson Mandela's biography into Afrikaans. She is currently a professor at the University of the Western Cape.

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Democracy Works Podcast

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We all have opinions. And there are more ways than ever to voice those opinions. But before expressing those opinions, have we really taken the time to understand the complexity of any given issue? More specifically, have we taken the time to speak with and consider the views of folks who are on the “other side” of that issue?

In this edition, we’ll be looking at the widespread phenomenon of campus protests across the country and the world. The initial plan was to compare campus protesters to January 6th insurrectionists; but instead, it was more valuable to explore the topic more thoughtfully, aiming to avoid fueling conflicts. So we examine diverse aspects of protests, including their objectives, the media's focus on sensational aspects (“nut picking”), and the potential ineffectiveness of disruptive tactics as well as the historical record that indicates how many such protests ultimately did more harm than good to their own cause. It was helpful to share the personal account from a friend who participated in peaceful demonstrations, offering insights into the protesters' perspectives and demands. We also review the importance of understanding and respecting the rights to free speech and assembly while considering reasonable restraints on those rights such as “time, place and manner” restrictions, as well as the impacts of protests on broader society. More broadly, it’s important to emphasize the need for balanced and informed conversations around contentious issues, advocating for empathy and open-mindedness in evaluating differing viewpoints.

01:31 A Deep Dive into Campus Protests;

05:58 Exploring the Other Side: Conversations with a Protest Participant;

07:43 Understanding the Demands and Goals of Campus Protests;

11:04 Reflecting on Free Speech and Its Complexities;

27:45 The Role of Universities in Nurturing Democracy;

35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement for Dialogue

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Talkin‘ Politics & Religion Without Killin‘ Each Other Podcast

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Host Jenna Spinelle explores the intersection between business and democracy, highlighting the crucial role of business in supporting democracy through consumer trust and solving problems. It features insights from Patrick McGinnis, who advocates for businesses to stand up for the defense of democracy. The episode also delves into Patrick's efforts with organizations like Leadership Now and BridgeUSA to drive democracy reforms and fight political division. Patrick emphasizes the importance of disrupting entrenched systems and building sustainable solutions to combat forces seeking to destabilize democracy. Throughout the episode, there is a focus on the commitment to long-term, sustained work for the success of democracy.

Hear more at democracygroup.org