This episode is a discussion of the role of authors, publishing/publishers, and editors in ensuring free speech is protected and in countering false narratives during the pandemic, and the relationship between these roles and functions and democracy.

It features:

○ Associate Professor Atsuko Ichijo, an Editor of the journal Nations and Nationalism, the editor of Modernities in Europe book series and a Co-Editor of the Food and Identity in a Globalising World book series. Atsuko is also a previous guest on the podcast, as well as the author of chapters on Japan and Taiwan in the report Covid-19 and Democracy, First Cut Policy Analyses: Country Case Studies.

○ Dr. James Strong, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary and a Co-Editor-in-Chief of the PSA journal Politics. Follow James: @dr_james_strong

○ Chris Gilson, Managing Editor of the USAPP blogsite of the LSE US Centre. Follow Chris: @ChrisHJGilson, follow USAPP blogsite: @LSEUSAblog

Unfortunately, at times there are some slight issues with the audio in this episode.

The COVID-19 and Democracy Podcast is an output of the COVID-19 and Democracy Project, which is based within the Department of Politics, International Relations and Human Rights of Kingston University, London.

Project Lead and podcast Presenter: Pete Finn (p.finn@kingston.ac.uk)

Follow: @C19andDemoProj

Original music by Sovereign Heights

Chumocracy: UK Prime Ministers, Cronyism, and the Pandemic

Covid-19 and Democracy PodcastBy Peter FinnMay 15, 2021