What Is...?

What Is... the outcome of COP28?

The hosts review COP 28. highlighting the scale of the event, the diversity of attendees (including youth and indigenous groups), and the ongoing negotiations. The discussion covers the challenges of achieving global consensus on climate action and the importance of youth engagement. Finally, the speakers offer advice for young people wanting to make a difference, emphasizing the power of collective action and political engagement.

What Is...the economic future of 'peak boomers'?

The hosts discuss a study by Shapiro and Stutgen that analyzes the financial preparedness of the "peak boomer" generation (born 1959-1964) for retirement and its economic consequences. Significant disparities in savings exist based on gender, race, and education, with many facing financial challenges. Their impending retirements will impact Social Security and Medicare spending, while also reducing workforce participation and consumer spending. The study explores potential mitigating factors like annuities and policy recommendations to address these issues. The authors offer projections of GDP growth and cost impacts.

What Is...The Future of Democracy?

This episode examines the challenges facing "real-existing democracies" (REDs), defined as self-proclaimed democratic systems recognized internationally and meeting standard democratic criteria. The author of the discussed paper, Philippe C. Schmitter, argues that while REDs have expanded globally, they face crises of declining citizen trust and engagement. He identifies historical transformations of democracy and discusses two contemporary revolutions: the rise of powerful organizations as key political actors and the professionalization of politics. Schmitter proposes reforms to address these issues, focusing on enhancing citizen participation and accountability, including novel suggestions such as lotteries attached to elections and a citizen's assembly. Ultimately, he contends that democracy must adapt and change to remain legitimate.