Fixing Democracy Q&A w/David Klemperer: Oligarchy, Ageing Populations and How to Make Things Worse

Past Present Future

D&HR Media Ltd

History, Politics, News, Society & Culture, Philosophy

4.7 • 747 Ratings

🗓️ 26 October 2025

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In today’s episode the two Davids try to answer some of the hundreds of questions, comments and suggestions we have had in response to this series, ranging from the very broad to the very specific. How do we know if democracy is broken? Have we ever had a real democracy anyway? Should old people be banned from voting? Or should we simply ban the internet instead? Plus much, much more. Out tomorrow on PPF+: A bonus episode with more questions on how to fix democracy and more answers from the two Davids. Should MPs be chosen by lottery? What has happened to the centre-right? Which needs fixing first: democracy or capitalism? To get this and all our bonus episodes plus ad-free listening sign up to PPF+ today https://www.ppfideas.com/join-ppf-plus Next time: PPF Live Special recorded at the Cheltenham Literature Festival – Who Rules the World? w/ Sarah Wynn-Williams and Bruno Maçães Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Are you stuck in traffic watching brake lights, and you'd rather be watching the northern lights?
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0:25.5	HSBC UK current account holders only.
0:30.1	Please stand clear of the gap.
0:31.9	Another morning.
0:32.7	Another reminder there's a gap to be careful of.
0:34.8	But maybe it's time to bridge the one between your 9 to 5 and your dream of living life on your own terms.
0:40.4	At HSBC, we know ambition looks different to everyone.
0:43.5	Whether it's retiring early or leaving more for your family, we can help, because when it comes to unlocking your money's potential, we know wealth.
0:50.8	Search HSBC Wealth today.
0:52.8	HSBC UK, opening up a world of opportunity. H.SBC UK
0:56.6	current account holders only.
1:09.9	Hello, my name's David Rumsamon and this is past-present future, the History of Ideas podcast.
1:15.8	We've reached the end of our series on fixing democracy. We got lots and lots of questions and comments
1:23.6	and suggestions and ideas about how to fix democracy. So before we go, we are going to make an
1:30.5	attempt to respond to some of this. And I am joined by the political historian David Clemperer,
1:36.2	who was our guide on this series to proportional representation and to compulsory voting.
1:41.5	And David and I are going to do our best, if not to answer the questions,
1:45.3	at least to respond to them. The questions are going to be put by the producer of this podcast,
	...

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