A new story of Englishness with Caroline Lucas

Not an oil shock. An everything shock. With Bruce Mann

What happens when one of the world’s most important maritime choke points stays closed for months? Alex Evans speaks to former UK resilience tsar Bruce Mann about the real-world consequences of the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and why the biggest impacts may still lie ahead. Bruce draws on decades of experience in civil contingencies, emergency planning, and systemic risk analysis to explain how an oil shock can rapidly evolve into a manufacturing shock, food shock, economic shock, and eventually a social and political crisis. The conversation explores: * Cascading failures in globally interconnected systems * Why governments may be undercommunicating risk * The dangers of “Big Mother” government responses * How communities and households can build practical resilience * The difference between panic and preparedness * Whether globalization created hidden fragilities * Why crises can sometimes produce genuine breakthroughs People Alex Evans is the founder and Executive Director of Larger Us. He’s also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sacs/], a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation [http://www.cic.nyu.edu/], and the author of The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough? (Penguin, 2017 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112#:~:text=Once%20upon%20a%20time%20our,both%20dangerous%20and%20an%20opportunity.]). Alex is a former Campaign Director at Avaaz [http://www.avaaz.org/], where he ran campaigns on areas including Brexit and human rights. He’s also been a political adviser, including for two UK Secretaries of State for International Development and in the UN Secretary-General’s office, and as a consultant for organisations from Oxfam to the US National Intelligence Council. Bruce Mann Bruce Mann’s career in the UK Civil Service covered a wide range of national security policy and operational roles in the Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office, including as Head of the Nuclear Accident Response Organisation and in the Cabinet Office Secretariat dealing with terrorism and major emergencies. He was appointed in 2004 to be Director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, where he led the UK Government response to a wide range of domestic emergencies.  After leaving the Civil Service, Bruce has provided support to a wide range of countries in eastern Europe, the Gulf and East Asia, as well as English Local Resilience Forums, seeking to develop their risk and emergency management strategies, law and capabilities, and to assess their preparedness.  Bruce was Leader of the Independent Review of UK Civil Protection [https://nationalpreparednesscommission.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NPC-CCA-Report-FINAL-FOR-PUBLICATION-ON-24-MARCH-2022.pdf] arrangements on behalf of the National Preparedness Commission [https://nationalpreparednesscommission.uk], of which body he is a Commissioner. He was also an Expert Witness and Adviser to the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management and a member of its Global Advisory Board; and a member of the Advisory Board of Safehouse Pro, a Community Interest Company established to advance community and household preparedness as the foundation of wider societal resilience. He is also a Senior Associate of the UK Resilience Academy [https://ukresilienceacademy.org/our-people/]. Further Reading 2022 Review of UK civil contingencies arrangements [https://nationalpreparednesscommission.uk/publications/independent-review-of-the-2004-civil-contingencies-act/] Bruce’s evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry, with Professor David Alexander [https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/documents/inq000203349-expert-report-by-professor-david-alexander-and-bruce-mann-dated-04-06-2023/] Bournemouth University report on UK household resilience [https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/news/2025-06-27/disaster-management-centre-launches-joint-report-uk-household-resilience] Government survey of public attitudes on risk perception, resilience and preparedness  [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-public-survey-of-risk-perception-resilience-and-preparedness-2025] Essay on the UK National Preparedness Commission [https://nationalpreparednesscommission.uk/publications/time-to-turn-up-the-volume/] by Lord Toby Harris

Fighting with Nonviolence with Scilla Elworthy

Alex Evans interviews Dr. Scilla Elworthy [https://scillaelworthy.com], renowned peacebuilder and founder of the Oxford Research Group and Peace Direct. They discuss the power of dialogue in defusing nuclear tensions, the critical role of humility and listening in conflict mediation, the impact of trauma on world leaders, and the increasing influence of women in diplomacy. Dr. Elworthy shares lessons from her decades of peace work, offers practical advice on building empathy and resilience, and highlights the transformative potential of “inner work.” The conversation concludes with practical advice for individuals seeking to build peace. Key topics - The origins and impact of the Oxford Research Group’s nuclear dialogues - The role of trust-building, silence, and listening in conflict resolution - How humiliation, contempt, and trauma drive conflict - The rising influence and unique approach of women in peace and diplomacy - Meditation and contemplative practices in facilitating dialogue - The necessity of inner personal work for effective external peacebuilding - Personal stories of inspiration and hope in peace work - Practical advice: stopping, breathing, and listening, in order to foster peace People Dr. Scilla Elworthy is a peace activist, founder of the Oxford Research Group [https://scillaelworthy.com/dialogue-with-decision-makers/oxford-research-group/] and Peace Direct [https://www.peacedirect.org/about-us/], author and has been nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize [https://www.nobelprize.org]. Scilla pioneered effective dialogue between nuclear weapons policy-makers and their critics through the Oxford Research Group, which she founded in 1982. In 2002 she founded Peace Direct, to support and learn from local peace-builders in conflict zones. She has advised Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Sir Richard Branson on establishing The Elders, and in 2003 received the Niwano Peace Prize. Today, Scilla focuses on developing The Mighty Heart [https://scillaelworthy.com/mighty-heart/], a course that equips people with ten practical skills for transforming conflict. The course helps break cycles of violence and supports paths toward dialogue and agreement. Alex Evans is the founder and Executive Director of Larger Us. He’s also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sacs/], a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation [http://www.cic.nyu.edu/], and the author of The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough? (Penguin, 2017 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112#:~:text=Once%20upon%20a%20time%20our,both%20dangerous%20and%20an%20opportunity.]). Alex is a former Campaign Director at Avaaz [http://www.avaaz.org/], where he ran campaigns on areas including Brexit and human rights. He’s also been a political adviser, including for two UK Secretaries of State for International Development and in the UN Secretary-General’s office, and as a consultant for organisations from Oxfam to the US National Intelligence Council. Further Reading The Business Plan for Peace [https://scillaelworthy.com/publications-list/] by Scilla Elworthy Making Terrorism History [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/391307/making-terrorism-history-by-scilla-elworthy-and-gabrielle-rifkind/9781846040474] by Scilla Elworthy & Gabrielle Rifkind Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) conflict data. [https://www.prio.org/data] Writings and talks by Thich Nhat Hanh [https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/key-books]

A new story of Englishness with Caroline Lucas

Co-hosts Claire Brown and Alex Evans welcome former Green Party leader and MP Caroline Lucas [https://www.carolinelucas.com]. They discuss the evolution of green politics in Britain, and  can help shape a better future. Key Topics: - Caroline Lucas’s Journey. Her path to becoming the UK Green Party’s first MP. - Green Party Now. The party’s growth under new leader Zack Polanski. - Progressive Alliances & Electoral Reform. Proportional representation and how can progressive parties collaborate more effectively? - English Identity Post-Brexit. Caroline discusses her new book, “Another England”. What does Englishness mean today? - History, Empire & Education. Unpacking Britain’s colonial past. - Religion & Politics. The risks of ceding these "mythic" spaces to the hard right. - Democracy & Local Power. Radical devolution, participatory democracy, and grassroots innovation. - Climate Action for All. Why “inclusive adaptation” matters. People: Caroline Lucas was the UK’s first Green Party Member of Parliament (between 2010 and 2024), and before that served as a Member of the European Parliament for 10 years.  She has also served as Leader and Co-Leader of the Green Party [https://greenparty.org.uk] of England and Wales.   She is passionate about the role of education and the arts in mobilising action on the climate and nature emergencies.  Caroline is Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Sussex [https://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/69442] and Co-President of the European Movement [https://www.europeanmovement.co.uk].  Her latest book is Another England: How to Reclaim our National Story [https://www.carolinelucas.com/books]. Alex Evans is the founder and Executive Director of Larger Us. He’s also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sacs/], a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation [http://www.cic.nyu.edu/], and the author of "The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough?" (Penguin, 2017 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112#:~:text=Once%20upon%20a%20time%20our,both%20dangerous%20and%20an%20opportunity.]). Alex is a former Campaign Director at Avaaz [http://www.avaaz.org/], where he ran campaigns on areas including Brexit. He’s also been a political adviser, including for two UK Secretaries of State for International Development and in the UN Secretary-General’s office. Claire Brown Claire has spent most of her career living and working in and with communities that have been disadvantaged by inequality. This includes time spent as a journalist reporting on the issues impacting former coal mining towns in Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire; helping to design and find funding for programmes tackling problems like youth crime, homelessness and health inequality; and making it fun and easy for locals to cook and eat with refugees who are new to their area. Communication and proactive community engagement has always been at the core of her work, spanning journalism, education, charity and the arts. Further Reading: The Myth Gap [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112] by Alex Evans  Another England [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453710/another-england-by-lucas-caroline/9781804941591] by Caroline Lucas

The Long Crisis Scenarios with David Steven

Host Alex Evans [https://goodapocalypse.substack.com] is joined by David Steven [https://unfoundation.org/who-we-are/our-people/david-steven/], a senior fellow at the UN Foundation [https://unfoundation.org], senior fellow at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation [https://cic.nyu.edu], and Managing Director of River Path Associates [https://riverpath.com]. Longtime collaborators, Alex and David reflect on the "Long Crisis Scenarios" [https://localtrust.org.uk/insights/research/revisited-the-long-crisis-scenarios/] they developed during the pandemic and discuss how those ideas have fared five years on. Key Topics:   - David’s path to international work   - Four key global risks: acute shocks, long-term stresses, deliberate disruption and folly, ignorance, neglect.   - Layers of crisis unfolding at different speeds    - The Four Long Crisis Scenarios Revisited: “Rise of the Oligarchs”, “Big Mother, “Fragile, Resilient”, “Winning Ugly”   - Reflections on risk, governance and international institutions   - The United Nations and the future of multilateralism   - Reasons to be hopeful People: David Steven [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsteven1/] is a seasoned analyst and consultant specialising in global governance, crisis management, and international cooperation. With experience advising the UN, World Bank, governments and more, David brings insight from decades working on global issues, policy papers, and scenario planning alongside Alex. Alex Evans is the founder and Executive Director of Larger Us. He’s also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sacs/], a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation [http://www.cic.nyu.edu/], and the author of "The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough?" (Penguin, 2017 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112#:~:text=Once%20upon%20a%20time%20our,both%20dangerous%20and%20an%20opportunity.]). Alex is a former Campaign Director at Avaaz [http://www.avaaz.org/], where he ran campaigns on areas including Brexit. He’s also been a political adviser, including for two UK Secretaries of State for International Development and in the UN Secretary-General’s office. Resources and Further Reading: The Long Crisis Scenarios [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/media/insights/documents/Long-crisis-scenarios-revisited-FINAL-1.pdf?mtime=20220404160652&focal=none], Local Trust Confronting the Long Crisis of Globalisation [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/confronting-the-long-crisis-of-globalization/], Brookings Institution Shooting the rapids: multilateralism and global risks [https://www.globaldashboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/Shooting_the_rapids.pdf], The Global Dashboard

Can bridge building save democracy? With Miriam Juan-Torres González

Alex Evans speaks to Miriam Juan-Torres González, a leading expert on polarisation, democracy and belonging. They discuss the evolution of political polarisation since 2016, the rise of authoritarian populism and strategies for building bridges and defending democracy in turbulent times. Miriam shares insights from her research and real-world examples of successful civic campaigns, offering practical advice for anyone passionate about positive change. Key Topics: - Issue-based vs affective polarisation and the global landscape. - The role of the political right and left in driving polarisation. When it can be a necessary strategy for justice. - The importance of focusing on authoritarianism and democracy. - The pitfalls of mainstream parties adopting far-right rhetoric. Alternative strategies for centrist governments. - Relational organising, deep canvassing, and bridge-building. - Do labels like “fascism” and “radical right” describe current political trends? - The importance of electoral and grassroots strategies in defending democracy. - A new vision of democracy. - Integrating bridge-building with justice. People: Míriam Juan-Torres González is an expert on authoritarian populism, polarisation and human rights. She is Head of Research at OBI's Democracy & Belonging Forum [https://www.democracyandbelongingforum.org/] at UC Berkeley, and formerly acted as advisor to Our Common Home [https://ourcommonhome.ch/en/] and taught at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona [https://www.uab.cat/web/universitat-autonoma-de-barcelona-1345467954774.html]. She is the co-author of “Hidden Tribes: A Study of America’s Polarized Landscape” and the lead author of “Britain’s Choice: Common Ground and Division in 2020s Britain". She is also co-chair of the Board of the Belong Network [https://www.belongnetwork.co.uk/about-belong/meet-the-team/trustees-and-advisory-panel/].  Alex Evans is the founder and Executive Director of Larger Us. He’s also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/sacs/], a Senior Fellow at New York University’s Center on International Cooperation [http://www.cic.nyu.edu/], and the author of "The Myth Gap: What Happens When Evidence and Arguments Aren’t Enough?" (Penguin, 2017 [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/435427/the-myth-gap-by-alex-evans/9781909513112#:~:text=Once%20upon%20a%20time%20our,both%20dangerous%20and%20an%20opportunity.]). Alex is a former Campaign Director at Avaaz [http://www.avaaz.org/], where he ran campaigns on areas including Brexit. He’s also been a political adviser, including for two UK Secretaries of State for International Development and in the UN Secretary-General’s office. Resources & Further Reading: Chris Armitage’s blog [https://cmarmitage.substack.com/p/i-researched-every-attempt-to-stop] on racism. Corrine Fowler’s interview on the Larger Us podcas [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1738464/episodes/15726930-how-to-survive-a-culture-war-with-professor-corinne-fowler]t Alex Evan's article on Radical Love and Depolarisation [https://theconnector.substack.com/p/how-radical-love-could-depolarize] Hidden Tribes (US) report [https://hiddentribes.us/] Britain’s Choice (UK) report [https://www.britainschoice.uk/] Research by Maria Stephan and Erica Chenoweth on nonviolent resistance [https://www.ericachenoweth.com/research/wcrw] The Othering and Belonging Institute’s work on targeted universalism [https://belonging.berkeley.edu/targeted-universalism] Subscribe for more conversations on navigating turbulent times and building a brighter future. Music by Fogheart [https://fogheart.bandcamp.com/], with permissio