S01-EP09 - Simon Szreter on conspiracy theories, trust in politics & solutions

It is said that trust in politics is at an all-time low. Our politicians are seen as out of touch and out to fill their own pockets. But when does mistrust become something more profound? This week we discuss this phenomenon in its most extreme form: conspiracy theories. What conspiracy theories do the British public believe? How commonplace are they, and how have they spread? Are people really so wrong to believe that the world is run by a secret elite? We interview a team of Cambridge researchers for answers. Then David turns to Professor Simon Szreter - social historian and founder of ‘History & Policy’ - to discuss how academics are trying to find ways of restoring the public’s faith in politics, and bridge the gap between the politicians’ narrow view of the world and how the voters see it. The team also discuss the television debates, politicians’ use (and abuse) of facts and figures, Tony Blair, and UKIP’s strategy for electoral success. Posted 8/4/15

More from TALKING POLITICS

  1. 00:52New Podcast: These TimesMay 11, 2023
  2. 03:39New Podcast: Where Are You Going?Apr 24, 2023
  3. 02:18New Podcast: Past Present FutureApr 21, 2023
  4. 39:14FinaleMar 03, 2022
  5. 46:55Helen Thompson/DisorderFeb 24, 2022
  6. 45:27The Meaning of MacronFeb 17, 2022
  7. 52:56The Meaning of Boris JohnsonFeb 10, 2022
  8. 50:39Putin’s Next MoveFeb 03, 2022
  9. 42:33The Next Big ThingJan 27, 2022
  10. 53:39American Civil War?Jan 20, 2022