DeepSummary
The interview discusses the recent shift towards right-wing populist parties in European elections and how this poses a threat to liberal democratic values and support for Ukraine. Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, expresses concern over the growing influence of these parties and their potential impact on issues like the war in Ukraine and support for the rules-based international order.
Marin emphasizes the need for traditional parties to better address people's concerns and meet their needs, as voters may be drawn to populist promises when they feel neglected. She also stresses the importance of preparing for future crises and challenges, particularly in the realm of technology, to avoid reliance on authoritarian countries and maintain resilience.
Marin reflects on her decision to apply for NATO membership for Finland and the need for strong defense capabilities in Europe. She also discusses the role of women in leadership positions and the need to address structural barriers that prevent more women from reaching top positions in politics, business, and other fields.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The rise of right-wing populist parties in Europe poses a threat to liberal democratic values and support for the rules-based international order.
- Traditional parties need to better address people's concerns and meet their needs to prevent voters from being drawn to populist promises.
- Democracies must prioritize technological preparedness and self-sufficiency to avoid reliance on authoritarian countries in areas like energy and emerging technologies.
- Finland's decision to apply for NATO membership was directly influenced by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need for strong defense capabilities in Europe.
- Structural barriers within societies prevent more women from reaching leadership positions in politics, business, and other fields, and this issue needs to be addressed.
- Populist movements often capitalize on people's fears and anger, offering simplistic solutions to complex problems.
- Democracies must prioritize educating people on the importance of truth and shared facts to counter the polarization and spread of misinformation.
- The future of emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors will have a significant impact on societies and economies, and democracies must be prepared.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Well, I think if we look the world today, actually, the basic values that we have all stood by and behind are being challenged. The whole international rule based order is being challenged by authoritarian countries. Democracy is being more and more challenged by the same powers, but also within democracies.“ by Sanna Marin
- “Without the war, Finland wouldn't have made the decision when we made the decision. So it was because of the action and the violent attack against Ukraine. Why Finland did that decision during our governmental period, I'm very happy that we are now a member of NATO.“ by Sanna Marin
- “So there never was, like, this emerging leadership amongst women. There never was always too few.“ by Sanna Marin
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Episode Information
Power Play
POLITICO
6/27/24
The recent shift to the right in the European Parliament election doesn't bode well for the continent's dwindling band of social democratic leaders, one of the most prominent of whom, former Finnish PM Sanna Marin, was shown the door by voters last year.
Finland is a country of renewed prominence due to its proximity to Putin's Russia — which led Marin to apply to join NATO, ending decades of Finnish neutrality. Host Anne McElvoy talks to Marin about Putin’s war in Ukraine, her warning that Europe needs to do more to meet the challenges posed by big tech, and why the continent needs more female leaders. Marin also leaves the door open to returning to elected politics, with a "never say never" mantra.
The conversation was recorded in front of a live audience at the recent Copenhagen Democracy Summit, which took place before the European election.
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