Ep. 70 Peter Geoghegan: Democracy for Sale

The Purpose Made Podcast

Are we witnessing the end of democracy? In this compelling episode of the Purpose Made Podcast, we're joined by Peter Geoghegan, an esteemed investigative journalist, author, and the mind behind groundbreaking investigations into the murky waters of political financing. Geoghegan's work has illuminated the dark corners of British politics, earning nominations for prestigious journalism awards and sparking crucial conversations about the integrity of democratic institutions.

As the former editor-in-chief at openDemocracy and a contributor to top-tier publications worldwide, Geoghegan has a knack for uncovering uncomfortable truths. From the Brexit campaign to the controversial dealings of political lobbyists, his investigations delve into how unseen money shapes public policy and opinion, often at the expense of transparency and fairness.

In today's deep-dive conversation, we explore key themes from Geoghegan's latest book, "Democracy for Sale," and discuss the broader implications of his findings on global politics and the very fabric of democracy. Join us as we navigate through a series of eye-opening topics, shedding light on the complex interplay between money, power, and governance.

During today's deep dive conversation, we discuss:

• Democracy For Sale
• UK’s Corruption “Wake Up Call”
• Lobbying, Brexit & The DUP
• Integrity, Professionalism & Accountability & The Origins Of The Atlantic Bridge
• The Greensill Scandal
• Lobbying & The Case Of The £118K-A-Year ‘Advisory’ Gig
• Distraction, Disaster Capitalism & The Dead Cat Strategy
• The IEA & The ‘Brexit Influencing Game’
• Influence, Statutory Instrument & Dark Money
• The Elections Act & ‘Tories Target 2 Million Expats With Polling-Day Proxies’
• Cambridge Analytica & Digital Influencing
• Dwindling Attention Spans, Misinformation & Digital Manipulation
• The Trump Before Trump
• Destabilisation, The Russia Report & The Owen Paterson Scandal
• The Nolan Principles: The Antidote To Sado-Populism?
• Truss, The Lettuce & Cash For Access
• Infosys & VIP Access
• PPE Procurement, Lost WhatsApps & The Covid Inquiry
• Geopolitics, The Year Of The “Election Super Cycle” & Voter Fatigue
• Strategies for Countering Right-Wing Populism
• Audience Q&A - The Teesside Freeport & A Counter To PopCon - Dark Money In Plain Sight
• Key Thoughts & Takeaways

Peter Geoghegan's insights offer a sobering look at the challenges facing modern democracies. Through meticulous investigation and a commitment to truth, Geoghegan not only exposes the mechanisms of influence and control but also sparks a conversation about the path forward.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned with the future of democracy, the impact of dark money in politics, a desire for change, and the role of journalism in safeguarding public discourse.

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