Oxford Policy Pod

The "Almost Prime Minister" | Pita Limjaroenrat
In this episode of Policy Pod with Deep Dive, Master of Public Policy students Marc Naro and Richard Heydarian sit down with Pita Limjaroenrat, the former leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party and the man widely seen as Thailand's "almost prime minister."
Following his party's landmark victory in the 2023 general election, Pita appeared poised to lead Thailand's next government. Yet despite winning the popular mandate, a complex political and institutional process prevented him from taking office.
Together, they explore Thailand's democratic trajectory, the relationship between electoral legitimacy and political power, the role of institutions in democratic governance, and the challenges facing reform-minded leaders in an era of political polarization. Pita also reflects on his personal journey, the future of Thai politics, and the lessons his experience offers for democracies around the world.
A fascinating conversation on democracy, leadership, and what happens when winning an election is not enough to govern.

This is a defining conversation on: The Role of Pan-African Philanthropy in Financing Governance and Public Policy.
Host: Takudzwa Ngadziore (MPP)
Co-host: Lorna Akoacha Enow (MPP)
Guest: Briggs Bomba, Director of Programs at TrustAfrica
The conversation is important as:
It provides a practical framework for leveraging traditional values such as Ubuntu ( I am because you are) and Harambee (community fundraising) to mobilize domestic resources for democratic strengthening, reducing dependency on external donors whose priorities may not align with local needs.
It comes at a critical moment when democratic governance in Africa faces growing pressures from shrinking civic space, youth disenfranchisement, and governance deficits, making homegrown financial solutions more urgent than ever.

The guest Briggs Bomba serves as the Programs Director for TrustAfrica, a pan-African foundation that works across Africa to promote democratic governance and equitable development.

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, Thenu and Jasmine speak with Chanel Contos about the growing influence of social media algorithms on young people, relationships, and public discourse. Known for her advocacy around consent education and sexual violence prevention, Chanel reflects on how digital platforms can both amplify social movements and expose users to harmful online ecosystems.
The conversation explores the ways algorithms shape behaviour, reinforce social norms, and contribute to the spread of misogynistic and radicalising content online, particularly among young men. It also examines the tension between engagement-driven platform design and user wellbeing, alongside the challenges governments and tech companies face in creating safer and more accountable digital spaces.
The episode further discusses Chanel’s latest campaign on algorithmic accountability, including its goals, the barriers to reform, and what gives hope for the future of online safety and digital justice.

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, Master of Public Policy students Felix Wu and Meredith Lehman sit down with Pepper Culpepper — Vice Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government — to discuss his new book, Billionaire Backlash: The Age of Corporate Scandal and How it Could Save Democracy.
In Billionaire Backlash, Culpepper and his co-author Taeku Lee argue that scandals centered on corporate malfeasance are a unique political force which leaders can leverage to compel lasting policy change. This discussion charts a path for how their theory applies to the present moment, at a time when populism is on the rise in democracies across the world.
Recorded at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

In this episode of the Oxford Policy Pod, Master of Public Policy students Marc Naro and Cristian Iftodii sit down with Margrethe Vestager, former Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and one of Europe’s leading voices on competition and digital policy.
The conversation explores some of the defining challenges of our time — from artificial intelligence and climate change to economic security and the future of the international order. Drawing on her years at the heart of European decision-making, Margrethe Vestager shares her vision for how Europe can navigate technological transformation while defending democratic values and global cooperation.
Recorded at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.