Authoritarian regimes often twist laws to serve power, not people. They justify repression in the name of security, silence critics under legal cover, and dismantle freedoms that laws should protect. These realities shape the daily lives of millions living under authoritarianism and extremism. Dr. Fereydoon Rahmani, in our latest scholarly podcast with WAEN, has unpacked these dynamics in detail. Listen to this podcast now on our website — also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify...

Authoritarian regimes are no longer relying only on force; they are weaponizing technology to control what people see, hear, and even think. From censorship and firewalls to sophisticated propaganda, the digital space has become a battlefield where power is contested. Technology companies stand at a crossroads, balancing profit and politics, while civil society struggles to preserve democratic freedoms. But can authoritarian control truly dominate a world that is more connected than ever? Wha...

Why are more and more young people around the world being drawn to extreme ideas and radical groups? What role does ideology play in today’s totalitarian regimes, and is it still the driving force behind authoritarian control? And did you know that extremism isn’t always religious; it can also take the form of dangerous secular or political ideologies? These are just some of the big questions we explored in our latest episode of the Scholarly Podcast with Simon Lee, a freedom activist, entrep...

What happens when centuries-old interpretations of Islamic governance continue to shape political systems in today’s world, often at odds with democracy, human rights, and gender equality? Across regions, from Iran to Afghanistan and beyond, movements draw on Islamic political jurisprudence as a foundation for their authority, yet questions remain about its relevance and adaptability in a modern, pluralistic society. Can traditional Islamic political concepts evolve to meet the values of the ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 I...

Authoritarian Rule: Impacts on SocietyIn 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 le...