Scholarly | A Podcast for Defending Freedom & Countering Extremism & Authoritarianism
The Scholarly Podcast is hosted by Prof. Ahrar Ramizpoor, the President of the World Anti Extremism Network, and brings together a diverse range of voices from experts, thought leaders, and changemakers around the globe. Each episode focuses on cutting-edge insights, from combating authoritarianism to fostering and defending liberal democracy and pluralism, offering real-world solutions to dismantle the roots of radicalization.
Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or simply someone eager to learn more, this podcast is your go-to resource for the latest innovations and research in addressing extremism and authoritarianism.
Available in English, Arabic, and Persian/Dari, the podcast aims to untangle how totalitarian regimes erode freedom and shares actionable insights on defending democracies. Broadcasting monthly, you can find us on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Anchor, and our website.
Stay tuned for an enlightening journey into countering violence and promoting lasting change.
With special thanks for the support of our partner, Atlas Network.
Season 1. Episode 11. From Authoritarianism to Violence
Authoritarian regimes around the world continue to silence dissent, shrink civic space, and resort to violence when their power is threatened. These patterns aren’t unique to any one country; they repeat across regions and generations. In our latest episode of the Scholarly Podcast, President Ahrar Ramizpoor sits down with Dr. Owen Lippert to understand why these systems turn violent, what signals reveal that repression is about to intensify, and how propaganda begins to fail when people no l...
16 Sept 2025
Season 1. Episode 10. Law, Authoritarianism & Extremism
Dr. Fereydoon Rahmani examines how authoritarian regimes manipulate laws to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and erode fundamental freedoms in this interview episode.
16 Aug 2025
Season 1. Episode 9. Tech in Authoritarian Regimes
Host Dr. Anya Sharma interviews Dr. Ben Carter, a leading cybersecurity expert, about how authoritarian regimes weaponize technology for control and the challenges to democratic freedoms.
16 Jul 2025
Season 1. Episode 8. Countering Totalitarianism and Extremism
Simon Lee, freedom activist, examines the concerning rise of youth involvement in extremist groups and the role of ideology in modern totalitarian regimes in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
Islamic Political Jurisprudence in a Changing World
Industry experts examine Islamic political jurisprudence and its impact on contemporary governance, exploring the challenges of adapting traditional concepts to modern values in an ever-changing world.
16 May 2025
Insights on Afghan [Regional] Extremist Groups
The rise of extremist groups and radicalization in Afghanistan and the broader region has deep and complex roots, shaped by a confluence of historical, political, and social factors. The Soviet invasion in the 1970s and the subsequent war with the Afghan Mujahideen laid the groundwork for the emergence of militant factions, as both external powers and local warlords fostered an environment ripe for radical ideologies. The fall of the Soviet Union and the power vacuum that followed exacerbated...
15 Apr 2025
Madrasas, Extremism, and Islam
What lies behind the stark educational divide in Afghanistan, where madrassas outnumber schools and rote learning prevails over true understanding? In this powerful episode of the Scholarly Podcast, we explore the influence of madrassas on extremism and gender dynamics in Taliban-controlled regions. Why are madrassa students often stigmatized, and how does their limited curriculum contribute to a narrow interpretation of Islam? Our guest, Dr. Hassan Abbas, Professor of International Relations...
17 Mar 2025
Understanding Extremist Mindsets
In this episode, we will delve into the complex world of extremist mindsets. We will explore how ideologies, religion, social and political influences, and digital media impact radicalization, and will discuss effective strategies for countering and de-radicalizing extremists. Our guest is Dr. Casey Babb, a Senior Fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) based in Ottawa, Canada. Dr. Babb has made significant academic contributions to several institutions and universities both in Cana...
13 Feb 2025
Season 1. Episode 3. Faith Under Totalitarianism
What defines totalitarianism, and how can its tenets be found in democratic societies? In this exclusive podcast, WAEN hosts Dr. Ali Salman, the founder and CEO of the Islam and Liberty Network and head of policy research at the Institute of Market Economy (PRIME) in Islamabad. Dr. Salman shares insights into a unique definition of totalitarianism that isn’t typically covered in textbooks, revealing how elements of it can manifest even in democratic governments. We also explore the intersecti...
13 Jan 2025
Season 1. Episode 2. Islam Doesn’t Need Totalitarianism
Mr. Mustafa Akyol recently honored our podcast with a profound discussion on extremism and its distorted association with Islam. In this episode, Mr. Akyol reveals how extremists distort Islamic teachings to justify violence, using Iran as a case study to highlight the harmful impact on perceptions of Muslim societies while calling for tolerance and respect for differing beliefs—key tenets of true Islam. Mustafa Akyol, a prominent Muslim modernist and reformer, is a Senior Fellow at the Cato ...
30 Oct 2024
Season 1. Episode 1. Authoritarian Rule: Impacts on Society
Authoritarian Rule: Impacts on Society In an era where power runs unchecked, authoritarianism thrives, deeply embedding itself in societies, eroding freedoms, and shaping lives without accountability. In this riveting episode, we are joined by Dr. Tom G. Palmer, Executive Vice President for International Programs at Atlas Network and a renowned advocate for freedom. With a career dedicated to promoting libertarian ideals through his influential writings, speeches, and books, Dr. Palmer is a ...
Who has been a guest on Scholarly
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Fereydoon Rahmani
Dr Ben Carter
Simon Lee
Industry experts
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,571
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
94
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
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