In the heart of the 19th-century, an ideology emerged that would forever change our understanding of society. Developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, Marxism is a theory rooted in historical materialism. Marxism analyses the social and economic forces that shape society, arguing that social change is driven by class struggle.

In this struggle, the bourgeoisie, the capitalist class, exploits the proletariat, the working class, for their labour. Drawing on Hegel's philosophy, particularly his dialectical method, Marxism critiques capitalism's inherent inequalities. It advocates for wealth redistribution, challenging social inequality, exploitation, and oppression.

In politics, it promotes the idea of a dictatorship of the proletariat, where the working class holds political power. In culture, Marxism examines how ideology and social structures shape our beliefs and values.

Marxist ideas continue to influence political movements and academic discourse today, providing a framework for understanding and challenging societal structures.

Want to learn more about Marxism and its relevance today? Take a listen to my latest podcast episode entitled, Red Lens: A Fresh Perspective on the Intricacies of Marxism.

This episode was researched, written and voiced by Hannah Young.

Are you intrigued by the enigmatic nation of North Korea? From the mystique of the Kim dynasty to the lives of everyday citizens this podcast episode will give you the overview you need to begin understanding the clandestine DPRK.

Join me, Hannah Young as I examine the socio-economic conditions faced by the North Korean populace and the geopolitical implications of North Korea's nuclear programme, and how it shapes international relations.

This episode was researched, written and voiced by Hannah Young

Born out of the ashes of the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1990s, the Taliban emerged as a force promising stability. But their rule was marked by severe restrictions and human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls.

Despite their overthrow in 2001 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks on New York City and Washington D.C, the Taliban made a shocking comeback two decades later, seizing control of Afghanistan once again.

The world watched in disbelief. Nations scrambled to evacuate their citizens, and aid organisations warned of a looming humanitarian crisis.

Was it that unexpected though? Some analysts and experts highlighted intelligence failures that underestimated the Taliban's capabilities and overestimated the resilience of Afghan government forces. These failures certainly contributed to the surprise experienced by Western nations.

The Taliban takeover also raised questions about the effectiveness and success of the Western military intervention and nation-building efforts in Afghanistan over the past two decades. It led to critical reflections on the long-term impact of Western involvement in the country. The international community's response has been fraught with hesitation due to the group's notorious record of human rights abuses. Perhaps this has stymied a more dominant political or combatant reaction to the takeover of a country by a terrorist organisation.

No country has formally recognised the Taliban's rule and yet the terror group acts as the de facto government of Afghanistan. The future for Afghanistan remains uncertain. Will the Taliban uphold their promise of a more inclusive government? Or will history repeat its grim past?

You can join me for a simple explanation of this complex issue and join the conversation by contributing your thoughts.

This episode was researched, written and voiced by Hannah Young