Salvatore Babones is a quantitative comparative sociologist (explained in the interview), at the University of Sydney.

He is an American living in Australia, and in his most recent book displays his knowledge of India.

The book is "Dharma Democracy; How India Built the Third World’s First Democracy”

He has visited India a number of times and established a relationship with Prime Minister Modi .

We discuss the Free Trade Agreements with both Australia and New Zealand, and present some alternative views on them.

We also expand the conversation to cover a number of other international issues.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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JR Bruning analyses her article, “An Election Agreement that has locked in a Road User Charging Revolution” and asks why this was necessary in the first place.

Crucially, how it will affect every one of us?

Investigative writer JR Bruning (aka Jodie Bruning) covers a range of topics; sociological studies of ignorance, "non-knowledge” and the production of science and technology.

Her primary research focus is on the relationship between governance, policy, and the production of scientific and technical knowledge for public good.

We cover “New York’s Deal with the Devil”. And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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The New Zealand Centre for Political Research (NZCPR) was established twenty one years ago.

Founded by Muriel Newman, the NZCPR is more important now than ever as an independent public policy think tank.

In this election year, New Zealand is arguably facing its biggest challenge to date.

Certainly the biggest for a long time.

Nine years as a politician (and a former Chamber of Commerce President) provides Muriel with political insider knowledge.

And in Podcast 335 she displays it with full force.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.