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The Politics Shed

The Politics Shed

By: John Gibbs
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A series of podcast lectures by John Gibbs which support the Politics Shed Website. They are aimed to be resources for anyone interested in the the subject of Politics and in particular students of A level AQA & Edexcel Government and Politics A level. However the aim is to be useful to High School and higher education students through the breadth of links, videos and podcasts.John Gibbs Education
Episodes
  • The Anatomy of Political Populism: From Rome to Trump
    May 25 2026

    This episode explores the nature of political populism, its historical roots, key features, and how it manifests in contemporary politics worldwide. We analyze how populist leaders appeal to common sense, identity, and emotion, often rejecting liberal elites and promoting authoritarianism.Understanding Political Populism

    03:02The Roots and Characteristics of Populism

    05:59Populism and National Identity

    08:46Masculinity and Populism

    11:10The Role of Religion in Populism

    13:46Common Sense and Anti-Intellectualism

    16:52Rhetoric and Polarization in Populism

    19:29The Deep State and Conspiracy Theories

    22:33Populism's Urgency and Action Orientation

    25:27Populism in Power: Practices and Paradoxes

    32:54The Nature of Political Populism

    37:57Nostalgia and Its Role in Populism

    44:23Economic Perspectives of Populism

    48:57The Paradox of Populist Demands

    55:00The Scapegoating in Populism

    59:45Cultural Uncertainty and Populism

    01:07:22The Future of Liberal Democracy and Populism

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    59 mins
  • The Fragile Power of UK Prime Ministers: Lessons from Major, May, and Truss
    Apr 30 2026

    This episode explores the fragility and power dynamics of the UK Prime Minister role through the careers of John Major, Theresa May, and Liz Truss, highlighting how political, economic, and personal factors influence leadership stability.The Fragility of Prime Ministerial Power

    27:03The Rise and Challenges of Theresa May

    31:54The Brexit Dilemma: Soft vs Hard Brexiteers

    34:02Theresa May's Leadership Challenges

    38:26The 2017 Election: A Disastrous Campaign

    42:46The Windrush Scandal and Its Fallout

    47:12The Complications of Brexit Negotiations

    49:25The Brief Tenure of Liz Truss01:01:26The Fragility of Prime Ministerial Power

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Tony Blair: A study in power.
    Apr 29 2026

    This episode explores the political career of Tony Blair, his leadership style, policy reforms, and the legacy of his tenure as UK Prime Minister. It covers the rise of New Labour, constitutional reforms, foreign policy, and social changes.

    • Rise of New Labour and the 1997 landslide victory
    • Constitutional reforms and devolution in the UK
    • Media control and political messaging under Blair
    • Foreign policy and the Iraq War impact
    • Social reforms and civil liberties advancements

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    32 mins
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