David Klemperer
@dmk1793.bsky.social
Historian, researcher, and co-editor of @renewaljournal.bsky.social
Pinned
David Klemperer
@dmk1793.bsky.social
· Oct 26
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In today’s episode David & @dmk1793.bsky.social try to answer some of the hundreds of questions, comments and suggestions we have had about this series. How do we know if democracy is broken? Have we ever had a real democracy anyway?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
In today’s episode David & @dmk1793.bsky.social try to answer some of the hundreds of questions, comments and suggestions we have had about this series. How do we know if democracy is broken? Have we ever had a real democracy anyway?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
Really enjoyed recording this discussion with David Runciman, covering threats to democracy, early 20thc theories of oligarchy, how algorithmic social media is changing politics, the problem with 19thc approaches to suffrage - and much, much more!
Reposted by David Klemperer
a society losing the plot in real time
February 10, 2026 at 9:11 PM
a society losing the plot in real time
Reposted by David Klemperer
A challenging - but very important - piece of research just published.
New economic analysis of Mayoral devolution’s early impacts on economic growth do not find Mayoral areas to be growing faster
AND it may be benefiting already-wealthy places not poorer ones, widening wealth gaps within places
New economic analysis of Mayoral devolution’s early impacts on economic growth do not find Mayoral areas to be growing faster
AND it may be benefiting already-wealthy places not poorer ones, widening wealth gaps within places
February 10, 2026 at 7:54 PM
A challenging - but very important - piece of research just published.
New economic analysis of Mayoral devolution’s early impacts on economic growth do not find Mayoral areas to be growing faster
AND it may be benefiting already-wealthy places not poorer ones, widening wealth gaps within places
New economic analysis of Mayoral devolution’s early impacts on economic growth do not find Mayoral areas to be growing faster
AND it may be benefiting already-wealthy places not poorer ones, widening wealth gaps within places
Reposted by David Klemperer
Plans to invade Greenland have just been cancelled after this
February 9, 2026 at 6:42 AM
Plans to invade Greenland have just been cancelled after this
Reposted by David Klemperer
Becca Rothfeld on the (non-)aesthetics of liberalism thepointmag.com/criticism/li...
Listless Liberalism | The Point Magazine
Where is liberalism’s “Fascinating Fascism”? Who is its Riefenstahl?
thepointmag.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Becca Rothfeld on the (non-)aesthetics of liberalism thepointmag.com/criticism/li...
Reposted by David Klemperer
Turns out The Times gave an interview promoting the content of a far-right neo-Nazi
www.channel4.com/news/unmaske...
www.channel4.com/news/unmaske...
February 10, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Turns out The Times gave an interview promoting the content of a far-right neo-Nazi
www.channel4.com/news/unmaske...
www.channel4.com/news/unmaske...
Reposted by David Klemperer
Indeed. A party invite for public officials, to be held in Mayfair no less, by a company that has recently been awarded a £240m public contract.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
Not a good look as the govt resets itself. Palantir hosts party for MOD and others to celebrate its new defence contract promoted by Mandelson’s PR company. www.thetimes.com/article/2ecb...
https://thetimes.com/article/2ecb6a…
February 10, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Indeed. A party invite for public officials, to be held in Mayfair no less, by a company that has recently been awarded a £240m public contract.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
The competition would be livid - had there been any.
The World Service is a vital part of the global information ecosystem, an inspiring practical expression of democratic, humanist, and internationalist values, and one of Britain's greatest contributions to the contemporary world.
If the government cannot see this, shame on them.
If the government cannot see this, shame on them.
February 10, 2026 at 3:24 PM
The World Service is a vital part of the global information ecosystem, an inspiring practical expression of democratic, humanist, and internationalist values, and one of Britain's greatest contributions to the contemporary world.
If the government cannot see this, shame on them.
If the government cannot see this, shame on them.
It would be a crime, a disgrace, and a mistake for the government to fail to support the World Service
“I urge the government to back the World Service, to act decisively and confidently about what we can achieve in this space, and to act soon”
- Tim Davie, BBC Director-General.
A dire warning about the World Service running out of money in just 7 weeks time.
- Tim Davie, BBC Director-General.
A dire warning about the World Service running out of money in just 7 weeks time.
BBC World Service faces funding cliff edge in seven weeks, says Tim Davie
As trust in Russia and China’s state broadcasters grows, director general warns of the dangers of cutting back the service
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:38 PM
It would be a crime, a disgrace, and a mistake for the government to fail to support the World Service
Reposted by David Klemperer
Miliband pledges up to £1bn for community green energy schemes
Miliband pledges up to £1bn for community green energy schemes
UK projects will allow local areas to control and profit from renewable power generation, says energy secretary
The UK government is pledging to spend up to £1bn on community-owned green energy schemes in an effort to combat growing scepticism and resistance to renewables and grid upgrade projects.
Ed Miliband, the UK energy secretary, said the new funding was intended to help democratise the energy system, increase the wealth and financial independence of local communities, and potentially cut some local energy bills. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Miliband pledges up to £1bn for community green energy schemes
Reposted by David Klemperer
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
February 10, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Times (and apparently Cabinet Ministers) apparently confusing Labour Party rules with U.K. constitution
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Labour Party rules set out what happens if LEADER of party is ‘permanently unavailable’. But they dont match up the principles, precedents and expectations about what happens fo replace a PM. 1/
Reposted by David Klemperer
If the US did what the French are doing right now, the effects on Twitter and Facebook would be enormous.
February 9, 2026 at 9:39 PM
If the US did what the French are doing right now, the effects on Twitter and Facebook would be enormous.
Reposted by David Klemperer
“Beyond the misogyny and moral squalor, the files also provide a portrait of how power works to sustain itself.“ My @theobserveruk.bsky.social column: observer.co.uk/news/columni...
The Epstein files reveal more than depravity, they unmask...
Peter Mandelson was part of a cabal that prized wealth and influence. For some, sex was the added bonus
observer.co.uk
February 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
“Beyond the misogyny and moral squalor, the files also provide a portrait of how power works to sustain itself.“ My @theobserveruk.bsky.social column: observer.co.uk/news/columni...
Reposted by David Klemperer
Sending a WhatsApp to Peter Mandelson illustrating that I should be Prime Minister but making sure I’m shaking my head as I do so people know I’m disapproving
February 9, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Sending a WhatsApp to Peter Mandelson illustrating that I should be Prime Minister but making sure I’m shaking my head as I do so people know I’m disapproving
Great piece on the challenges faced by social democrats in confronting the far-right
February 9, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Great piece on the challenges faced by social democrats in confronting the far-right
I think the bigger issue is his relationship with Mandelson...
February 9, 2026 at 2:13 PM
I think the bigger issue is his relationship with Mandelson...
Reposted by David Klemperer
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202... how spot on was this analysis by @dmk1793.bsky.social from almost 3 years ago
Is Keir Starmer the British François Hollande?
Boring, safe, centrist – and probably doomed.
www.newstatesman.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:20 PM
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202... how spot on was this analysis by @dmk1793.bsky.social from almost 3 years ago
Reposted by David Klemperer
I have today been informed that, despite personal assurances to the contrary, the Green party have once again used my image and misrepresented my words on a second leaflet circulated in Gorton and Denton ahead of the by-election. I have now lodged an official complaint with the returning officer.
February 9, 2026 at 11:25 AM
I have today been informed that, despite personal assurances to the contrary, the Green party have once again used my image and misrepresented my words on a second leaflet circulated in Gorton and Denton ahead of the by-election. I have now lodged an official complaint with the returning officer.
Reposted by David Klemperer
Re-upping this for the Monday crowd... I think my favourite, most revealing detail is that the guy seems to not realise he's in trouble because London Centric's reporting didn't hit anything like his view counts, so therefore it can't really matter.
Hate-filled fake videos about London are everywhere. We've obtained a recording of a TikToker confessing to secretly filming Londoners in their homes for clicks.
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
He says it's not political. He just wants to make money from far-right anger.
Read what he says: www.londoncentric.media/p/london-tik...
February 9, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Re-upping this for the Monday crowd... I think my favourite, most revealing detail is that the guy seems to not realise he's in trouble because London Centric's reporting didn't hit anything like his view counts, so therefore it can't really matter.
Reposted by David Klemperer
Grim morning for the Labour Party but it is healthier to live in a country where decisions have consequences than one where an administration steeped in contact with Epstein sails happily on, even as the resignations pile up across Europe
February 9, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Grim morning for the Labour Party but it is healthier to live in a country where decisions have consequences than one where an administration steeped in contact with Epstein sails happily on, even as the resignations pile up across Europe
Reposted by David Klemperer
This is the key point that is lost in so much Westminster bubble talk on net zero. It is popular. It’s hugely popular with Labour’s base and with the progressive voters it needs to vote tactically to defeat Reform. And it’s even popular with Tories who Labour needs not to switch to Reform.
…as well as being supported by the vast majority of Lab/Lib/Gn voters, almost all Labour MPs, a 2-1 majority of voters overall and – even now – a healthy majority of Con voters
February 8, 2026 at 10:16 PM
This is the key point that is lost in so much Westminster bubble talk on net zero. It is popular. It’s hugely popular with Labour’s base and with the progressive voters it needs to vote tactically to defeat Reform. And it’s even popular with Tories who Labour needs not to switch to Reform.
Reposted by David Klemperer
The MoJ continues to be truly terrible for transparency and open data.
They haven’t commented for this article, but I will bet money that the reason turns out to be they want to licence the data out to a company that will then charge a *massive* markup on it, making it inaccessible to the public.
They haven’t commented for this article, but I will bet money that the reason turns out to be they want to licence the data out to a company that will then charge a *massive* markup on it, making it inaccessible to the public.
The Ministry of Justice has ordered the deletion of the UK’s largest court reporting archive.
This risks undermining open justice, and I believe, undermines the public accountability role of the press by making it harder to see what is going on in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/article/77b0...
This risks undermining open justice, and I believe, undermines the public accountability role of the press by making it harder to see what is going on in the courts.
www.thetimes.com/article/77b0...
MoJ orders deletion of UK’s largest court reporting archive
Courtsdesk, which supports the media in monitoring records, is an important tool for journalists and the move raises concerns over open justice
www.thetimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:58 PM
The MoJ continues to be truly terrible for transparency and open data.
They haven’t commented for this article, but I will bet money that the reason turns out to be they want to licence the data out to a company that will then charge a *massive* markup on it, making it inaccessible to the public.
They haven’t commented for this article, but I will bet money that the reason turns out to be they want to licence the data out to a company that will then charge a *massive* markup on it, making it inaccessible to the public.
Reposted by David Klemperer
And here is the link to our lively discussion of the history of the idea that Might is Right on BBC Radio 4 Free Thinking, presented by @drmatthewsweet.bsky.social with @hdrochon.bsky.social , Margaret MacMillan and @leaypi.bsky.social, produced by @lukewm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3ZnGUYN
BBC Radio 4 - Free Thinking, Is Might Right?
The history of an idea that's shaped political philosophy, from Plato to Carl Schmitt.
bit.ly
February 7, 2026 at 7:03 PM
And here is the link to our lively discussion of the history of the idea that Might is Right on BBC Radio 4 Free Thinking, presented by @drmatthewsweet.bsky.social with @hdrochon.bsky.social , Margaret MacMillan and @leaypi.bsky.social, produced by @lukewm.bsky.social: bit.ly/3ZnGUYN
Reposted by David Klemperer
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In the third part of our series David and Paul Sagar explore what the German writer and sociologist Max Weber can teach us about the pitfalls of political life and political philosophy. Why is doing politics so hard?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
In the third part of our series David and Paul Sagar explore what the German writer and sociologist Max Weber can teach us about the pitfalls of political life and political philosophy. Why is doing politics so hard?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
February 8, 2026 at 8:47 AM
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
In the third part of our series David and Paul Sagar explore what the German writer and sociologist Max Weber can teach us about the pitfalls of political life and political philosophy. Why is doing politics so hard?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
In the third part of our series David and Paul Sagar explore what the German writer and sociologist Max Weber can teach us about the pitfalls of political life and political philosophy. Why is doing politics so hard?
Find us at...🎧 ppfideas.com
Reposted by David Klemperer
"Eighty-two years after his execution by the Gestapo on June 16, 1944, the Jewish historian and resistance fighter Marc Bloch will be inducted into the Pantheon on June 23... His family requested that 'the far right, in all its forms, be excluded from any participation in the ceremony.'"
Marc Bloch, historien et résistant juif, entrera au Panthéon le 23 juin
Marc Bloch, historien et résistant juif, entrera au Panthéon le 23 juin
La date du 16 juin avait été dans un premier temps pressentie pour son entrée au Panthéon, mais la cérémonie a dû être décalée de quelques jours en raison du G7 à Evian-les-Bains.
www.lemonde.fr
February 8, 2026 at 7:02 PM
"Eighty-two years after his execution by the Gestapo on June 16, 1944, the Jewish historian and resistance fighter Marc Bloch will be inducted into the Pantheon on June 23... His family requested that 'the far right, in all its forms, be excluded from any participation in the ceremony.'"