This worksheet follows Episode 8, Akshat Bhaskar and Amaira Akbar's conversation with Dr. Mahendra Kumar Singh. It suits senior school or introductory university students, and works for solo study too. Print it, or answer as you go.
Key concepts
- Iron law of oligarchy
- Strategic rivalry
- BRICS
- Economic dependence
- Aadhaar
- Welfare delivery
- Propaganda
Before you listen
Answer these before pressing play.
Who do you think really makes decisions in a political party?
Should a country pick sides when two powers it trades with are in conflict?
How do you decide whether a news story is trustworthy?
While you listen
Keep an ear out for each of these.
How he compares journalism and academia.
The idea he uses to explain power inside parties.
What he says about India, China and economic dependence.
His experience reporting on Aadhaar.
His advice for telling analysis from propaganda.
After you listen
Check your comprehension.
What is the iron law of oligarchy, in your own words?
Why is BRICS pushing for a more equitable international economic order?
Why can shared history not guarantee influence over a neighbour like Nepal?
Name one benefit of Aadhaar and one concern about it.
Think deeper
Open-ended. There is no single right answer.
Find a political post or article from this week. Is it analysis or propaganda? Explain using one idea from the episode.
Should a digital ID system be required for welfare? Make the case for your view.
One question I still have
Write the question this episode left you with.