Cultural Insecurity with Pranab Bardhan

Pranab Bardhan, an Indian economist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, joins host Sanjay Ruparelia to talk about the global shift toward electing right-wing regimes. They also tackle themes pertaining to the growing social and political divide around the world. Pranab Bardhan argues that the driving force of polarization is cultural insecurity. With policy solutions like universal basic income and stronger labour unions, he believes the rise of right-wing extremism can be tamed.

In this episode of On The Frontlines of Democracy, host Sanjay Ruparelia sits down with Pranab Bardhan, distinguished professor emeritus of economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Sanjay and Pranab discuss social and political division and the rise of right-wing governments around the world. Specifically, Professor Bardhan discusses his theory of cultural insecurity as a pervading threat to societal stability. 

Host: Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair and Associate Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Guest: Pranab Bardhan, distinguished professor emeritus of economics from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Background Reading: 

Pranab Bardhan’s A World of Insecurity: Democratic Disenchantment in Rich and Poor Countries

Pranab Bardhan’s The Political Economy of Development in India

Pranab Bardhan’s How India can do UBI: Universal Basic Income is a practical solution to poverty and inequality