This Time Tomorrow

In the 48th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Daniela sit down with Tom Greenwood, Strategy Lead at Logiq Media, to discuss why far-right messaging often outperforms pro-democracy campaigns in digital spaces. Tom argues that far-right content succeeds by tapping into emotional drivers like status, belonging, and fear, and by finding voters where they are, whether that’s in beauty, cooking or MMA fighting. Meanwhile, pro-democracy groups often fail to adapt the kinds of marketing techniques used by the far-right and populists, and instead end up preaching to their own echo chambers. Together, Omri, Daniela and Tom explore solutions, from leveraging influencers to rethinking platform algorithms, to make democratic messaging as engaging as its opponents. Want to understand how the battle for attention works? (And how to fight back?) Listen now! And hit follow!And then go out and help save democracy! Enjoy!Thank you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 47th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Daniela discuss the urgency and geopolitical stakes of EU enlargement, framing it as a strategic move against rising autocracy. How are countries like Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova navigating the accession process? Does Serbia’s democratic backsliding serve as a cautionary tale? Delaying enlargement risks ceding influence to authoritarian powers like Russia and China, while accelerating it may very well strengthen Europe’s security and economic resilience. But to properly accommodate new members, the EU needs reform… (not least, the veto needs to go). It’s high time that we started seeing enlargement as a proactive, values-driven process rather than a bureaucratic checklist. Listen now! Tell your friends! Hit subscribe and follow to never miss an episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In our 14th monologue for democracy, Omri Preiss dives deep into the urgent need to reframe the climate crisis narrative. Arguing that global heating is no longer a distant threat but an immediate existential challenge, with current trajectories risking societal collapse within decades, Omri critiques how political and corporate interests have delayed action. But that’s not all: he also challenges the climate movement’s own messaging, from focusing on future generations to emphasising personal responsibility over policy change.Omri advocates for a shift in storytelling. This crisis isn’t really about saving the planet, it’s about ensuring human survival and prosperity. And by dismantling the idea that climate action requires economic sacrifice, Omri instead presents it as an opportunity for innovation, investment, and a more resilient future. We can and we must push for bold policy changes and reject narratives that downplay the severity of the crisis or frame it as a zero-sum game.Listen now and let us know what you think. Can a change in narrative accelerate climate action? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Join Benni, Daniela and Omri for a frantic hour of election debriefing! How did Peter Magyar win? What’s next? Will he now deliver for Hungary? Will Budapest become a global capital for democratic renewal, or is this the start of Viktor Orbán’s comeback story? What does all of this mean for Europe? And what should democracy-defenders learn from the Hungarian experience? Questions, questions, questions! Answers? Just click play. (And then hit subscribe.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In his eight monologue for democracy, a morning train ride becomes Ted’s window into the disillusionment of Gen Z, where far-right influencers blend self-help with extremism, and political disengagement feels like the only rational response. A conversation with colleagues—amalgamations of several real discussions—reveals how misogyny and white supremacy are now just part of the cultural background noise, ostensibly accepted as an unavoidable reality. Ted turns to the raw, unfiltered poetry of the late Yahya Hassan, a Palestinian-Danish poet whose work screams defiance at a world that failed him, mirroring the rage and resignation of a generation. Hassan’s poems, full of fury and vulnerability, challenge Ted to confront his own complicity and the emptiness of modern cynicism. When the world feels broken… is silence the only answer, or is it time to turn up the volume? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 45th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni (Daniela was still in Budapest, busy witnessing the unfolding of Hungarian democratic history and all that glorious spiel!) welcome researcher and think-tank director Steven Lacey to unpack the British far-right’s eight distinct factions, from hard-pressed workers to conspiracy theorists and ethno-nationalists. Lacey, who once fell under the spell of Russian propaganda, shares insights into how economic anxiety, cultural nostalgia, and distrust in institutions manifest within these groups. We also explore strategies to counter their rise, emphasising community-building, media literacy, and addressing the root causes of alienation. Listen now for a fun, occasionally raucous, and always nuanced look at the far-right’s fragmented landscape and how to challenge its appeal. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

With Hungary’s historic 2026 election just days away, this episode takes one last look at the battle for the country’s future before polling stations open. Zsófia Banuta, a democracy defender and co-founder of Unhack Democracy, joins Omri, Benni and Daniela to share firsthand accounts of the tactics shaping the vote, and… well, trust us: from systemic vote-buying and coercion in marginalised communities to Viktor Orbán’s relentless propaganda machine, some of the details might shock even the most weather-beaten election observer.Recent polls suggest that Peter Magyar’s opposition party, Tisza, commands a clear lead, and yet… despite the apparent impopularity of the ruling party, no one can quite take this win for granted. Our conversation explores how Orbán’s 16-year grip on power has reshaped Hungary’s institutions, media, and also, crucially, the electoral system itself. What would a victory for the opposition mean for Hungary’s democratic recovery, and what legal and political hurdles would remain after the votes have been counted?Is there a risk of post-election manipulation? How can a society heal after prolonged autocratic rule? Can Hungary break free from its cycle of corruption and polarisation, or is the damage too deep?Listen now for a ground-level perspective on an election that could well redefine Hungary… and offer a few lessons for democracies under strain worldwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this week’s episode, Omri, Daniela and Benni step back from the relentless onslaught of madding headlines to discuss some rather consequential decisions that will shape Europe’s future. While global crises dominate the news, crucial EU legislation, from digital regulation to the next seven-year budget, is being finalised with little public scrutiny or media attention. How will the next seven-year budget fund everything from tech sovereignty to enlargement, and why does enforcement of rules like the Digital Services Act matter just as much as the laws themselves? With decisions being made now, we ask whether Europe will step up as a global actor, or if short-term politics will leave us simply fighting for survival another decade? This episode really digs into how decisions made in Brussels will impact YOUR DAILY LIFE, from privacy to paychecks, and why a lack of debate should concern us all. Tune in to understand what’s at stake when Europe acts without the spotlight. It really does matter. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Daniela dive into the frontlines of democratic innovation with Eileen O’Sullivan, deputy mayor of Frankfurt (the youngest ever in the history of the city!) and a rising voice in Europe’s Volt party. Eileen shares her journey from political activist to city leader, driven by frustration with short-term politics and a belief in grassroots change. She explains how Frankfurt is revolutionising local governance by centralising digital services, launching a “welcome process” for newcomers, and embedding citizen participation into administrative decisions. Eileen’s message is universal: democracy is at its best when people stop waiting for permission and instead start shaping their communities. Whether it’s hackathons for kids, crowd counters at Christmas markets, or restructuring bureaucracy, Eileen shows that meaningful change begins with simply showing up, and that anyone, regardless of background, can run for office and win. Tune in for a real masterclass in turning idealism into action. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this episode we break down Israel’s make-or-break October elections, the first since the October 7th attacks in 2023. Why does this vote matter so much? Because it’s a desperate fight for Israel’s future, with democracy defenders squaring off against far-right extremists and a Netanyahu-led government that does whatever it takes to cling to power.Can moderates and activists flip the script in 2026? And what does this mean for the rest of us watching democracy’s highs and lows? There’s no holding back in this one, just the raw politics and the people pushing for change. With Omri Preiss, Benjamin Zeeb and Daniela Vancic. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Hungary’s upcoming election isn’t just another vote. In the words of the Dutch far-right expert, Cas Mudde, it is one of two elections in 2026 that will define the future of European liberal democracy. (And yes, the other one is the US midterms.)After 16 years of Viktor Orbán’s rule, Fidesz (his party) faces its toughest challenge yet from Péter Magyar’s opposition movement, Tisza, which now leads in the polls by double digits. But Orbán’s grip on power, built through media dominance, gerrymandered districts, and a network of loyal institutions, means this race is far from fair.The election hinges on more than just numbers. Orbán’s survival strategy relies on shifting the public’s focus from economic decline and corruption scandals to his signature foreign policy rhetoric: anti-Brussels, anti-Ukraine, and pro-Putin. Magyar, a former Fidesz insider turned reformer, offers voters a chance to break the cycle, but his success depends on overcoming a system rigged against change.If Magyar wins, the road to recovery won’t be quick. Orbán’s legacy—corrupted courts, a captured media, and a centralised economy—won’t vanish overnight. And yet, even a narrow victory could trigger a slow unravelling of Orbán’s empire, especially if EU funds and legal pressure force accountability.The world is watching. Hungary’s election is a test of whether democracy can still push back against autocracy’s rise. But with Orbán’s campaign machine in overdrive and 50 days left to sway voters, the outcome remains dangerously uncertain.Will Hungary’s voters finally turn the page, or will Orbán’s playbook outlast the backlash? Tune in to find out as Omri, Benni and Daniela sit down with the Hungarian social psychologist and political scientist, Péter Krekó. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In our 12th Monologue for Democracy, Omri Preiss shifts the focus from scandal to action, exploring how ordinary citizens and aspiring politicians can resist the cynicism fueled by the Epstein affair. Omri argues that the real lesson lies not in the corruption of elites, but in recognising that political integrity is a conscious choice, available to anyone entering public life. Drawing from his experience in the European Parliament and civil society, Omri explains why politicians engage with powerful networks: for information, political backing, and financial support, all of which can be pursued ethically or exploited.Fundamentally, this monologue challenges the notion that politics is inherently corrupt, emphasising that systemic change requires good people to enter the arena, build clean networks, and stand firm against moral compromise. Omri warns against abandoning the political sphere to those driven by ego or darker motives, and urges listeners to reclaim civic engagement as a force for accountability and democratic resilience. The takeaway? Hope depends on action, and integrity is a choice firmly within our reach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this urgent monologue, Omri Preiss examines recent speeches by world leaders that reveal a fractured geopolitical landscape… …and a direct challenge to democratic values. 1. At the Munich Security Conference, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed transatlantic relations in terms of historical and cultural bonds. Omri, however, argues that Rubio’s rhetoric signals support for Europe’s far-right movements, aiming to undermine established democratic institutions.2. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s assertion at the European Parliament that Europe cannot defend itself without US backing has Omri reflecting on… Well, how shall we put it? Rutte’s stupidity? Particularly stupid, perhaps, at a moment when trust in American commitments wavers. 3. Canadian PM Mark Carney’s address in Davos declared the post-WWII world order “over,” but his comparison of Western policies to Soviet-era repression draws sharp criticism from Omri for undermining the moral clarity needed in today’s struggles.4. Concluding on a positive, forward-looking note, Omri argues that a speech by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offers a contrasting vision, advocating for an open, sustainable, and accountable global model. At a time when many world leaders are only looking out for themselves, Sánchez is one of very few able to utter the words “generosity” and “global” in the same sentence.As autocratic forces gain ground, this monologue asks: Can democracy rally? Or will the free world cede to a new era of strongmen? A must-listen for anyone tracking the fight for the future.Pedro Sánchez at the World Govenments SummitMark Carney at the World Economic ForumMarco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference Mark Rutte at the European Parliament This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

What if the next elections aren’t just about choosing leaders, but about saving democracy itself? In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri, Benni, and Daniela break down why 2026 could be a turning point for countries like Hungary, France, and the US. They explain how some leaders are bending the rules, spreading misinformation, and even intimidating voters to stay in power… and, crucially, what democrats can do to push back.From organising communities to fixing legal loopholes, this conversation covers real ways to protect free and fair elections. Omri, Benni and Daniela also stress the need for clear, hopeful messages—not just criticism—to win over voters and keep democracy strong.Tune in to understand the risks, the strategies, and how you can play a part in defending democracy this year. Expect a series! Subscribe for more on how elections shape our future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

What happens when the world’s most powerful leaders can’t even describe their vision for the future? Our guest, futurist Märtha Rehnberg, reveals something that’s surprised her in her career: too many leaders today are stuck in reactive mode, managing the present rather than daring to imagine, and build, a better tomorrow.Märtha makes a case for the power of audacious or even “unreasonable,” visions, the kind that spark revolutions in science, technology, and society. Yet Europe, she warns, too often settles for bureaucracy and incremental change, leaving it vulnerable in an era of global transformation and technological rivalry.This episode dives into Europe’s vision crisis: Why are we struggling to craft stories that inspire and unite? How can we move beyond just surviving crises to actively shaping our future? The answer, Märtha argues, lies in unlocking imagination, nurturing creativity, and weaving narratives that bring people together around a shared, ambitious purpose.The message is clear: Europe’s path forward demands more than pragmatism. It’s time to embrace discomfort, face hard truths, and invest in the ideas and stories that will propel us toward a future we actually want to live in. Märtha Rehnberg is Co-Founder of DareDisrupt, a think tank specialized in responsible disruption and exponential technologies. She advises some of the largest companies in the world on disruption, with a special focus on heavy asset industries. As policy advisor, she has worked directly on EU’s Industrial Strategy, the Green Deal, the Taxonomy on Sustainable Finance and most recently her work focuses on Science4Policy, with the EU Commission’s Joint Research Council. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In his 7th monologue, Ted reflects on being a 19-year-old in Paris in 2007, pretending to be a music journalist as a way to access culture, freedom and adulthood in a city that tolerated experimentation and half-formed selves. That personal con becomes a metaphor for a wider pre-2008 world built on confidence, surface credibility and the belief that history, markets and liberal democracy would quietly sort themselves out. But after the financial crash, that illusion collapsed, leaving insecurity, stalled adulthood and resentment that far-right movements exploited by reframing openness and liberalism as theft and betrayal. Ted argues that today’s authoritarian turn is not a corrective, but rather a slide toward 21st-century fascism, marked by scapegoating, violence and demands for allegiance rather than freedom. The freedoms we once took for granted are now suspect, and we must challenge these forces while we still can. Not so that we can go back to what was, but so that we can create a future in which equality is more evenly distributed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the second part of his monologue on time—recorded on New Year’s Eve—Omri Preiss argues that democracies face a stark choice between defending the free world and allowing autocracy to prevail. This, right now, is a decisive moment for free and open societies.Reflecting on how modern freedoms are historically very recent, Omri traces liberty’s development from ancient empires through religious authority, limited aristocratic rights, and finally to broad democratic rights in the last century. These freedoms have not been around for very long, and yet they are now widely taken for granted. We must recognise, first of all, that they are dangerously easy to lose. And second, that rising authoritarian leaders and movements, often cloaked in populist rhetoric, are actively trying to dismantle the democratic institutions that support them. The main takeaway? Democracy is not an abstract issue. It’s something that directly shapes people’s lives, and defending it requires urgent, active engagement to prevent freedom from becoming just a brief “blip” in history (or, indeed, a momentary time out from tyranny). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 37th episode of This Time Tomorrow, we discuss the absurd, surreal escalation of Donald Trump’s long-standing fixation on Greenland, including threats of tariffs against Europe and rhetoric that continues to undermine international norms. The move simply does not make much sense, given existing US–Denmark agreements that already allow unlimited American military presence on Greenland. So what’s actually in it for Trump?European leaders have responded rhetorically by backing Denmark and Greenland’s right to self-determination, while debating trade retaliation tools and limited military signalling. And yet, coordination and resolve remain… Well, a bit weak? Trump’s behavior appears to be driven less by policy than by a desire to dominate headlines, extract concessions, and destabilise institutions (if not a downright desire to “burn down” the global order). Europe must plan for worst-case scenarios by building greater military, economic, and technological autonomy. (Basically, it’s time for Europe to dump her crazy boyfriend and delete his number.) In the meantime, the bare minimum we can do is try to manage various Trumpian psychodrama to avoid outright conflict. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Authoritarianism advances gradually. In the 36th episode of This Time Tomorrow, we compare Iran’s brutal crackdown on mass protests with developments in the United States. They’re not the same, but they do represent different points along the same downward trajectory. In Iran, widespread participation in ongoing protests signals a potentially transformative moment that the regime is trying to suppress through extreme violence. In the US, the expansion and normalisation of aggressive federal forces like ICE is indicative of an early-stage pattern seen historically in fascist and autocratic takeovers. And Europe…? Europe must clearly choose to defend democratic norms—now, pronto, immediately and forcefully— because waiting until violence is fully normalised is only going to make meaningful resistance a lot harder.Join Omri, Benni and Daniela as they explain why it’s time to leave the gym (that NY resolution never sticks, anyway) and start saving democracy instead. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

With their recent invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of president Nicolás Maduro, the United States are signalling a return to a “spheres of influence” world order. By treating Vladimir Putin as a peer and focussing US dominance on the Western Hemisphere, the US is retreating from the rules-based international order it once upheld. Was the US intervention in Venezuela part of an implicit bargain with Russia, in which the US traded freedom of action in the Americas for Russian leeway in Ukraine? Either way, the shift from a rules-based world order leaves Europe dangerously exposed and strategically sidelined… We can now only assume that US security guarantees are no longer reliable, and must therefore urgently prepare for an increasingly erratic kings-and-empires world order.Join Omri, Benni and Daniela for a frank and open discussion about what all of this means for Europe and the future of European democracy.Want to take action? At work, ask your boss or co-workers the following: In which ways are we dependent on American services, and what are we doing to switch to European providers? Want to do more? Subscribe to This Time Tomorrow, and share this episode with a friend or two.As always, thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this monologue, Omri reflects on… time. Yes, time, that old, finite, existential resource. And he does so by linking personal focus to global political urgency. Because at a time when digital “surveillance capitalism” monetises our attention, fuels our distraction, and weakens our democracy and collective problem-solving, major crises are being ignored. Climate change, AI, inequality, and rising autocracy are not just features of our social media feeds… they’re out there, happening. But it’s not just us, as individuals. As we doom scroll for updates instead of taking action, our institutions, too, fail to act quickly enough in the face of existential challenges. Are we doomed to sleepwalk into irreversible catastrophe while we wait for the next seven year budget cycle?It doesn’t have to be that way.Drawing on how the US military increased its operational capacity during World War II, Omri demonstrates that large-scale mobilisation and investment to defend democracy and address existential threats is possible without dragging ones feet… As long as the threat is seen for what it is.Tune in for your daily dose of metaphysics, if not for a dramatic call to action. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In Bulgaria, Gen Z has toppled the government after weeks of protests. What happened? Why? And what’s next? In the US, a longer version of the National Security Strategy has leaked… and, again, it’s bad news for democracy in Europe. In Israel, democrats are still reeling after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked president Herzog for a pardon for bribery and fraud charges and an end to a five-year corruption trial. Will he get one? And what does the country teach us about the autocrats’ playbook? Join Omri, Benni and Daniela for another report from the frontlines against autocracy and far-right populism. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

As fathers, this one is close to our hearts.Join Omri and Benni for the 33rd episode of This Time Tomorrow as they sit down with co-founder George Gabriel to talk about The Dad Shift — the campaign for better paternity leave in the UK.In a wide-ranging conversation, they dig into the economic case for better paternity leave, exploring why backing fathers isn’t just socially important, it also makes financial sense for families and the wider economy. They unpack the somewhat uncomfortable truth that the UK currently offers the worst paternity leave in Europe, and how this reality feeds into outdated expectations, toxic masculinity, and the cultural baggage that in some ways still shape what fatherhood is “supposed” to look like.George also lifts the curtain on the inner workings of The Dad Shift campaign, from how the idea first sparked, to the early organising efforts, to shaping the strategy and the practical, on-the-ground tactics being used to push for change. If you’re into political campaign design and herding cats (i.e. MPs and hundreds of activists!) then look no further. George has got the goods. Towards the end, George also shares where he hopes the campaign is headed, and what a transformed future for dads and families could look like.Go on now. Give it a listen. It’s a really powerful episode with real heart, real stakes, and a vision for what fatherhood and family life in the UK could be.And if you like the episode, then please share it with a friend to help us to grow our audience, and the Dad Shift to gain more followers and activists.As ever, thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Sometimes, all you need to do is to enforce the law. Just enforce the law. In the 32nd episode of This Time Tomorrow, we give a nod of appreciation to the European Commission for doing the right thing and issuing a fine of €120 million to X for breaching its transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act. But is that enough? Is Elon Musk shaking in his boots? And what now?Next up, we head over to Washington to discuss the new US National Security Strategy… if that is what you should call it when you decide to abandon your European allies and hand over your foreign policy to Russia.Last, we travel east to Germany and take a look at the German Mittelstand’s flirt with the far-right. What’s happening with the German firewall? Are German SMEs inviting the AfD to step out of the cold and into… the foyers of mainstream society? Are you as concerned about the state of the world as we are? Not quite pleased with the global rise of anti-democrats and the far-right?Then join us. Become a democracy defender. Join a cause or a party, stand up for freedom and human dignity. Take action, action, action.Don’t wait. Do it today. And if you like this episode of This Time Tomorrow, then please share it with a friend to help us grow our audience.As ever, thanks for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In episode 31 of This Time Tomorrow, Omri, Benni and Daniela dig into a question rattling America’s progressive middle: what message do Democrats send when they surrender the government shutdown fight without a real struggle? After years of promises to stand firm for working people, the party’s reflex to cave leaves many wondering what the Democratic leadership is actually willing to risk. Unlike MAGA conservatives, whose unflinching posture is part of their political brand, Democrats project uncertainty, and the consequences are… well, mounting, to say the least.The conversation then turns to NYC mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, whose grassroots-driven campaign energised thousands of activists and won decisively. And yet, outside progressive circles, Mamdani is very often caricatured as the worst kind of extremist. Daniela unpacks how Mamdani actually campaigned, what made it effective, and what lessons his success offers a party that is struggling to connect with new generations.Next up: the European Commission’s proposed “Democracy Shield”. And the verdict? Lukewarm… Without clarity on its goals or a serious investment of resources, the shield risks becoming another well-intentioned initiative with no bite. Meanwhile, autocratic actors are spending heavily and strategically. Defending democracy requires a single, well-funded strategy that scales what works instead of scattering money across various projects.Finally, we zoom out a little and look at EU enlargement, where momentum is building for the first time in a decade. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sped up conversations that once dragged. Montenegro remains the frontrunner, Albania and North Macedonia are steadily advancing, and the broader target appears to be expansion by 2030. But the process mustn’t devolve into an endless technocratic maze while anti-democratic forces attack both the Union and candidate countries. For enlargement to succeed, the EU must make clear that its ambitions are democratic, not imperial, and commit to a process that strengthens, rather than weakens, Europe’s political integrity.Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe, and please tell your friends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

When the political world begins to describe acts of cruelty as technical mastery, then that’s a sure sign that our collective humanity is starting to wither away. Gestures of tenderness, hesitation, or mercy start to look clunky… and inefficient. And when they disappear completely, cruelty no longer shocks us. Indeed, it simply looks like order is being restored.In this monologue, Ted applies Gonçalo M. Tavares’s novel, Learning to Pray in the Age of Technique (2011), to something Donald Trump said in a recent interview with 60 Minutes. Tavares’s main character—Lenz Buchmann—may be fiction, but his logic is not. Donald Trump is definitely not fiction—but his logic is the same. The danger is not just that such men gain power, but that we begin to see the world through their eyes.TW: violent/sexual imagery.Make sure you never miss an episode of This Time Tomorrow—hit subscribe or follow, and please leave us a review. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

The 30th episode of This Time Tomorrow is about the cost of conviction. It’s about the vulnerability that comes with standing up for what’s right, the pain of being ruthlessly targeted, and the resilience it takes to… keep going. Join Omri and Benni as they speak with Nina Jankowicz, who in 2022 briefly led the Disinformation Governance Board at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Just three weeks in, an onslaught of personal attacks—and a lack of support from the Biden administration—drove her to resign. At a time when President Trump and the rest of the autocracy gang are threatening democratic institutions, this kind of bravery is not optional. It is essential for all who believe in democracy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Antilopes in the boardroom at Disney? Or zebras? Who knows—but Jimmy Kimmel is back on air again, and that tells us something about the power of unsubscribing. What next? How about Russia’s new routine violations of NATO airspace in Europe, or Benjamin Netanyahu’s shake-up at the Shin Bet, or Trump at the UN, or the indictment of James Comey… It’s a packed agenda as contributing editor Daniela Vancic (of Democracy International) joins Omri and Benni for another round of firefighting. Listen, share, subscribe! Want to get in touch? Email us at tttpodmin at proton dot me. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

From Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address to Elon Musk… erm, inciting violence on the streets of London? And then on to Brazil, where former President Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to prison. And the USA? Not today! (Almost!) There’s only time for so many fires all at once... Join Omri and Benni for the ride as they…- get kind of excited about Ursula’s 28th regime - express renewed incredulity at Elon Musk performing the role of a far-right agitator- recite the British Public Order Act of 1986 - celebrate the Brazilian Supreme Court Justice, Alexandre de Moraes- list the misfortunes of former US Attorney General, Merrick Garland- and much more…Get inspired. Then go out and make your voice heard.Our free and open democracies depend on it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

This monologue doubles as a book review of a book that doubles as a weather forecast.Confusing? In Deaf Republic (2019) by Ilya Kaminsky, deafness becomes an act of collective resistance after a deaf boy is murdered by a soldier at a puppet show. It’s a book of some 60 poems that show us how love, tenderness and laughter can manifest as resistance, defiance, and insurgency.This is not poetry for leisure. This is poetry for when the streets fill with sirens.This is an instruction manual for surviving cruelty while staying human.And we desperately need it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni are joined by political scientist Angelos Chryssogelos to discuss the global rise of populism. From Donald Trump to Nigel Farage, from Yanis Varoufakis to Wolfgang Schäuble, from Brexit to Covid-19, from Viktor Orbán back to Trump again, the guys explore how populist movements distort our relationship with truth and facts, dismantle liberal democratic institutions, and destabilise the rules-based order… …all while asking this rather crucial question: what can we do about it? And how do we know when we’ve passed a point of no return?Tune in. Get involved. (Subscribe, leave a review!)Angelos Chryssogelos is a Reader in Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University, with a PhD from the European University Institute in Florence. His research specialises in international relations and foreign policy, particularly the global dimensions of populism and European politics. He has held fellowships at institutions such as LSE’s Hellenic Observatory, Harvard, SAIS-Johns Hopkins, and the Robert Schuman Centre. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni are joined by political scientist Angelos Chryssogelos to discuss the global rise of populism. From Donald Trump to Nigel Farage, from Yanis Varoufakis to Wolfgang Schäuble, from Brexit to Covid-19, from Viktor Orbán back to Trump again, the guys explore how populist movements distort our relationship with truth and facts, dismantle liberal democratic institutions, and destabilise the rules-based order… …all while asking this rather crucial question: what can we do about it? And how do we know when we’ve passed a point of no return?Tune in. Get involved. (Subscribe, leave a review!)Angelos Chryssogelos is a Reader in Politics and International Relations at London Metropolitan University, with a PhD from the European University Institute in Florence. His research specialises in international relations and foreign policy, particularly the global dimensions of populism and European politics. He has held fellowships at institutions such as LSE’s Hellenic Observatory, Harvard, SAIS-Johns Hopkins, and the Robert Schuman Centre. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

“For the vast majority of people, life is unlikely to get better in the next five years. If you belong to that group of people, then you already know that. Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it.The worst of it is that unless something changes, then life is also likely to get a lot more violent. And not just other people’s lives. Yours as well.Do I want you to be afraid? No. But perhaps we should be.”In his fourth Monologue for Democracy, Ted riffs on an old poem by W.B. Yeats, while contending that far-right ideas once seen as fringe have entered the political mainstream, reshaping culture and policy across the West.As extremists push the limits of acceptability, centrists weaken, and violence becomes an increasingly plausible outcome.History warns us that collapse is not inevitable, but silence and apathy make it more likely. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

”What I’m concerned with here is the role of Germany in Ukrainian defence, and that’s really European defence,” says Benni at the top of this episode. ”Why the h*** aren’t the Germans doing more? Why isn’t Germany really leading Europe on this existential issue? What’s holding us back here?”In the 25th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Benni and Omri talk to Nico Lange—former chief of staff at the German Ministry of Defense (2019–2022), and Senior Fellow at both the Center for European Policy Analysis and the Munich Security Conference—about the role of Germany in Europe’s efforts to defend Ukraine and the continent at large from Russian military aggression.Since the end of WWII, Europe has been a peace project, and many Europeans will naturally feel queasy about increasing defence spending… …but as we have said on this podcast before, the war against autocracy is coming for all of us, and we must act now if we want to preserve free and open democractic societies.”The direct challenge to Europe by Putin’s war of aggression will only be solved if Germany finally comes around,” argues Nico Lange. ”So for me the question is: How long will it take and what will it take for Germany to do what is necessary to restore peace in Europe and to preserve peace in the long-term? […] There is a missing element in this, and that is Germany making a strategic decision, ’What is it that we want to achieve by helping Ukraine?’”Will Germany step up its efforts to lead Europe towards peace?*Apologies for the poor sound quality at the very end of the episode. Technical issues led to an abrupt interruption in the conversation, after which a proper connection was difficult to restore. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Democracy is not just elections, says Andreas Poléo in this monologue for democracy. It is about you. You have privilege. You see injustice. You feel anger. You see corruption. Change is hard. Even when you try, nothing moves. And yet you must take responsibility. Live with intention. Act on your values. Society wants you passive. They want you obedient. But you can choose. You can wake up. You can live. Start now.Andreas Poléo is a Norwegian former municipal politician and a This Time Tomorrow contributing editor. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Political campaigns are not what they used to be.Once it was about speeches, tabloids, and TV spots. Now it is behavioural experiments, voter modelling, and psychological targeting happening quietly behind the scenes. This is not just campaigning. It is science for sole purpose of securing power. It’s Moneyball applied to the War Room. Sacha Issenberg called it the Victory Lab — the conceptual space in which strategists test what makes you act, click, donate, and vote. But the question today is bigger. What was revolutionary back when Barack Obama was winning landslides has become… basic. So how do you rebuild that lab in an era of changing media, AI persuasion, and voters who know they are being played?In this episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni chat to Sacha to find out what comes after the Victory Lab and what it means for the future of democracy……and honestly, the answer might surprise you. Are we returning to the café?Sacha Issenberg is a journalist and author known for his reporting on politics, business, and culture, including The Victory Lab, which revealed how data and behavioural science transformed modern campaigning. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Where do we even start with this one?The thing about the constitutional collapse in the US is that it’s unfolding before our very eyes, on our screens, all of the time. It’s not a single event. It is an ongoing erosion playing out in public view. This is not your everyday partisan struggle. So let’s call it what it is. From the January 6th Capitol insurrection to repeated threats of government shutdown to challenging the legitimacy of the Supreme Court… … from executive and judicial overreach to crises of electoral legitimacy to constant brinkmanship…… this is what an authoritarian takeover looks like. What can defenders of democracy learn from Trump 45 and 47? Because let’s be clear: European democracies, too, face institutional strains, and the warning signs from across the pound are not subtle...Join Omri, Benjamin and Daniela as they seek to understand what the US experience teaches Europe today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Where do we even start with this one?The thing about the constitutional collapse in the US is that it’s unfolding before our very eyes, on our screens, all of the time. It’s not a single event. It is an ongoing erosion playing out in public view. This is not your everyday partisan struggle. So let’s call it what it is. From the January 6th Capitol insurrection to repeated threats of government shutdown to challenging the legitimacy of the Supreme Court… … from executive and judicial overreach to crises of electoral legitimacy to constant brinkmanship…… this is what an authoritarian takeover looks like. What can defenders of democracy learn from Trump 45 and 47? Because let’s be clear: European democracies, too, face institutional strains, and the warning signs from across the pound are not subtle...Join Omri, Benjamin and Daniela as they seek to understand what the US experience teaches Europe today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Bother! Benni’s gone holidaying… So what do we do? In the 21st episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri calls Ted on his rotary dial phone (you’ll get it if you listen to the episode) to discuss media ethics in the era of Joe Rogan… and it’s all because of something BBC journalist Nick Robinson told The Guardian last month.As trust in traditional journalism crumbles and podcasts rise to fill the gap, a new media battle is underway… and this one may just be reshaping democracy itself. Are values-driven platforms holding power to account, or do they just feed polarisation? With unchallenged interviews, partisan narratives, and collapsing editorial norms, the line between informing and influencing is vanishing fast. Can modern media still serve the public good, or have they become tools for ideological warfare? Is This Time Tomorrow ’creepy’ and ’partisan’…? Whether yes or no, how do we know how to make the distinction?Join us as we debate whether media today can be partisan, popular, and still serve the democratic good. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

Is your car spying on you? Do you need a cloud subscription just to use your vacuum cleaner? Was your device built to be unrepairable?Sometimes, a political movement starts with a broken MacBook.In the 20th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni sit down with prominent Right to Repair advocate Louis Rossmann to unpack the growing fight for consumer rights. From locked-down electronics to invasive data collection, Louis highlights how manufacturers are redefining ownership… and what we can do to fight back.Tune in for our most explicit episode yet……and discover how real change can start with just one person, a soldering iron, and a genuine desire to stop manufacturers (and politicians who enable them) from screwing you over.Louis Rossmann is an independent electronics repair expert, YouTuber, and outspoken Right to Repair activist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

A new kind of warfare is taking shape… and this one does not unfold in trenches or airspace, but in servers, software, and digital networks. In the 19th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni speak with Francesca Bosco about the emerging architecture of cyberpeace, and the silent battles already underway in cyberspace.What happens when a hospital is forced offline mid-surgery because of ransomware?What does it mean when a child's access to education is cut off by a nationwide cyber siege?How do democratic societies survive when disinformation spreads faster than truth, sparking real-world violence before facts can catch up?From state-sponsored attacks on civilian infrastructure to the weaponisation of social media and AI, the terrain of 21st-century conflict is rapidly evolving. Unlike traditional warfare, much of it remains invisible… until the damage is done.As we try to navigate this new era of geopolitical tension, how do we build resilient digital societies? What does peace look like when the battlefield is the internet?Let’s get nerdy.Francesca Bosco is a leading expert in cybercrime, international law, and digital security. With experience at the UN and in frontline cybersecurity initiatives, she brings urgent insight into the global efforts to prevent the next war. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

As the boundaries between law, politics, and public morality blur, a global pattern is beginning to emerge… one where legal transgressions no longer spell the end of political careers. In the 18th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni sit down with Prof. Dr. Franz-Alois Fischer to discuss the place where law meets democratic legitimacy.Why are electorates increasingly willing to overlook criminal convictions, indictments, and extremist affiliations in their political leaders? From the United States, where Donald Trump returned to power in 2024 despite facing multiple criminal convictions, to Israel, where Benjamin Netanyahu was reelected in 2022 while under indictment for corruption, this trend is reshaping political norms. In France, Marine Le Pen of the far-right Rassemblement National was recently convicted of embezzling EU funds, yet she and her party retain considerable support. In Germany, the far-right AfD has been officially designated an extremist organisation by the domestic intelligence service, raising the possibility of a future ban… to no discernible consequence in opinion polls.As democratic institutions come under pressure, what does the future hold for the rule of law in politics? And what can defenders of democracy do to protect legal systems that are meant to uphold and defend our very dignity as human beings? Prof. Dr. Franz-Alois Fischer is a German legal scholar, philosopher, and attorney known for his work on constitutional law, legal philosophy, and public education on democracy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

As traditional party politics fray across Europe, Austria offers a revealing case study in democratic reinvention. Over the past three decades, political entrepreneurs have disrupted the status quo, giving rise to new movements that challenge the dominance of legacy parties. From Jörg Haider’s nationalist surge in the 1990s to the more recent ascent of the Greens and NEOS, Austrian politics has become a testing ground for innovation, polarisation, and renewal. At stake is not just who governs, but how democracy itself evolves in response to changing social and generational demands.In the 17th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni speak with Josef Lentsch, co-founder of NEOS and a leading advocate for political innovation. They discuss what it means to innovate democracy, why Austria became fertile ground for political entrepreneurship, and what lessons the rest of Europe can draw from its evolving political landscape. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

As Europe faces mounting threats to its core values, the UK’s relationship with the EU takes on renewed significance. Brexit may have formally separated the UK from the European Union, but the shared challenges confronting the continent demand cooperation rather than division. In the face of Russian aggression and rising authoritarianism, there is an urgent need for solidarity in defending not just borders, but the principles that underpin a free and open society. How the UK and EU choose to engage with one another going forward will shape the strength and resilience of Europe as a whole.In the 16th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Benni and Omri speak with Mike Galsworthy, founder of Scientists for EU and a leading voice in the pro-European movement in the UK. They discuss why the Leave vote won the Brexit referendum, what pro-European campaigners can learn from the experience, and why re-engagement with Europe matters now more than ever. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

When Europe commits to supporting Ukraine in their defence against Russian military aggression, it commits to more than simply helping one nation and its people to stand up against unprovoked and unjustifiable violence. It also commits to defending an idea. It commits to defending a way of life. A life in which democracy, personal liberty, and human dignity take pride of place.In the 15th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni talk to Sir Richard Shirreff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO and author of War With Russia (2016), about what that support looks like in concrete and practical terms. What does this war ask of Europe? Of its industries, of its politicians, and of you and me? As the old Roman saying goes: If you want peace, prepare for war…Source, audio clip at the top of the episode: YouTube, Poland MFA, ”Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski…” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 14th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni sit down with journalist and author Oliver Moody to dive into the big ideas behind his gripping new book, Baltic: The Future of Europe.Together they explore how the Baltic region—comprising Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Russia—has become a frontline in the ongoing struggle between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. From the scars of Soviet occupation to the shadow of modern Russian aggression, the region’s history continues to shape its political identity and strategic importance. Tune in for a conversation that really highlights why this corner of Europe matters more than ever to the continent’s security and the defence of its core values and freedoms.Oliver Moody has been the Berlin bureau chief for The Times since 2018, covering Germany and northern and central Europe. He is the author of, Baltic: The Future of Europe (2025).Source, clip at the top of the episode: YouTube, Munich Security Conference, ”yourMSC Studio #MSC2022: Talk with Kaja Kallas…” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 13th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni talk to Maximilian Oehl about what it takes to win political contests in a campaign landscape that is rapidly evolving. From the tabloid and TV tactics of the 1990s to the rise of partisan private news networks like FOX News, to digital campaigning and ultimately algorithmic interference—how do these shifts shape not just campaign strategies but also public perception and voter behaviour?Dr. Maximilian Oehl is a German lawyer and social entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of Brand New Bundestag, a non-partisan grassroots organisation advocating for progressive, future-oriented politics in Germany. He also leads the campaign agency Media Force, which combats extremism and disinformation on social media. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the 12th episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni talk to Nikola Ilic about grassroots organising and campaigning for change in the face of rising authoritarianism. From training everyday people to become agents of political change, to building movements that shift the balance of power, they explore what it really takes to challenge autocratic rule. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just starting out, this conversation is your guide to understanding how power works—and how citizens can wield it. From Otpor—the Serbian resistance movement of the late 1990s—to today’s global rise of authoritarianism, Nikola tells a story of activism that spans three decades.Nikola Ilic is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, and the founder and CEO of ChangeLab Global. He is a program curriculum facilitator at the Obama Foundation, and he co-leads Volt Europa’s leadership development program. Audio clip at the top of the episode: YouTube, ICNC International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, “Bringing Down a Dictator…” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the eleventh episode of This Time Tomorrow, Benni and Omri sit down with Anna Lerner Nesbitt for a conversation about the intersection of democracy, sustainability, and innovation. Together they explore how democratic systems can foster more inclusive and sustainable solutions to the world’s biggest challenges. Anna shares her insights on the role of technology, policy, and civic engagement in shaping a future that is both equitable and forward-thinking. The episode delves into real-world examples and ideas that highlight the potential of innovation when guided by democratic values. Tune in now to be inspired—and join the movement to build a more sustainable and democratic tomorrow.Anna Lerner Nesbitt is the CEO of Climate Collective, with over 15 years of experience in climate finance and technology, including roles at Meta, the World Bank Group, and the Global Environment Facility. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com

In the tenth episode of This Time Tomorrow, Omri and Benni talk to Daniela Vancic about the ongoing, student-led protests in Serbia. What’s been happening over the last few months, why did it start, and what’s at stake? And, importantly, what can democracy-defenders around the world learn from these frontlines against authoritarianism? As Daniela points out, this is truly a grassroots movement—with no identifiable leader—and they’ve been out on the streets every day for months… How are they doing it, and what’s driving them?Returning TTT contributor Daniela Vancic is a Serbian-American activist and campaigner, and the European Programme Manager at Democracy International. Source, clip at the top of the episode: YouTube, DW News, “Protestors in Serbia Put Pressure…” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thistimetomorrowpod.substack.com