In this episode of Unequal Worlds: A Research Podcast, we bring you a compelling keynote and panel discussion from the 2024 Bergen Exchanges on Law and Social Transformation. Titled "Research Agenda for The Next Decade: Inequality – Transforming Marginality," this episode features insights from leading experts. Join us as we explore the complexities of globalised capital, the role of law in perpetuating and addressing inequalities, and the importance of a relational view of inequality. Key takeaways include the importance of legal certainty and equality before the law, the devaluation of spaces and people due to capital, and the need for a relational view of inequality that considers the interconnectedness of poverty and wealth.
Listeners will gain insights into the challenges faced by vulnerable populations within the criminal justice system, the limitations of liberal reforms in addressing deep-seated issues, and the significance of continuous societal discussion and critique.
This episode is essential listening for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing the root causes of inequality. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will inspire new ways of thinking about and tackling inequality in our modern world.
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we discuss the intricate world of global capitalism by launching the book edited by Don Kalb titled "Insidious Capital: Frontlines of Value at the End of a Global Cycle." The episode was recorded during the 2024 Bergen Exchanges on Law and Social Transformation.
Explore the pervasive influence of capital on societies, the environment, and everyday life. From the financialisation in China to the rise of Trump in the US, our experts dissect the complex relationships between capital, class, and labour. Gain insights into the environmental degradation caused by unchecked capitalist development and the role of creativity and knowledge industries in today's economy.
Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the dynamics of global capitalism, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and critical analysis.
Join us as we navigate the dialectic of collusion and collision with capital, and uncover the hidden forces shaping our world.
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In this episode, we dive into the dynamic discussions from the SDG Conference in Bergen, where experts explored the complexities and opportunities in financing the shift towards sustainability. Moderated by Natalia Buier, the session featured insights from Ruth Carlitz of the University of Amsterdam, Lina Strandvåg Nagell from Bellona Europa, and Yann Robiou du Pont from Utrecht University.
Key Highlights:
Climate Finance: Addressing Inequity and Aligning Investments with Needs: Ruth Carlitz discusses the disparity between climate change impacts and emissions, emphasising the responsibility of higher-income countries to support lower-income nations. She highlights the need for transparency and effectiveness in climate finance allocation.
Sustainable Finance: Unveiling the Taxonomy Tango: Lina Strandvåg Nagell delves into the complexities of defining “sustainable” finance and its role in industrial decarbonisation. She discusses Bellona’s involvement in the EU’s sustainable finance taxonomy and the challenges of balancing economic considerations with climate goals.
Equity and Ambition: Sharing the Burden of Emissions Reduction: Yann Robiou du Pont contrasts the aspirational nature of the SDGs with the legally binding framework of the Paris Agreement. He advocates for equitable distribution of emissions reductions and introduces the concept of “fair share” based on historical emissions, per capita emissions, and GDP per capita.
From Disputes to Solutions: Charting a Course for Effective Climate Action: The panellists address disputes surrounding green finance taxonomies and the diversity of instruments involved. They emphasise the importance of international support mechanisms, transparency in foreign aid, and comprehensive sustainability criteria.
Political Will and Beyond: A Multifaceted Approach to Climate Finance: The conversation transitions to political solutions, with a focus on international cooperation, leadership from high-emitting countries, and the inclusion of non-state actors and grassroots voices.
Scepticism, Capitalism, and the Road Ahead: The session grapples with the complexities of climate change scepticism and its impact on green finance. The speakers discuss the drivers of scepticism and the challenges of achieving ambitious climate goals.
A Balancing Act for a Sustainable Future: The session concludes with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in financing climate action. The speakers highlight the need for transparent and equitable finance allocation, systemic changes in financial flows, and political solutions to address climate change effectively.
Join us as we explore these pressing issues and discuss innovative strategies for mobilising investments in sustainability. This episode reinforces the importance of collaboration and innovation in overcoming the challenges of green finance.
Tune in to gain insights and be part of the conversation on navigating the complexities of green finance for a sustainable future. 🎧
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In this episode, host Wesley Maraire sits down with Satang Nabaneh from the University of Dayton to explore the rise of the illiberal right within the African continent through the lens of the human rights framework. They discuss the complexities of how conservative values, religious extremism, and authoritarian tactics manifest in different African countries, drawing comparisons with global trends.
Satang provides a historical overview of The Gambia’s transition from a secular state to an Islamic state under authoritarian rule, highlighting the ongoing challenges even in a democratic dispensation. The discussion covers the role of law and violence in the rise of the illiberal right, with examples from Kenya and Uganda, and examines the push factors driving these movements, such as religious sentiments and cultural traditions.
The conversation also addresses the hope for those fighting against the rise of illiberalism, emphasising the importance of strategic, intersectional organising and movement building within Africa. Satang shares insights on the need for critical self-reflection and the adaptation of human rights frameworks to local contexts.
For more on Satang Nabaneh’s work, check out her latest book:
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In this episode, we bring you highlights from the Annual GRIP Lecture held at Ulrikes Aula, University of Bergen. This year’s lecture, titled “The Politics of Inequality and the Rise of the Illiberal Right: A Global Perspective,” was curated by Don Kalb, Academic Director at GRIP, and featured keynote speaker Walden Bello, a distinguished international sociologist.
Walden Bello provided a deep dive into the rise of the illiberal Right across the Global South and North, examining how leaders like Narendra Modi, Jair Bolsonaro, Viktor Orban, and Rodrigo Duterte exploit economic insecurities and societal anxieties to advance their agendas. Bello’s analysis of authoritarian processes and right-wing mobilisations offered a profound understanding of these global issues.
The lecture featured case studies illustrating how far-right leaders use fascist charisma and populist sentiments to resonate with audiences. Bello discussed the role of neoliberalism and globalisation in fuelling the rise of the far-right, particularly among disenfranchised rural communities and disillusioned white working-class voters.
Join us as we explore these critical discussions and gain insights into the rise of the far-right and its impact on global politics.
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In this episode, we delve into the critical discussions from the 2024 SDG Conference Bergen, where GRIP organised a session titled “Tackling the Rise of Illiberalism.” This session brought together students, researchers, and academics to explore the chilling effects of far-right populism on educational systems worldwide.
Key Highlights:
Neoliberalism’s Vulnerabilities: Andrea Pető from Central European University discusses how neoliberal ideologies, with their emphasis on competition and metrics, create academic vulnerabilities. She highlights the far-right’s attacks on gender studies, critical race theory, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the broader implications for academic freedom and democratic societies.
Subtle Signs, Profound Impact: Amy Kapit from Scholars at Risk warns of seemingly minor changes, such as restrictions on posters or event cancellations, as early warning signs of eroding liberalism. Her organisation tracks global attacks on academic freedom, emphasising the interconnectedness of illiberalism with democratic backsliding.
Building Resistance, Fostering Solidarity: Şansal Güngör Gümüşpala from the University of Victoria shares firsthand experiences of the chilling effect of illiberalism in Turkey, highlighting the importance of building strong community ties and fostering open dialogue within academia.
Reclaiming the Narrative: Jens Jungblut from the University of Oslo examines the role of neoliberal policies in undermining academic freedom, citing privatisation as a key factor. He discusses how populist parties prioritise shaping education content to promote national identity and traditional values over academic exploration.
Moving Forward: The session concludes with a call to action for fostering spaces for diverse voices and critical discussions. The speakers stress the importance of rethinking higher education’s structure and values to create a more inclusive learning environment and defend academic freedom and democratic principles.
Join us as we explore these pressing issues and discuss innovative strategies for resisting illiberalism and safeguarding academic freedom. This episode underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts across disciplines and borders to confront these global challenges.
Tune in to gain insights and be part of the conversation on defending the foundations of democratic societies through academic freedom. 🎧
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, host Wesley Maraire speaks with Tomas Salem, PhD fellow at the University of Bergen’s Department of Anthropology, about the rise of the far right in Brazil. The conversation explores the political, economic, social, and religious forces fueling this movement, focusing on its deep connections to corruption, economic inequality, and the militarisation of police operations.
Salem discusses how political cosmology, populism, and religious movements, particularly Pentecostal churches, have shaped Brazil’s far-right rhetoric, while social media platforms like WhatsApp spread misinformation and mobilise support. The episode also delves into the Pacification project in Brazil’s favelas, examining its racial and economic implications, authoritarian policing practices, and complex relationships with drug gangs and residents. Finally, the discussion highlights the global relevance of these dynamics, especially in relation to inequality, spirituality, and discontent among marginalised populations.
Tune in for a deep dive into Brazil’s political landscape and the broader implications of far-right movements worldwide.
You can read Tomas’ new book titled ‘Policing the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro’ for more insights. It is free and open access!
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we dive deep into the pressing challenges and innovative solutions surrounding the global green transition. Host Wesley Maraire and guest Michael Grubb explore the evolving landscape of climate finance, political solutions, and the critical role of private investment in advancing low-carbon projects in developing countries.
Key Topics Covered:
🎧 Listen Now: Join us as we navigate these crucial topics and uncover how new political solutions and visionary initiatives can reshape our approach to climate finance and ensure a fair green transition for all.
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we speak with Alpa Shah, an anthropologist and lecturer at the London School of Economics, about the complex issues of inequality, democracy, and activism in India.
Shah begins by discussing the importance of democracy in protecting minority rights and questions whether this ideal is being upheld in India. She also highlights the complexity of the term "decolonisation" and warns against its potential hijacking by extremist forces.
The conversation then turns to the challenges of labour unionisation in India, particularly in representing informal sector workers. Shah notes that unions often focus on formal sector labour, leaving out a significant portion of the workforce.
Shifting to the intersectionality of various forms of inequality, Shah introduces the concept of "conjugated oppression." She emphasises the need for mobilisation efforts that address multiple forms of inequality simultaneously.
Shah also discusses the impact of her research on both academic and public audiences. She notes that her work has raised awareness of inequality and discrimination in India, particularly among the Indian diaspora. She also mentions that her research has reached higher levels of policymaking, such as the United Nations.
The conversation concludes with a mention of Shah's upcoming book, "Incarcerations," which is set to be released in March 2024.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the challenges of inequality and discrimination in India, the importance of intersectional mobilisation, and the impact of academic research on raising awareness and influencing policy changes.
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, Divine Fuh explores the complex relationship between decolonisation and the pursuit of human dignity. Joining Fuh are Ouma Ba & Yumba Kakhobwe who respond to the address as well as questions from the audience at the recently held Bergen Exchanges on Law Social Transformation. The keynote was chaired by Satang Nabaneh.
Fuh argues that the decolonial movement in South Africa has shifted its focus from the decolonisation of knowledge to addressing the suffering and inequality experienced by poor black South Africans. He introduces the concept of "sh*t" to emphasise the suffering and predicament of poor black South Africans living in shacks and townships while the white population experiences growing opulence.
Fuh emphasises the importance of recognising and acknowledging suffering as a catalyst for the decolonial project. He discusses the concept of "seeing" suffering, which involves empathy, transformation, and understanding. He also discusses the challenges in conceptualising suffering, especially when different languages and conceptual frameworks have limited vocabulary for it.
Fuh views decolonisation as an exercise in human dignity and suggests embracing concepts like conviviality, rethinking the human, and ethical cohabitation to address inequalities and find new ways of thinking. He argues that breaking free from dominant conceptual regimes is essential to understanding and addressing suffering and inequality effectively.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the decolonial movement, human rights, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
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This episode of the Unequal Worlds explores how labour unions can address inequality, especially in the context of authoritarian regimes. Elina Troscenko (GRIP, University of Bergen) moderates a panel discussion during the 2023 Bergen Exchanges on Law & Social Transformation. The panel is comprised of three scholars from different parts of the world:
The scholars share insights and perspectives on the conditions of labour in their respective contexts, focusing on labour mobilisation against authoritarian regimes, the challenges faced by labour unions, and the strategies they employ. They discuss issues such as labour rights, unionisation rates, collective bargaining, and the effectiveness of unions in influencing political change.
The scholars also touch upon the potentialities and shortcomings of labour unions in changing political realities and addressing inequality. They discuss the different strategies and repertoires of resistance employed by unions and how they adapt to evolving political landscapes. They address questions about the democratic nature of unions and their role in promoting democracy in their respective countries.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in labour unions, inequality, and authoritarian regimes. It provides a nuanced and insightful look at the complex relationship between these three forces, and it highlights the importance of labor unions in the fight for social justice.
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In this episode, we speak with Divine Fuh, an anthropologist and professor at the University of Cape Town. The conversation revolves around knowledge-based inequality and African knowledge systems - canvassing historical, contemporary and future challenges.
Divine discusses the need to decolonise these systems, the role of African youth, and the potential they hold for addressing global issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality. We also explore the importance of reshaping education and research to embrace African knowledge.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in African knowledge systems, decoloniality, and the future of Africa.
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Dive into the world of socialism and labour movements in the GRIP Annual Lecture 2023. Join us for an enlightening discussion as esteemed global labour historian Marcel van der Linden takes the stage to share invaluable insights into the historical trajectories of socialist and labour movements.
In this inaugural lecture, delivered on May 31, van der Linden provides a deep exploration of the challenges faced by these movements and the strategic choices they have made throughout history. Engage with van der Linden's vast knowledge and research as he unravels the complexities of 200 years of socialism.
Joining the conversation are renowned scholars Göran Therborn, Svati Shah, and Ernesto Semán, who provide insightful commentary, further enriching the lecture. Together, they offer a comprehensive understanding of the past and present dilemmas of socialist and labour movements.
Don't miss this thought-provoking lecture that sheds light on the historical lessons that can guide the future of socialism. Tune in to the GRIP Annual Lecture 2023 and deepen your understanding of socialism and labour movements.
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Join host Wesley Maraire in a captivating episode of "Unequal Worlds" as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Max Lawson from Oxfam. In this podcast, they explore Oxfam's report on global inequality, wealth disparities, and the urgent need for systemic change.
The episode begins by delving into the key findings of the report, highlighting the alarming escalation of wealth concentration among billionaires, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They shed light on the disproportionate distribution of wealth, with the richest 1% accumulating an overwhelming share while poverty rates increase globally.
Max Lawson presents a compelling case against billionaires, questioning their legitimacy and advocating for their abolition due to the harm their concentration of power and resources inflicts on society and the planet. The discussion covers the responses of billionaires, examples of extreme inequality, and the absence of the term "capitalism" in the report.
They also address the impact of COVID-19 on wealth disparities, emphasising the disastrous consequences for developing countries and the unequal access to vaccines. The episode concludes with the understanding that while COVID-19 exacerbated wealth disparities, the core issue lies in the concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few, necessitating systemic change to address global inequality.
Tune in to this compelling episode of "Unequal Worlds" as Wesley Maraire and Max Lawson challenge wealth concentration, advocate for progressive taxation, and explore the path towards a fairer and more equitable world.
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If you're looking for insight into the global crisis of inequality, this episode of Unequal Worlds is a must-listen. Host Wesley Maraire interviews Katja Hujo, a senior research coordinator at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, about their flagship report, "Crisis of Inequality, Shifting Power for a New Social Contract." Hujo shares her thoughts on the systemic and structural challenges that perpetuate inequality and proposes eco-social policies as a way forward.
The episode covers everything from the need for a new social contract to the contentious inclusion of a goal on reducing inequality in Agenda 2030. Hujo also discusses the report's proposed seven principles for building a new ecological social contract, which are based on the analysis of past and present social contracts. Along the way, she touches on many topics related to inequality, including citizen engagement, political processes, and community-level processes.
The conversation also explores some of the challenges associated with implementing these ideas and the need for a deliberative process at different levels. The report calls for global citizens to hold governments and other actors accountable for their promises and commitments to ensure progress is made towards a new eco-social contract that prioritises justice and sustainability. If you're interested in learning more about this important issue, be sure to check out this thought-provoking episode of Unequal Worlds.
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, host Wesley Maraire interviews Vivian Price, a professor of interdisciplinary studies in the Department of Arts and Humanities at California State University. Vivian discusses her background in blue-collar jobs, her interest in film-making, and her involvement in making documentaries about women construction workers, migrant workers, and the intersection of labor and climate change.
The conversation centers around just transition, which entails addressing the impacts of transitioning to a greener economy on workers, communities, and the economy. The episode includes discussions on the importance of including representatives from different communities in the negotiations, the role of the state in addressing inequality, and the value of strong unions. The conversation also explores the challenges faced by countries heavily dependent on oil and the possibility of unions and oil companies working together to mitigate the risks of workers losing their jobs. The episode concludes with the importance of listening to workers and recognising their stake in the green transition.
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In this episode of Unequal Worlds, we explore the topic of citizenship and its current state in diverse political contexts. The episode was recorded at a Breakfast Seminar at Bergen Global as part of the joint GRIP and Chr. Michelsens Institute (CMI) project Political Protests and New Forms of Citizenship. The discussants included Mari Norbakk from CMI and Giorgi Cheishvili from Tbilisi State University, moderated by Elina Troscenko from GRIP.
Citizenship is in crisis due to the rise of populist and authoritarian governments, and its inability to tackle challenges such as climate change, refugee crisis, and the pandemic. The commodification of citizenship and the closure of spaces for protest have also raised concerns among scholars. However, large-scale political protests are taking place, challenging authorities in instances where they seem to be losing legitimacy and people's trust.
Citizenship may appear static, but it is constantly negotiated. The panelists shed light on different practices and understandings of citizenship in diverse political contexts, and how the dynamics of negotiating the relationship between the state and society take place under different political regimes.
The episode reveals how people are maneuvering a changing landscape and changing relations between the state and the people by drawing on examples from mainly Qatar, Egypt and Georgia and with references to Bahrain and Latvia.
The Panel:
Giorgi Cheishvili is a social anthropologist and his research covers topics such as state, nationalism, citizenship and borders. He has conducted extensive ethnographic research in Georgia and Turkey. He holds a PhD in social anthropology from the University of Bergen (Norway) and is currently a visiting lecturer at Tbilisi State University (Georgia).
Mari Norbakk is social anthropologist at Chr. Michelsens Institute and her work is focused on the Middle East, specifically Egypt and Qatar as well as migrant communities in Norway. Research interests include masculinities, marriage, gender, women’s rights, revolutionary practice, class, capital and migration.
Elina Troscenko (moderator) is the Head of the GRIP Secretariat. In her academic work she has been focusing on Soviet legacies in the Baltics, the Caucasus and Central Asia exploring issues relating to borders, citizenship and bureaucratic practices of the state in relation to marginalized populations.
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This episode’s guest is dr Zarina Patel, Associate Professor of Human Geography in the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town. In conversation with GRIP’s Maria Bakke Ulvesæter, dr Patel discusses, among other things; the ways urban developments can be just and sustainable; epistemic inequalities and the importance of trans-disciplinary work; the significance of Africa’s future urban development; and how urban development and inequality are intrinsically linked.
Dr Patel’s research addresses the politics and practices of achieving just and sustainable urban transitions. The distinctive focus of her scholarship is the use of transdisciplinary approaches to navigate alternate insights and responses to complex urban issues in southern contexts.
Mentioned in this episode:
Research and knowledge centre Mistra Urban Futures
The New African Urban University
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This episode is a recording of GRIP affiliate Svati Shah's keynote at the 2022 Bergen Exchanges. Here, Dr Shah sets the issues of gender, land rights and political enfranchisement as well as postcolonial queer and trans theory into the broader context of anti-democratic governance and battles over historical memory in India.
Svati Shah is a feminist anthropologist who works on questions of sexuality, gender, migration and caste capitalism in India. They hold adjunct appointments in the Departments of Anthropology and Afro-American Studies at UMass-Amherst. Dr Shah’s ethnographic monograph, Street Corner Secrets: Sex, Work and Migration in the City of Mumbai, discussed sex work as an aspect of labour migration that is mediated by the politics of space, urbanization and caste. They are currently researching the rise of authoritarianism and the histories of new left social movements, queer feminist critique, and anthropology in South Asia.
You can read more about Svati Shah and their work at their webpage: Svati P. Shah
This event was a part of the LawTransform Queer Lawfare seminar series (sponsored by Fritt Ord), a collaboration with GRlP (Global Research Programme on Inequality), Centre on Law & Social Transformation and Centre for Women’s and Gender Research at UiB.
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We are happy to be able to share a recording of this keynote session with you as an episode of our podcast Unequal Worlds. This keynote address was given by Prof. Leandro Rodriguez Medina (Department of Sociology, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco, Mexico) and entitled: “On epistemic decentralization: challenges for knowledge infrastructures”.
GRIP affiliate Dr. Susanne Koch (STS Department/Chair of Forest and Environmental Policy, Technical University of Munich) together with Prof. Nelius Boshoff (Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology, Stellenbosch University) convened the workshop “Science as a Site of Inequality: An Exploratory Workshop for Sharing Evidence and Experience from Environment-Related Research Fields” (11.–13. May 2022).
The hybrid event brought together scholars from all across the world to discuss how science itself is shaped by inequality – and how it could become a more inclusive space of knowledge production. The workshop was hosted by the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studyand funded by the DFG Programme Point Sud.
If you are interested in hearing more from the workshop, you are welcome to listen to this talk given by Nelius and Susanne as part of the CWTS Diversity and Inclusion Seminar Series.
Keynote: Leandro Rodriguez Medina
Moderator: Susanne Koch
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Cover photo by Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash