Can Democracy “Deliver the Goods”? Lessons from Kerala, India

Can Democracy “Deliver the Goods”? Lessons from Kerala, India

Author: The Watson School March 1, 2023 Duration: 29:46
Trending Globally: Politics and Policy
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If asked to think of parts of the world that have made impressive progress in social measures like literacy rates, life expectancy and infant mortality rates over the last century, you might first imagine a small, affluent country in Northern Europe or East Asia.

But in this episode, we explore a place that achieves remarkable results on these and other measures without having the high income levels typically associated with states that have broad-based social welfare programs. 

Dan Richards talks with Patrick Heller, professor of sociology and international and public affairs at Watson, about the surprising story of the Indian state of Kerala. Despite being a relatively low-income part of the world, Kerala has managed to foster social welfare programs in a way few countries in the world can match. And it does so while maintaining widespread participation in what Heller describes as “India’s noisy democracy.”

So how does Kerala do it, and what lessons can the rest of the world learn from its example? Listen to find out. 

Read Patrick Heller and Olle Törnquist’s recent article on Kerala. 

Learn more about Watson’s other podcasts. 


From the Watson School at Brown University, Trending Globally: Politics and Policy brings the insights of leading scholars and practitioners directly into your ears. This award-winning podcast digs into the complex forces shaping our world, moving beyond headlines to understand the deeper political and policy decisions behind them. Each conversation is designed to unpack a pressing issue-whether it's international trade tensions, public health crises, or social movements-with clarity and depth. You'll hear experts from the Watson Institute and beyond explain not just what's happening, but why it matters and how different policies might change the course of events. The discussions are grounded in rigorous research yet remain accessible, turning daunting global topics into understandable and engaging dialogue. For anyone curious about the mechanics of power, governance, and societal change, this series offers a vital resource. It’s a direct line to some of the sharpest minds in international and public affairs, all within a format that fits into your daily routine. Find Trending Globally: Politics and Policy and add it to your listening rotation for a consistently informative perspective on the stories that define our time.
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