Scholarly

Season 1. Episode 11. From Authoritarianism to Violence

Authoritarian regimes around the world continue to silence dissent, shrink civic space, and resort to violence when their power is threatened. These patterns aren’t unique to any one country; they repeat across regions and generations. In our latest episode of the Scholarly Podcast, President Ahrar Ramizpoor sits down with Dr. Owen Lippert to understand why these systems turn violent, what signals reveal that repression is about to intensify, and how propaganda begins to fail when people no longer trust what they’re told. Together, they break down how regimes rely on force when they start losing control, how disinformation is used to confuse and divide the public, and why strong, independent civil society remains one of the most powerful tools against repression. If you’re interested in learning more, listen to this insightful podcast for deeper understanding.

Season 1. Episode 10. Law, Authoritarianism & Extremism

Authoritarian regimes often twist laws to serve power, not people. They justify repression in the name of security, silence critics under legal cover, and dismantle freedoms that laws should protect. These realities shape the daily lives of millions living under authoritarianism and extremism.  Dr. Fereydoon Rahmani, in our latest scholarly podcast with WAEN, has unpacked these dynamics in detail.  Listen to this podcast now on our website — also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Season 1. Episode 9. Tech in Authoritarian Regimes

Authoritarian regimes are no longer relying only on force; they are weaponizing technology to control what people see, hear, and even think. From censorship and firewalls to sophisticated propaganda, the digital space has become a battlefield where power is contested. Technology companies stand at a crossroads, balancing profit and politics, while civil society struggles to preserve democratic freedoms. But can authoritarian control truly dominate a world that is more connected than ever? What role should tech companies play when human rights are at stake? And is civil society strong enough to resist the growing tide of digital repression? These are the questions explored in the latest episode of Scholarly Podcast with Kyle Matthews, Executive Director of the Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS), in a thought-provoking discussion hosted by WAEN President Abu Ahrar Ramizpoor.

Season 1. Episode 8. Countering Totalitarianism and Extremism

Why are more and more young people around the world being drawn to extreme ideas and radical groups? What role does ideology play in today’s totalitarian regimes, and is it still the driving force behind authoritarian control? And did you know that extremism isn’t always religious; it can also take the form of dangerous secular or political ideologies? These are just some of the big questions we explored in our latest episode of the Scholarly Podcast with Simon Lee, a freedom activist, entrepreneur, and political columnist from Hong Kong. In this timely discussion, Simon breaks down the roots of extremism, the warning signs of rising authoritarianism, and how ordinary people and communities can push back, safely and wisely. His insights are grounded in both lived experience and sharp analysis, making this episode a must-listen for anyone concerned about the growing threats to freedom and democracy today. Listen to it now on our website and explore how ideology, power, and resistance intersect in today’s world and what we can all do to resist extremism and totalitarianism.

Season 1. Episode 7. Islamic Political Jurisprudence in a Changing World

What happens when centuries-old interpretations of Islamic governance continue to shape political systems in today’s world, often at odds with democracy, human rights, and gender equality? Across regions, from Iran to Afghanistan and beyond, movements draw on Islamic political jurisprudence as a foundation for their authority, yet questions remain about its relevance and adaptability in a modern, pluralistic society. Can traditional Islamic political concepts evolve to meet the values of the present day? To explore this important question, we recently had the honor of speaking with Mr. Ahrar Ramizpoor, a distinguished scholar of Islamic and human rights law, President of the World Anti-Extremism Network (WAEN), and a former Human Rights Officer with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). With decades of experience in legal scholarship, civil society, and peacebuilding efforts across the region, Mr. Ramizpoor brings a rare and nuanced perspective to this conversation. If you’re someone interested in the intersection of religion, governance, and human rights, or if you’ve ever wondered whether Islamic political thought can coexist with democratic values, this podcast is a must-listen.