She is podcasting about the best features of democracy

“A lot of people focus strongly on the shortcomings and problems of democracy. That’s very important, of course. But I feel my niche is looking at strengths. Things that could strengthen democracy,” says Helena Iacobaeus.

The podcast is now in its second year. The episodes are usually not very long, lasting between 15 and 45 minutes. She wants the listener to listen to the whole podcast and stay focused.

How do you choose a topic?
“It should be some kind of aspect that can strengthen democracy. I look at which researchers could talk about it in a good way based on their research. Why is this area important for democracy and what can we do to strengthen it?”

Which researchers do you choose?
“That's what's so good about the university. There’s research on all kinds of things! I choose a subject that may be topical and of interest for the moment. And so far, I’ve chosen researchers at LiU. I already knew some of the researchers. I’ve found others because they fit a topic.”

What are the strengths of democracy today?
“That depends on how you look at it. I’ve focused on, among other things, transparency, popular participation and minority rights. And education, for example.”

How do you prepare for an episode?
“I usually write a script with questions that I share with the person invited, but it becomes more of a flowing conversation.”

Is there any episode that you think has been particularly strong?
“Oh, there are many. Every meeting is fun. But one episode that I value very highly is with my colleague Khalid Khayati. He talks about minority rights in the majority society. I thought that was very nice, informed, interesting and very personal too.”

Do the episodes have anything in common?
“I always try to have something about hope for the future. What can we do to strengthen democracy? Or what can we do as citizens? I think we need to find something that the young generation can hold on to when they enter adult life.”

Helena Iacobaeus has studied at LiU and also worked in University Services and the International Affairs and Collaborations Division for several years before taking up a PhD position. In Spring term 2025, she will present her doctoral thesis about digitalisation, accessibility and democracy.

“I’m studying the major transition we’re making in society now, where we’re getting more and more digital services in public administration. There are many groups that aren’t keeping up with this development. And it’s not just older people.”

What groups are you thinking of?
“There may, for example, be problems that arise with major life changes, such as losing a job. Many people may only have their work computer and it’s their digital access and it’s worked very well. Suddenly you don’t have it. It may be that you lose your home or that a child becomes seriously ill. And you must have new types of digital contacts with healthcare that you’re not used to at all. Or that you have a disability. Young people, to some extent, may also have difficulties with digital services,” says Helena Iacobaeus.

“Here, digitalisation is becoming an important democratic issue of rights and accessibility.”