Democracy, power and governance

Rafe McGregor, author of 'Reducing Political Violence', argues that unprecedented global instability in the 21st century stems from the combined, accelerating crises of eroding political norms, rapid digital transformation, and unaddressed climate change.…Read more

In this Transforming Society podcast episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Lord Peter Hain about why liberation and independence movements are so often betrayed when their leaders get into power.…Read more

Anna Skeels and Patricia Hynes, authors of 'Human Trafficking of Children and Young People', suggest that the UK’s hostile treatment of trafficked and migrant children undermines their rights and recovery, demanding recognition of exploitation as a form of child abuse.…Read more

John Bahadur Lamb, co-editor of '50 Facts Everyone Should Know About the Police', argues that nostalgic, place-based local policing in England and Wales has been eroded over time and that Police and Crime Commissioners have failed to restore it, adding cost and politicisation without rebuilding public trust.…Read more

From Bristol University Press and Policy Press, Transforming Society shares the powerful stories rooted in our research, showing how ideas can shape a fairer, better society.…Read more

This year on the Transforming Society podcast, we’ve highlighted the stories behind research that tackles society’s biggest challenges and sparks meaningful change.…Read more

International Migrants Day underscores that migrants are essential to the UK’s economy and public services, yet are scapegoated for hardships actually caused by financialisation, corporate exploitation and elite-driven populism.…Read more

The editors of the Journal of Gender-Based Violence argue that digital violence against women extends offline patriarchal abuse and demands urgent feminist action and accountability.…Read more

Gerry Mitchell, co-author of 'Uncomfortably Off', argues that political timidity and a broken fiscal system have produced deep inequality and failing public services, leaving even high earners feeling squeezed and showing that only bold, systemic reform.…Read more

Academics Stand Against Poverty argue that a budget guided by the socioeconomic duty would harness existing data to assess the inequality impacts of government decisions, ensuring policies actively reduce rather than worsen socioeconomic disadvantage.…Read more