Helen Clark - Can Democracy Survive? Global Elections, Power Shifts, and the View from New Zealand

Michael McKay sits down with the Right Honourable Helen Clark—former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former head of the United Nations Development Programme—for a wide-ranging conversation on democracy, multilateralism, women in leadership, and global governance.

Helen Clark is widely regarded as a modern-day stateswoman, with decades of experience in public service, diplomacy, and international development. As Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008, and later as Administrator of the UNDP, she has worked at the intersection of national politics and global cooperation.

Together, McKay and Clark explore:

• Why 2024–25 marks a critical juncture for democracy, with elections in over 60 countries.

• The rise of populism and political polarisation—and how institutions can weather the storm.

• New Zealand’s regional role in the Asia-Pacific and its unique diplomatic stance.

• Lessons from leading in a multicultural, treaty-based democracy.

• The challenge of engaging younger generations in politics and civic responsibility.

• Gender and leadership: How women lead differently—and why it matters.

• The role of international organisations like the UN, Chatham House, and the Global Leadership Foundation in rebuilding trust and dialogue.

• The future of global governance in the face of wars, climate change, and crumbling consensus.

This episode is a rich, insightful reflection on leadership, values, and the uncertain path ahead for democratic societies.