Form of social organization characterized by submission to authority
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When the kids are relentless, defiant, or just downright exhausting, do you give in? Do you clamp down? Or is there a better way? In this episode of the Happy Families Podcast, Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack the three most common parenting responses to challenging behaviour — and make the case for a third, more effective path. You'll laugh, reflect, and come away with a powerful tool to help you parent with confidence, clarity, and calm. KEY POINTS: The 3 common parenting responses to tough behaviour: Giving In (Permissiveness) – short-term peace, long-term chaos. The “Hell No” (Authoritarian) – may bring instant compliance but can damage connection and growth. Working With (Collaborative Discipline) – more effort upfront, but creates better long-term outcomes. Why permissiveness backfires: it invites boundary-testing and weakens trust and safety. How harsh, top-down discipline can rupture relationships and discourage self-regulation. Introducing the 3 E’s of Effective Discipline: Explore your child’s perspective. Explain your concerns. Empower your child to problem-solve with you. Real-life example: how Justin and Kylie worked with their daughter around a tricky social situation. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Fast is slow and slow is fast. When you take the time to work with your kids, you build trust, wisdom, and lasting outcomes.” — Dr Justin Coulson RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Thank you for supporting my independent thought - how to support my work - My work is now driven entirely by donations or supporting my content creation Paypal Donations: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/drnaoiseoreillyPodcast channel: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/purple-psychology/id6446495392Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/purplepsychologyiBooks: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6744105194Definition of a Nazi:A person with extreme racist and authoritarian views A person who seeks to impose their views on others in a very authoritarian or inflexible wayBooks mentioned:Becoming https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38746485-becoming?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=gDZFjwuCrR&rank=1Alone in Berlin https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6801335-alone-in-berlin?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=WjglFwSiJ0&rank=1Correction* not little island - small Island https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/small-island/Based on book by Andrea Levyhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44001.Small_Island?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=c5cqvborsS&rank=2Migration story of Trump family - Grandfather migrated to avoid national service and could not return to Germany https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Trump
Bobbin and Steve Wax unpack Trump's federalization of the National Guard and the deployment of the Marines to LA, exposing the legal overreach, historical echoes, and chilling consequences of this show of force.The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.
“Fascism and authoritarianism are deployed through law enforcement,” says Silky Shah. In this episode, Silky and Kelly discuss immigration raids, rising authoritarianism, mass protest, innocence narratives, and what it means to organize effectively in this moment. Music: Son Monarcas & David Celeste You can find a transcript and show notes (including links to resources) here: truthout.org/series/movement-memos/ If you would like to support the show, you can donate here: bit.ly/TODonate If you would like to receive Truthout's newsletter, please sign up: bit.ly/TOnewsletter
Over the weekend, ICE agents invaded Los Angeles and its suburbs, kidnapping dozens of people on Friday and threatening more near a Home Depot on Saturday. These masked and heavily-armed forces are part of Trump's promised 30-day surge in anti-immigrant attacks in the LA area. But wherever there is repression, there is resistance - and the people of LA are fighting back. The community in LA and the suburbs continues its anti-deportation mobilization as we record this episode.Donald Trump has sent thousands of federalized California National Guard troops to the area against the wishes of Governor Newsom, and under seemingly murky legal authority. US Northern Command announced Monday that at Trump's order it sent 700 Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division from the base at Twentynine Palms, about 2 and a half hours from LA. Trump. The resulting legal and political battle happening at the same time as the pitched street battles and the solidarity and community defense mobilizations that are spreading across the country all but guarantee a larger crisis should Trump not back down.We also react to the breaking news that the government is planning to send 8,000 people to “free up bed space at detention facilities on domestic American soil,” according to Politico.Support the show
Kara and Scott discuss the protests in Los Angeles, dig into Trump's escalating authoritarian tactics, and debate how the Democratic Party should fight back. They also get some on-the-ground perspective from New York Times reporter Livia Albeck-Ripka, who's been covering the protests. Then, Trump threatens Elon Musk with “serious consequences” if he funds Democrats, but is Elon's behavior on X a sign he's crawling back? Plus, Warner Bros. Discovery confirms it's splitting into two companies, just as Kara and Scott predicted. We've got another call in show coming up! Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Watch this episode on the Pivot YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.Follow us on Bluesky at @pivotpod.bsky.socialFollow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Help us plan for the future of Pivot by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This is a catch-up version of James O'Brien's live, daily show on LBC Radio. To join the conversation call: 0345 60 60 973
-- On the Show: — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joins David to discuss the blatant increase in authoritarianism and the flouting of the rule of law under Donald Trump, and just as importantly, what the average person can do about it — Trump deploys National Guard troops to Los Angeles without state approval, threatens to arrest Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, and declares protests a “rebellion” — Trump's sick authoritarian power trip continues with threats of sending Marines into LA, pushing closer to martial law as he cheers on the chaos — The Trump police state is no longer theoretical: ICE raids, media crackdowns, and threats of force against protesters are happening now — Speaker of the House MAGA Mike Johnson refuses to rule out using active-duty Marines on U.S. streets, brushing off legal restrictions as “not heavy handed” — Trump spirals into an overnight meltdown on Truth Social, demanding arrests, praising raids, and pushing for troops in LA — Trump's White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explodes in a Fox News meltdown, celebrating the suspension of an ABC reporter who mildly criticized Trump and spouting shaky math about the deficit — Trump falls on the stairs of Air Force One and suddenly it's no big deal—because the rules don't apply to him -- On the Bonus Show: Producer Pat's trip to Colombia, Dave Portnoy lashes out at employee over Jew jokes, and much more...
Cold Open [into silence]Friend, I haven't done this before. Usually I talk autism & neurodiversity with you. But I'm very concerned about events unfolding this weekend...I've seen these patterns emerge before. In other countries. Authoritarian countries¹.I have no plan of action to suggest. It's happening too fast for me to process… in my slow, deep AuDHD² way.All I could think to do… is share my concerns with friends who care.[Music 8 bars]IntroWelcome to Trigger Warnings… a new project of AutisticAF Out Loud podcast.I'm Johnny Profane. Your fiercely divergent guide to what's actually happening in the news.Gimme 10 minutes? I'll give you my neurodivergent world.Today: Military deployments in two cities, legal challenges mounting, and one burning question: Are we witnessing democratic norms under assault in real time?For an ever deeper dive, I've included footnotes and further reading in the transcript on subStack.Content Note: civil unrest, military deployment, law enforcement actions, concerns about democratic institutions + experiences & opinions of one autistic voice... in my 70s.PodcastFriend,I haven't done this before. Usually I talk autism & neurodiversity with you.But I'm very concerned about events unfolding this weekend... and a fair number of you have asked for my neurodivergent take on larger national & global issues.So, after thinking long & hard... about risks.. I still must share.This weekend, federal agents raided workplaces across Los Angeles County. They arrested 121 people³.Protests followed. Police responded with tear gas⁴ & rubber bullets against demonstrators⁵.On Saturday, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard⁶ troops to Los Angeles County. On questionable Constitutional grounds⁷. As the Supreme Court recessed.His administration called the protests an "insurrection⁸." And threatened to deploy Marines⁹.At the same time, Washington D.C. is filling with military equipment.7 million pounds of hardware¹⁰.28 tanks. 70 tons each¹¹.Rocket launchers.7,000 military personnel¹².This equipment arrived by train from Texas. It now sits near the National Mall¹³.Officials say this is for an Army anniversary parade celebrating Trump's birthday¹⁴.The largest military display in the capital in decades.These events happen as Trump faces significant legal challenges. Courts have blocked over 180 of his administration's initiatives¹⁵.Governor Newsom called the Los Angeles deployment "purposefully inflammatory." He said it would "escalate tensions¹⁶."[Music 8 bars… overlapping 4 second break in speech]I find the timing troubling.Military force against protesters in one city. Unprecedented massive military assets staged in the capital. Simultaneous with significant legal pressure & civil unrest.All within 72-hours.These are documented facts. They concern me deeply.I've seen these patterns emerge before. In other countries. Authoritarian countries.False crises involving vulnerable targets… like migrants… as victims. Used as a fig leaf for declaring martial law¹⁷.I have no plan of action to suggest. It's happening too fast for me to process… in my slow, deep AuDHD way.All I could think to do… is share my concerns with friends who care.Maybe you too?[Music 8 bars]OutroTrigger Warnings is a new project of AutisticAF Out Loud. Reporting on real-world issues, from a neurodivergent perspective.We often recognize patterns others miss. In times like these, that perspective? Essential.If this podcast resonates, share it. The more the world hears neurodivergent voices, the greater my hopes for our future.We believe no one should have to pay to be autistic. Many neurodivergent people can't afford subscription content.Your Ko-Fi tip of any amount helps keep this resource free for them.Or join our paid subscriber community at johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com for ongoing support. Links in description.A big shoutout to my wife, Kimmie, for her great song, Freedom Blvd. That link is in the description, too.[Music]help.Binge on the most authentic autistic voice in podcasting.7 decades of raw truth, real insights, zero yadayada.#AutisticAF Out Loud Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. Click to receive new posts free. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.FootnotesEducational Context¹ Authoritarian countries: Nations where power is concentrated in a single leader or small group, often characterized by limited political freedoms, restricted civil liberties, and the use of military force to control civilian populations.² AuDHD: A term combining ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and autism, used by people who are both autistic and have ADHD. Many neurodivergent individuals process information more slowly but with greater depth and pattern recognition.³ 121 people arrested: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted multiple workplace raids across Los Angeles County on Friday, June 6, 2025. ICE officially reported 44 administrative arrests at three locations during Friday operations, with the total reaching 121 across the broader week-long operation. Sources: Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles, Times of India⁴ Tear gas: Chemical compounds that cause temporary irritation to eyes, nose, mouth and lungs, used by law enforcement for crowd control. Federal agents and LAPD used tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and pepper spray against protesters gathering outside federal buildings where detained individuals were being processed. Sources: Al Jazeera, New York Times, ABC News, NBC Los Angeles⁵ Rubber bullets and police response: Less-lethal ammunition designed to incapacitate rather than kill, though they can cause serious injuries. Federal law enforcement and LAPD officers in riot gear used rubber bullets, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades to disperse crowds protesting immigration raids. Sources: ABC News, NBC Los Angeles, Sky News, USA Today⁶ National Guard: Part-time military forces that normally serve under state governor authority but can be federalized by the president. Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Governor Newsom's request - the first such federalization without governor consent since 1965. Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Washington Post⁷ Constitutional grounds: Trump invoked Section 12406 of Title 10 U.S. Code, which allows federal deployment when there is "invasion, rebellion, or inability to execute federal law." Legal scholars debate whether immigration protests constitute legitimate grounds for this rare federal override of state authority. Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, Steve Vladeck Legal Analysis⁸ "Insurrection" declaration: The Trump administration characterized Los Angeles protests as an "insurrection" to justify military deployment. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller used this term, though legal experts question whether immigration protests meet the historical definition of insurrection. Sources: Times of India, Mother Jones⁹ Marines threat: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton were "on high alert" and could be deployed "if violence continues." This would represent a significant escalation beyond National Guard deployment to using active military forces against civilians. Sources: Los Angeles Times, USA Today, ReutersMilitary Hardware Documentation¹⁰ 7 million pounds of hardware: The Army's 250th anniversary parade features approximately 7 million pounds of military equipment being transported by train from Fort Cavazos, Texas to the Washington D.C. area for the June 14, 2025 celebration. Sources: CNN, The Hill, The Morning News¹¹ 28 tanks, 70 tons each: The parade includes 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks, each weighing approximately 70 tons (140,000 pounds). These main battle tanks are equipped with 120mm smoothbore cannons and represent America's primary armored fighting vehicle. Sources: CNN, The Hill, Stars and Stripes, Reuters¹² 7,000 military personnel: Approximately 6,600-7,000 soldiers from various states are participating in the parade and festival, with over 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft involved in the celebration. Sources: Associated Press, The Hill, Reuters, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation¹³ Equipment near National Mall: Military vehicles and equipment are staged in West Potomac Park adjacent to the National Mall, with steel plates being laid on roads to protect infrastructure during the parade route along Constitution Avenue. Sources: CNN, The Morning News¹⁴ Army anniversary and Trump's birthday: The U.S. Army's 250th anniversary (established June 14, 1775) coincides exactly with President Trump's 79th birthday on June 14, 2025. Army officials state the anniversary celebration was planned independently, with the parade component added at Trump's request. Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, Washington tourism guideLegal and Political Context¹⁵ 180+ court blocks: As of June 6, 2025, federal courts have issued at least 180 rulings temporarily blocking Trump administration initiatives, representing an unprecedented level of judicial pushback against executive actions in the first months of his second term. Sources: New York Times Legal Tracker, USA Today, Fox News¹⁶ Newsom's statements: California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump's National Guard deployment "purposefully inflammatory" and warned it would "escalate tensions." He formally requested the withdrawal of federal troops, calling the deployment a "serious breach of state sovereignty." Sources: Politico, Reuters, Deadline¹⁷ Martial law: The temporary replacement of civilian government with military authority, typically declared during emergencies. While Trump has not formally declared martial law, legal experts note the military deployment patterns and rhetoric raise concerns about potential steps toward military control of civilian areas. Sources: ACLU Analysis, Steve Vladeck Legal Commentary This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit johnnyprofaneknapp.substack.com/subscribe
Edition No155 | 08-06-2025 - Let's forget for a moment there are such things as Republicans and Democrats, one side and the other. Let's simply look at the authoritarian timelines of regime such as those in Russia, Georgia, Hungary and Germany in the 1930s and others. At some point, regimes looking to consolidate their power, and limit democratic expression move from muzzling or coopting the press to tackling the people. They manufacture crises and provocations to crack down hard on liberties. For those who have studies the process of democratic slide such a moment if inflection in the US was completely expected, just not the time nor the place. But if we take the most pessimistic forecasts, then unfortunately, Trump's regime is bang on schedule with this.----------Links: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/06/los-angeles-dress-rehearsal-trump/683078/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jun/08/trump-national-guard-la-protests-immigration-ice-us-politics-live-newshttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/los-angeles-ice-protests-latest-trump-b2765843.htmlhttps://www.latimes.com/california/live/national-guard-troops-la-immigration-ice-clashes-paramount----------SUMMER FUNDRAISERSNAFO & Silicon Curtain community - Let's help help 5th SAB together https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWe are teaming up with NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade to provide 2nd Assault Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you're standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter:Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.In total we are looking to raise an initial 19 500 EUR in order to buy 1 x NAFO truck 2.0 Who is getting the aid? 5 SAB, 2 Assault Battalion, UAV operators.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------Car for Ukraine has once again joined forces with a group of influencers, creators, and news observers during this summer. Sunshine here serves as a metaphor, the trucks are a sunshine for our warriors to bring them to where they need to be and out from the place they don't.https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtainThis time, we focus on the 6th Detachment of HUR, 93rd Alcatraz, 3rd Assault Brigade, MLRS systems and more. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/summer-sunshine-silicon-curtain- bring soldiers to the positions- protect them with armor- deploy troops with drones to the positions----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/-----------
Air Date 6/6/2025 Today, Trump's administration is doing everything in its power to end the era of educational dominance the US has enjoyed for decades. The simple fact that explains the change is that democracy used to be valued across the political spectrum while todays Republican Party is authoritarian and understands that an educated public is a public that demands democracy while an uneducated public is much easier to manipulate and oppress. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) KEY POINTS KP 1: How Trump has reshaped the federal workforce - The NPR Politics Podcast - Air Date 5-29-25 KP 2: As Trump cuts funding, researchers look for opportunities outside the U.S. - Soundside - Air Date 4-21-25 KP 3: Anti-Science Mugging on the Right and the Ascent of American Anti-Intellectualism - Citations Needed - Air Date 5-28-25 KP 4: Trump's Dark Age Admin is 'attacking the foundations of empirical knowledge', journalist says - MSNBC Reports - Air Date 5-28-25 KP 5: Trumps Rants about Harvard Get Darker as He Loses a Big One in Court - The Daily Blast - Air Date 5-29-25 KP 6: Prof Jason Stanley Trump is targeting the three pillars of democracy as he follows fascist playbook - The Dean Obeidallah Show - Air Date 6-1-25 KP 7: Worse Than McCarthyism Historian Ellen Schrecker on Trumps War Against Universities & Students - Democracy Now! - Air Date 5-30-25 KP 8: Tanya Clay House on Freedom to Learn, Danaka Katovich on Attacks on Activists - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-2-25 (01:00:04) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On what will fill the gap left by anti-intellectualism DEEPER DIVES (01:07:27) SECTION A: ANTI-SCIENCE (02:27:53) SECTION B: ANTI-HIGHER EDUCATION (02:56:38) SECTION C: ANTI-PUBLIC GOODS SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: An illustrated image of an arm and hand holding up a protest sign with an image of a brain on it. Credit: “brain icon mind thinking” via Mohamed_hasan, Pixabay | Pixabay license
We are in an age of authoritarian democracy, and Turkey and its leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan is its paradigm. Erdogan has been in power more than 2 decades and created the template men like Victor Orban and Bibi Netanyahu have been followingin using democracy's tools to become authoritarian leaders. And now there's Donald Trump. Veteran journalist Andrew Finkel who has been reporting from the country for decades explains the process. You can hear parallels to what is unfolding in the US. Give us 39:30 to explain.
In a wide-ranging interview, Andrew Doyle talks to Claire Fox about his new book, The End of Woke and why there is much still to be done to defend freedom. Andrew notes that while some things have shifted in recent months – from the Cass Review and the UK Supreme Court judgement on the meaning of ‘sex' in the Equality Act to the start of Donald Trump's second presidential term – it doesn't mean that our problems are over. The ‘new puritans' he identified in his previous book are still very much there and clinging on to their power and influence. It's now five years since the death of George Floyd and the hysteria around Black Lives Matter. Claire and Andrew reflect on what the hell happened and the dangers that arise from a re-racialisation of society. They also look at how identity politics and racial thinking has led to a white grievance culture and a tit-for-tat outlook, which Andrew argues has more to do with revenge than with promoting a liberal society. Above all, the conversation focuses on the continued importance of the fight for free speech, even for 'cosplay' rebels like Irish rappers Kneecap. And they tackle the way in which woke has undermined the search for truth: when even something as common sense as biological sex is called into question, then anything goes – and society suffers.
GUEST: Crishaun the Don on the most "protected" identities! Government solutions? Amid chaos: Do nothing or do something?The Hake Report, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 ADCrishaun the Don of The Misfit Nation Podcast - x.com/crishaunthedon - x.com/TheMisfitNation - youtube.com/@TheMisfitNationpodcast - misfitnation.podbean.com - rumble.com/user/TheMisfitNationTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Rough Start* (0:00:51) Complicated business* (0:02:15) Crishaun the Don* (0:04:55) Hey, guys!* (0:06:11) Attack on whom? Most protected people? Christians?* (0:14:00) Christianity the "white man's religion"?* (0:18:20) "Racism" word* (0:29:02) Identifying with yourself, "Turn the other cheek"* (0:31:20) Jordan Peterson vs atheists* (0:35:32) TRAVIS, TX, 1st: "Sinners," black movies* (0:42:26) ROBERT, KS: "racist"* (0:48:26) Image of God: White? Targeting victims* (0:51:31) Liberal towns? Anti-2A MD, RI, VT…* (0:59:22) Supers… Rumble* (1:01:07) JEFF, LA: "Pride" cancelled? "…Fatigue"? Race politics?* (1:10:37) JEFF: The races switched roles when they should be equal; Women* (1:15:59) DJ Hardmaus* (1:17:36) Crishaun: Practical segregation?* (1:22:58) WILLIAM #7, CA: HOAs, overbearing controlling government* (1:28:12) WILLIAM #7: Jordan Peterson debate, belief* (1:31:47) WILLIAM III, CA: Misfit Nation! A "black" lens* (1:35:19) JUSTIN, Fullerton: Amusement park riot, breaking up a fight* (1:42:40) Be capable of violence* (1:46:46) Fear and wisdom and courage* (1:51:25) MARK, L.A.: Authoritarian for a short period of time?* (1:54:00) Closing: Disavow!LINKSBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/6/3/come-at-me-bro-with-crishaun-the-don-tue-6-3-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/6/3/jlp-tue-6-3-25Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO: YT - Rumble* - Pilled - FB - X - BitChute (Live) - Odysee*PODCAST: Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or BuyMeACoffee, etc.SHOP - Printify (new!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - Joel - Punchie The views, information, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this show are the individuals' own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the JLP Network or BOND. And their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "JLP Network" and “BOND” name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe
You've probably heard that authoritarianism is on the rise across the globe. Increasingly, countries are adopting policies that undermine democracy, reduce accountability, and erode civil liberties and human rights. But why is authoritarianism on the rise, and how do authoritarian leaders come to power? Lauded by Donald Trump and condemned by rights-defenders, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban provides a useful case study for those hoping to better understand the authoritarians' playbook. This week, host Ngofeen Mputubwele speaks to a Hungarian journalist and civil liberties strategist to map Orban's journey to autocracy, and how his lurch towards authoritarianism has decimated civil liberties and allowed him to exert a stranglehold on Hungarian politics for more than 15 years. Stefania Kopronczay: Former director of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union; visiting scholar at Columbia University Viktória Serdült: Journalist at HVG.HU
It's not just the MAGA or the Woke crowd. According to Greg Lukianoff, CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), free speech in America is under existential threat from all political sides. While he's long criticized campus cancel culture from the left, he now opposes Trump's coercive targeting of big law firms, media companies, and universities. The Stanford Law trained Lukianoff argues that Trump's actions—removing security clearances, barring lawyers from federal buildings, and threatening media mergers—violate constitutional principles. Five Key Takeaways * Bipartisan Authoritarianism: Lukianoff fights free speech threats from both sides—campus cancel culture from the left that he's criticized for years, and now Trump's government coercion of law firms, media, and universities from the right.* Trump's Legal Warfare: The administration is removing security clearances from lawyers who opposed Trump, barring them from federal buildings (including courthouses), and threatening media companies' business deals—unprecedented attacks on legal and press freedom.* Institutional Cowardice: Major law firms like Paul Weiss capitulated quickly, offering millions in pro bono services to Trump, while others like Covington & Burling stood firm. Media responses have been mixed, with some caving under pressure.* Free Speech is Fragile: Lukianoff argues free speech isn't humanity's default state—it requires constant defense and can easily revert to authoritarianism when not actively protected by institutions and individuals.* Technology Accelerates Crisis: Social media and AI are speeding up existing problems of polarization and institutional decay, making the current free speech crisis more acute and unpredictable than previous eras.Greg Lukianoff is an attorney, New York Times best-selling author, and the President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He is the author of Unlearning Liberty: Campus Censorship and the End of American Debate, Freedom From Speech, and FIRE's Guide to Free Speech on Campus. He co-authored The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure with Jonathan Haidt. Most recently Greg co-authored The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution with Rikki Schlott. Greg is also an Executive Producer of Can We Take a Joke? (2015), a feature-length documentary that explores the collision between comedy, censorship, and outrage culture, both on and off campus, and of Mighty Ira: A Civil Liberties Story (2020), an award-winning feature-length film about the life and career of former ACLU Executive Director Ira Glasser.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, I discussed the steady rise of Pentecostal Christianity with award-winning journalist and author Elle Hardy. Her 2022 book, Beyond Belief: How Pentecostal Christianity Is Taking Over the World, details how the charismatic movement has become a global phenomenon, with currently (2025) an estimated 900 million followers worldwide. As I wrote in the Cult of Trump, a key base for true believers are involved with megachurches involving millions of Americans. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) has transformed Pentecostal Christianity from a spiritual movement to an aggressively politically motivated group. Hardy explains the phenomenon: “They don't just want to save souls; they want to transform societies.” For example, prominent Pentecostal leaders, such as Paula White-Cain, who is in the current administration, refers to Donald Trump as a modern-day “King Cyrus.” In the Bible, King Cyrus is an imperfect, divinely chosen leader who fulfilled political and social ambitions on behalf of God to help his people. Trump's portrayal as divinely chosen in these circles is strategically cultivated to amass the group's support and reshape American politics. Hardy provided insights into the prosperity gospel, describing it as “the faith of the working poor.” This aspect of Pentecostalism attracts marginalized people seeking hope through promises of divine financial blessings in exchange for devotion and sacrifice. However, Hardy pointed out a troubling reality. Vulnerable individuals often give beyond their means, pushing them deeper into poverty through manipulative teachings. Our conversation highlighted how such practices illustrate financial exploitation and reinforce harmful “magical thinking” and loaded language. Authoritarian leaders commonly exploit these techniques to control followers, which are classic signs of undue influence. Unethical practices like these strip people of their critical thinking and autonomy. This conversation was exceptionally interesting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The afikra Podcast, we're joined by renowned journalist Mona Chalabi who discusses her latest animated series "#1 Happy Family USA" with comedian Ramy Youssef, her unique data-driven and illustrated approach to journalism, and the use of humor as an effective communication tool. The conversation delves into Chalabi's upbringing, her views on authority and respect in journalism, the importance of lived experiences in storytelling, and the ethical complexities of representing marginalized voices. We also explore the challenges of the journalism industry, the impact of social media, and the significance of platforming diverse perspectives in media.00:00 Introduction 03:18 Childhood Interests and Ambitions04:53 No to Fan Culture 07:47 Data Journalism and Human Stories12:15 Challenges in Journalism and Representation16:39 Economic Crisis in Journalism21:27 Growing Up During the Iraq Invasion23:12 The Role of Journalists in Shaping Consent24:35 The Challenges and Resilience of Protest Movements26:41 The Importance of Local Reporting29:12 Journalistic Integrity and Future Reflections33:16 Balancing Activism and Media Consumption34:33 The Process of Creating and Revising Work39:23 The Debate on Platforming Opposing Views44:46 Final ThoughtsMona Chalabi's work has earned her a Pulitzer Prize, a fellowship at the British Science Association, and an Emmy nomination and recognition from the Royal Statistical Society. In recent years, her art has been exhibited at the Tate, the Brooklyn Museum, the Design Museum, and the House of Illustration. She studied international relations in Paris and Arabic in Jordan. Mona works beside windows, sometimes in her hometown of London but usually in Brooklyn where she is writing a book about the ways we talk about money. It has been optioned by A24 as a documentary series. She is also the executive producer and creative director of an upcoming animated TV show with Ramy Youssef, A24 and Amazon Studios. Her writing and illustrations have been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian where she is currently the data editor. Her video, audio, and production work has been featured on Netflix, NPR, the BBC, and National Geographic.Connect with Chalabi
Join Anthony Davis for a Memorial Weekend Special Edition episode of The Weekend Show, featuring some of our greatest thought leaders - David Cay Johnston, Tim Snyder and Rep. Jamie Raskin. Support Our Sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar per month trial at https://shopify.com/we... Quince: Go to https://Quince.com/wee... for free shipping on your order and 365 -day returns. Calm: Get an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at https://calm.com/WEEKEND Join this channel for exclusive access and bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g/join Five Minute News is an Evergreen Podcast, covering politics, inequality, health and climate - delivering independent, unbiased and essential news for the US and across the world. Visit us online at http://www.fiveminute.news Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/fiveminutenews.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/fiveminnews Support us on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/fiveminutenews You can subscribe to Five Minute News with your preferred podcast app, ask your smart speaker, or enable Five Minute News as your Amazon Alexa Flash Briefing skill. Please subscribe HERE https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g?sub_confirmation=1 CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed on this channel are those of the guests and authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Anthony Davis or Five Minute News LLC. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This event was the launch of Seçkin Sertdemir's latest book 'Civic Death in Contemporary Turkey: Mass Surveillance and the Authoritarian State' published by Cambridge University Press. What does it mean for a government to declare its citizens 'dead' while they still live? Following the failed 2016 coup, the Turkish AKP government implemented sweeping powers against some 152,000 of its citizens. These Kanun hükmünde kararnameli ('emergency decreed') were dismissed from their positions and banned for life from public service. With their citizenship rights revoked, Seçkin Sertdemir argues these individuals were rendered into a state of 'civic death'. This study considers how these authoritarian securitisation methods took shape, shedding light on the lived experiences of targeted people. Meet the speakers and chair Seçkin Sertdemir is a Visiting Fellow in the European Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her research focuses on ideas of democracy, and current problems of political philosophy such as civil disobedience and political rights. Zerrin Özlem Biner is a Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at SOAS working at the intersection of political and legal anthropology. She is author of 'Dispossession: Violence and Precarious Co-existence in Southeast Turkey' (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2020). With Özge Biner, she co-edited a special section on the 'Politics of Waiting: Ethnographies of Sovereignty, Temporality and Subjectivity in the Margins of the Turkish State' in the Journal of Social Anthropology. Katerina Dalacoura is Associate Professor in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dalacoura's work has centered on the intersection of Islamism and international human rights norms. She has worked on human rights, democracy and democracy promotion, in the Middle East, particularly in the context of Western policies in the region.
From banners of his face hanging outside a federal building to the military parade that just so happens to fall on his birthday, why we all need to pay attention to the authoritarian window dressings that are increasingly appearing around President Trump; plus a first-hand account of how Trump's tariffs are hurting America's small businesses.
Over the next few days we're gonna do a deep dive on the various ways, we as individuals, can actually resist this coup. Remember, it's easier to resist tyranny today, than it will be in a month. Today, we're starting with the internal work of learning to trust ourselves (and each other) with intention. Our distrust is manufactured, it's time to push back against that belief.We've got more in common than we're led to believe."Authoritarian power is derived from fear of repression, isolation from each other and exhaustion at the utter chaos. We're already feeling it. Thus, for us to be of any use in a [chaotic] world, we have to pay grave attention to our inner states, so we don't perpetuate the autocrat's goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion or constant disorientation." - Daniel HunterThe sources: What can I do to resist the coup? https://choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do/Grounding yourself in a chaotic time: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/10-things-to-do-if-trump-wins/?utm_source=Climate+Advocacy+Lab+Members&utm_campaign=8cf646d623-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_22_04_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-8cf646d623-547145900Donate to Palestinian Children's Relief Fund::www.pcrf.netDonate to Mutual Aid Funds: https://www.folxhealth.com/library/mutual-aid-fundsGET AN OCCASIONAL PERSONAL EMAIL FROM ME: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTUNE IN ON INSTAGRAM FOR COOL CONTENT: www.instagram.com/mydbpodcastOR BE A REAL GEM + TUNE IN ON PATREON: www.patreon.com/MYDBpodcastOR WATCH ON YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/juliemerica The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Over the next few days we're gonna do a deep dive on the various ways, we as individuals, can actually resist this coup. Remember, it's easier to resist tyranny today, than it will be in a month. Today, we're starting with the internal work of learning to trust ourselves (and each other) with intention. Our distrust is manufactured, it's time to push back against that belief. We've got more in common than we're led to believe. "Authoritarian power is derived from fear of repression, isolation from each other and exhaustion at the utter chaos. We're already feeling it. Thus, for us to be of any use in a [chaotic] world, we have to pay grave attention to our inner states, so we don't perpetuate the autocrat's goals of fear, isolation, exhaustion or constant disorientation." - Daniel Hunter The sources: What can I do to resist the coup? https://choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do/Grounding yourself in a chaotic time: https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/10-things-to-do-if-trump-wins/?utm_source=Climate+Advocacy+Lab+Members&utm_campaign=8cf646d623-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_22_04_22&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-8cf646d623-547145900Donate to Palestinian Children's Relief Fund::www.pcrf.netDonate to Mutual Aid Funds: https://www.folxhealth.com/library/mutual-aid-fundsGET AN OCCASIONAL PERSONAL EMAIL FROM ME: www.makeyourdamnbedpodcast.comTUNE IN ON INSTAGRAM FOR COOL CONTENT: www.instagram.com/mydbpodcastOR BE A REAL GEM + TUNE IN ON PATREON: www.patreon.com/MYDBpodcastOR WATCH ON YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/juliemerica The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get bonus content on PatreonSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 16, 2025 - Join us for a discussion with Dr. Joan E. Cho, Associate Professor of East Asian Studies at Wesleyan University on her 2024 book Seeds of Mobilization: The Authoritarian Roots of South Korea's Democracy, which explores the nonlinear nature of South Korea's democratization. Using oral interviews, original protest datasets, and publications by student and labor activists, Cho illustrates how modernization structures such as industrial complexes and tertiary education initially bolstered authoritarian regimes before facilitating protests by various social movement groups, which ultimately succeeded in ushering in the country's democratization. During the discussion, Cho also describes how this historical legacy continues to impact Korean politics, including the generational divide and the recent Martial Law and impeachment episodes. This program is moderated by Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members and the Korea Foundation. This program is co-hosted by The Center for Korean Research at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University. For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1993-seeds-of-mobilization-the-authoritarian-roots-of-south-korea-s-democracy
Senator calls out Mark Carney's shocking authoritarian moment on camera, and now CBC is under fire for trying to cover it up. Canadians are demanding answers as pressure mounts on the Liberals.Send a one-time contribution to the show - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XARF5X38AMZULListen to our Podcast on the go: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elev8podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elev8podcast X: https://twitter.com/TheElev8Podcast
What can Star Wars teach us about resistance, resilience, and leadership in today's world?In honor of May the 4th, this episode examines timeless quotes from Rogue One, Andor, Rebels, and the broader Star Wars universe—not just as cinematic moments, but as blueprints for navigating struggle, fighting for justice, and holding onto hope.Drawing from the article “It always felt like Rogue One: Quotes for galactic rebels”, we analyze what these quotes reveal about courage, defiance, and leading with purpose—offering inspiration for anyone pushing back against broken systems or seeking meaning during uncertain times.What You'll Learn in This Episode:
If you want to overthrow a dictator, resist an authoritarian regime, or create a movement that can change the national status quo, you don't need half the country, you only need 3.5 percent of the population to join – but there are some caveats, and Erica Chenoweth whose research led to the discovery of the 3.5 Percent Rule, explains them to us in this episode.Previous EpisodesErica Chenoweth's WebsiteWhy Civil Resistance Works (the paper)Why Civil Resistance Works (the book)The TED TalkThe Q&AHow Minds ChangeDavid McRaney's TwitterDavid McRaney's BlueSkyYANSS TwitterYANSS FacebookNewsletterPatreon
History is easy in the rearview. When you look back things are a lot neater and tidier - you can say this is authoritarianism, this is fascism, this is the obvious threshold or signpost for crossing into it. History though may not be as obvious when you are living it. Has the United States crossed the threshold into authoritarianism? Or fascism? The Atlantic's Tom Nichols weighs in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Ultimate Assist, John Stockton and Ken Ruettgers welcome back constitutional attorney and FDA “Dragon Slayer” Jonathan Emord for a high-powered takedown of the bureaucratic machine. Emord pulls no punches, exposing the unconstitutional rise of the administrative state, Big Pharma collusion, Fauci's alleged betrayal, and the disturbing ideological agenda behind modern regulatory overreach. From COVID censorship to energy policy to education warfare, Emord lays out how America's founding principles are under assault—and why restoring individual liberty is the ultimate act of resistance.
Brett Harper - Exposing Agape Boarding SchoolDec 12, 2022Brett Harper is a survivor of the Agape Boarding School system. The story he tells Ed Opperman is as unbelievable as it is cruel. But he is not alone to cast allegations at this establishment. Such is his fury at his and others' treatment at the school, he has written a book, not only detailing his own experience, but those of his peers.Spare the Rod is a troubling look into the abusive and terribly under-regulated troubled teen industry; a shadowy network of private juvenile prisons, therapeutic boarding schools, group homes, wilderness camps, boot camps, conversion therapy centers, boarding schools, rehabs, etc. Thousands of kids are abused each year and many of them suffer in silence. Some sustain life-long injuries and struggle with things like trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, depression, anxiety, abandonment, nightly night terrors, chronic pain and more! Their ability to form healthy relationships is forever impacted and often their connection to the family that sent them away completely severed. You might think this can't happen in the U.S.! Oh yes it can! Oh yes it does! Authoritarian fascists who believe in tough love and forcing teens to assimilate to their culture and morals is nothing new. It's been going on for hundreds of years!Book: Spare the RodBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.
Some political experts warn the U.S. is swiftly moving toward authoritarianism — or that we're already there.
Some political experts warn the U.S. is swiftly moving toward authoritarianism — or that we're already there.
In this explosive monologue, Tara critiques NBC's Kristen Welker for what she calls absurd, biased questioning of Donald Trump — including comparisons to Nazi Germany and authoritarian regimes. She highlights the legal requirement to carry ID while driving in South Carolina and slams the mainstream media for ignoring real government overreach, such as the Biden administration's alleged censorship programs and debanking of political opponents. A fiery defense of civil liberties, Trump's record, and a takedown of selective media narratives.
In this explosive monologue, Tara critiques NBC's Kristen Welker for what she calls absurd, biased questioning of Donald Trump — including comparisons to Nazi Germany and authoritarian regimes. She highlights the legal requirement to carry ID while driving in South Carolina and slams the mainstream media for ignoring real government overreach, such as the Biden administration's alleged censorship programs and debanking of political opponents. A fiery defense of civil liberties, Trump's record, and a takedown of selective media narratives.
In the new episode of our monthly special in cooperation with the Journal of Democracy, Dan Slater discusses the authoritarian origins of the third wave of democratization.Dan Slater – who is James Orin Murfin Professor of Political Science and the director of the Center for Emerging Democracies at the International Institute at the University of Michigan – explains what inspired him to critique Samuel Huntington's influential interpretation of the third waveof democratization; discusses the rise and fall of left-wing and right-wing authoritarian waves in the 1970s and 1980s; examines how the democratization of countries thatexited left-wing authoritarian regimes may have differed from those leaving behind right-wing ones; considers the extent to which geopolitics might explain politicalchange; and reflects on what might be new and distinct about the current wave of right-wing authoritarianism– and how the authoritarian waves of the recent past might help us grasp it better.In the framework of this partnership, authors discuss outstanding articles from the latest print issue of the Journal of Democracy. The conversation is based on Dan Slater'sarticle “The Authoritarian Origins of the Third Wave” which has been published in the April 2025 (36/2) issue.
The first 100 days of Trump's second term have come to an end… so, what comes next? Overseas, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has transformed his country into electoral autocracy using tactics that bear a striking resemblance to those currently playing out in Trump's America. To close out the Trumpland series, MSNBC's Alex Wagner travels to Hungary and speaks with lawyers, journalists, politicians, and advocates on the ground who offer important lessons for America while they continue to fight for democracy in their own country. Sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode ad-free, plus get an upcoming exclusive bonus episode of Trumpland!
After 100 days of Trump's second term, questions have arisen about birthright citizenship, the arrests of judges and deportations without due process.On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, offers his assessment of Trump's second term so far, and the opposition that is beginning to form.
Few analysts are more familiar with the politics of both contemporary Turkey and the United States than my old friend , the distinguished Turkish political scientist Soli Ozel. Drawing on his decades of experience in both countries, Ozel, currently a senior fellow at the Institut Montaigne, explains how democratic institutions are similarly being challenged in Trump's America and Erdogan's Turkey. He discusses the imprisonment of Istanbul's popular mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, restrictive speech in American universities, and how economic decline eventually undermines authoritarian regimes. Ozel emphasizes that effective opposition requires both public discontent and compelling leadership alternatives, which Turkey has developed but America currently sorely lacks. Most intriguingly, he suggests that Harvard's legal battle against Trump could be as significant as the 1925 Scopes trial which marked the end of another bout of anti-scientific hysteria in America. 5 Key Takeaways* Populist authoritarianism follows a similar pattern regardless of left/right ideology - controlling judiciary, media, and institutions while claiming to represent "the people" against elites.* Academic freedom in America has declined significantly, with Ozel noting he experienced more classroom freedom in Turkey than at Yale in 2019.* Economic pain combined with a crisis of legitimacy is crucial for challenging authoritarian regimes, but requires credible opposition leadership to succeed.* Istanbul mayor Imamoglu has emerged as a powerful opposition figure in Turkey by appealing across political divides and demonstrating practical governance skills.* Turkey's strategic importance has increased due to its position between war zones (Syria and Ukraine) and Europe's growing need for security partners as American support becomes less certain. Full TranscriptAndrew Keen: Hello, everybody. It's not great news these days that the U.S. Brand has been, so to speak, tarnished as a headline today on CNN. I'm quoting them. CNN, of course, is not Donald Trump's biggest fan. Trump tarnishes the U S brand as a rock of stability in the global economy. I'm not sure if the US was ever really a rock of stability for anything except itself. But we on the show as. As loyal viewers and listeners know, we've been going around the world, taking stock of the US brand, how it's viewed around the word. We did a show last week with Simon Cooper, the Dutch-based Paris writer of the Financial Times, who believes it's time for all Americans to come and live in Europe. And then with Jemima Kelly, another London-based correspondent. And I thought we would broaden. I asked european perspective by visiting my old friend very old friend Soli Ozel. iVve known him for almost forty years he's a. Senior fellow of international relations and turkey at the montane institute he's talking to us from vienna but he is a man who is born and spends a lot of his time thinking about. Turkey, he has an interesting new piece out in the Institute Montaigne. Turkey, a crisis of legitimacy and massive social mobilization in a regional power. I want to talk to Soli later in this conversation about his take on what's happening in Turkey. But first of all, Soli, before we went live, you noted that you first came to America in September 1977. You were educated here, undergraduate, graduate, both at uh, sized in Washington DC and then at UC Berkeley, where you and I studied together at the graduate program. Um, how do you feel almost 50 years, sorry, we're dating ourselves, but how did you feel taking off your political science cap, your analyst cap, how did you feel about what's happening in America as, as a man who invested your life in some ways in the promise of America, and particularly American education universities.Soli Ozel: Yeah, I mean, I, yes, I came to the States or I went to the States in September of 1977. It was a very different America, post Vietnam. And I went through an avant garde college liberal arts college.Andrew Keen: Bennington wasn'tSoli Ozel: Bennington College, and I've spent about 11 years there. And you and I met in 1983 in Berkeley. And then I also taught at American universities. I taught at UC Santa Cruz, Northwestern, SAIS itself, University of Washington, Yale, and had fellowships in different parts. Now, of course, in those years, a lot has changed in the US. The US has changed. In fact, I'm writing a piece now on Christopher Lash. And reading Christopher Lasch work from the 60s and the 1970s, in a way, you wonder why Trumpism has not really emerged a bit earlier than when it did. So, a lot of the... Dynamics that have brought Donald Trump to power, not once, but twice, and in spite of the fact that, you know, he was tried and found guilty and all that. Many of those elements have been there definitely since the 1980s, but Lascch identified especially this divergence between educated people and less educated people between brainies and or the managerial class and the working class in the United States. So, in a way, it looks like the Trumpism's triumph came even a bit late, although there were a couple of attempts perhaps in the early 1990s. One was Pat Buchanan and the other one, Ross Perot, which we forget that Ross Perot got 19% of the vote against in the contest when Bill Clinton. Won the election against George H.W. Bush. So underground, if you will, a lot was happening in the United States.Andrew Keen: All right. And it's interesting you bring up Lash, there's that sort of whole school Lasch Daniel Bell, of course, we had Daniel Bell's son, David Bell, on the show recently. And there's a lot of discussion, as I'm sure you know, about the nativism of Trump, whether it's uniquely American, whether it was somehow inevitable. We've done last week, we did a show about comparing what's happening now in America to what happened after the First World War. Being less analytical, Solé, my question was more an emotional one to you as someone who has built their life around freedom of expression in American universities. You were at Bennington, you were at SICE, you're at UC Berkeley, as you know, you taught at UC Santa Cruz and Yale and many other places. You come in and out of this country giving lectures. How do you personally feel about what's happening?Soli Ozel: Yeah, okay. I mean, in that sense, again, the United States, by the way, I mean the United States has been changing independently of Mr. Trump's presidency. It was much more difficult to be, I mean when I went to college in Bennington College, you really did not bite your tongue when you were going to speak either as a student or a professor. And increasingly, and especially in my last bout at Yale in 2019, I felt that, you know, there were a lot of constraints on what you could say or how you could say it, whether you would call it walkism, political correctness, whatever it was. It was a much, the atmosphere at the university was much more constrained in terms of what transpired in the classroom and that I mean, in Turkey, I had more freedom in terms of how we debated things in class that I felt that...Andrew Keen: That is astonishing. So you had more freedom in...Soli Ozel: As well, you did in Yale in 1990. I'm talking about not the political aspect of things, but how you debate something, okay, whether or not, I mean, there would be lots of views and you could you could present them without insulting anyone, however you presented them was fine, and this is how what the dynamics of the classroom had been when I was a student. So, in that sense, I guess it wasn't just the right that constrained speech, but also the left that constrained the speech, because new values were added or new norms were invented to define what can and cannot be said. And of course, that goes against the grain of what a university education ought to be. I mean, I had colleagues. In major universities who told me that they really were biting their tongue when they were giving their lectures. And that is not my understanding of education or college education and that certainly has not been my experience when I came to the States and for my long education here for 11 years.Andrew Keen: Solit, you and I have a long history of thinking about the Middle East, where back in the early 80s, we TA'd a class on the Arab-Israeli conflict with Yaya Sadowski, who at that time was a very independent thinker. I know he was a close friend of yours. I was always very influenced by his thinking. You're from Izmir, from a Jewish family in Turkey. So you're all too familiar with the complexity of anti-Semitism, Israel, the Middle East, Turkey. What do you personally make of this hysteria now on campus about anti-semitism and throwing out anyone, it seems, at least from the Trump point of view, who are pro-Palestinian? Is this again, I mean, you went back to Christopher Lasch and his thinking on populism and the dangers of populism in America. Or is this something that... Comes out of the peculiarities of American history. We have predicted this 40 years ago when you and I were TAing Sadowski's class on Arab-Israeli conflict at Berkeley.Soli Ozel: The Arab-Israeli conflict always raises passions, if you will. And it's no different. To put it mildly, Salvador, I think. Yeah, it is a bit different now. I mean, of course, my hunch is that anti-Semitism is always present. There is no doubt. And although I followed the developments very closely after October 7. I was not in there physically present. I had some friends, daughters and sons who were students who have reported to me because I'm supposed to know something about those matters. So yeah, antisemitism is there. On the other hand, there is also some exaggeration. We know that a lot of the protesters, for instance, were Jews themselves. But my hunch is that the Trump administration, especially in their attack against elite universities, are using this for political purposes. I'm sure there were other ways of handling this. I don't find it very sincere. And a real problem is being dealt with in a very manipulative political way, I think. Other and moreover So long as there was no violence and I know there were instances of violence that should be punished that I don't have any complaints about, but partially if this is only related to what you say, I'm not sure that this is how a university or relations between students at the university ought to be conducted. If you're not going to be able to say what you think at the university, then what else are you going to say? Are you going be able say it? So this is a much more complicated matter than it is being presented. And as I said, my view or based on what I follow that is happening at colleges, this is being used as an excuse. As somebody I think Peter Beinhart wrote today in the New York Times. He says, No, no, no. It is not really about protecting Jewish students, but it is protecting a certain... Type of Jewish students, and that means it's a political decision, the complaints, legitimate complaints, perhaps, of some students to use those against university administrations or universities themselves that the Trump administration seems to be targeting.Andrew Keen: Yeah, it's interesting you bring up Beinart. He was on the show a year or two ago. I think he notes that, I mean, I don't want to put words into his mouth, but he seems to be suggesting that Jews now have a responsibility almost to speak out, not just obviously about what's happening in the U.S., but certainly about what is happening in Gaza. I'm not sure what you think on.Soli Ozel: He just published a book, he just published the book being Jewish in the US after Gaza or something along those lines. He represents a certain way of thinking about what had happened in Gaza, I mean what had happened to Israel with the attack of Hamas and what had happened afterwards, whether or not he represents the majority. Do you agree with him? I happen to be. I happen to be sympathetic to his views. And especially when you read the book at the beginning, it says, look, he's a believer. Believer meaning he is a practicing Jew. So this is not really a question about his own Jewishness, but how he understands what being a Jew actually means. And from that perspective, putting a lot of accent to the moral aspects of Jewish history and Jewish theological and secular thinking, He is rebelling, if you will, against this way of manipulative use. On the part of some Jewish organizations as well of what had gone on and this is this he sees as a along with others actually he also sees this as a threat to Jewish presence in the United States. You know there is a simultaneous increase in in anti-semitism. And some people argue that this has begun even before October 7. Let us not forget Charlottesville when the crowds that were deemed to be nice people were chanting, Jews will not replace us, and those people are still around. Yeah, a lot of them went to jail.Andrew Keen: Yeah, I mean Trump seemed to have pardoned some of them. And Solly, what do you make of quote-unquote the resistance to Trump in the U.S.? You're a longtime observer of authoritarianism, both personally and in political science terms. One of the headlines the last few days is about the elite universities forming a private collective to resist the Trump administration. Is this for real and is it new? Should we admire the universities or have they been forced into this position?Soli Ozel: Well, I mean, look, you started your talk with the CNN title. Yeah, about the brand, the tarnishing of the U.S. Whatever the CNN stands for. The thing is, there is no question that what is happening today and what has been happening in my judgment over the last two years, particularly on the issue of Gaza, I would not... Exonerate the Biden administration and the way it actually managed its policy vis-a-vis that conflict. There is, of course, a reflection on American policy vis a vis that particular problem and with the Trump administration and 100 days of storm, if you will, around the world, there is a shift in the way people look at the United States. I think it is not a very favorable shift in terms of how people view and understand the United States. Now, that particular thing, the colleges coming together, institutions in the United States where the Americans are very proud of their Madisonian institutions, they believe that that was there. Uh, if you will, insurance policy against an authoritarian drift in their system. Those institutions, both public institutions and private institutions actually proved to be paper tigers. I mean, look at corporations that caved in, look at law firms that arcade that have caved in, Look at Columbia university being, if you will the most egregious example of caving in and plus still not getting the money or not actually stopping the demands that are made on it. So Harvard after equivocating on this finally came up with a response and decided to take the risk of losing massive sums of grants from the federal government. And in fact, it's even suing. The Trump administration for withholding the money that was supposed to go to them. And I guess there is an awakening and the other colleges in order to protect freedom of expression, in order, to protect the independence of higher education in this country, which has been sacrosanct, which is why a lot of people from all around the world, students... Including you and I, right? I mean, that's why we... Yeah, exactly. By the way, it's anywhere between $44 and $50 billion worth of business as well. Then it is there finally coming together, because if you don't hang together, you'll hang separately, is a good American expression that I like. And then trying to defend themselves. And I think this Harvard slope suit, the case of Harvard, is going to be like the Stokes trial of the 1920s on evolution. It's going to be a very similar case, I believe, and it may determine how American democracy goes from now.Andrew Keen: Interesting. You introduced me to Ece Temelkuren, another of your friends from someone who no longer lives in Turkey. She's a very influential Turkish columnist, polemicist. She wrote a famous book, How to Lose a Country. She and you have often compared Turkey. With the rest of the world suggesting that what you're going through in Turkey is the kind of canary in the coal mine for the rest the world. You just came out with a piece, Turkey, a crisis of legitimacy, a massive social mobilization and regional power. I want to get to the details of what's happening in Turkey first. But like Ece, do you see Turkey as the kind of canary and the coalmine that you got into this first? You're kind of leading the narrative of how to address authoritarianism in the 25th century.Soli Ozel: I don't think Turkey was the first one. I think the first one was Hugo Chavez. And then others followed. Turkey certainly is a prominent one. But you know, you and I did other programs and in an earlier era, about 15 years ago. Turkey was actually doing fine. I mean, it was a candidate for membership, still presumably, formally, a candidate for membership in the European Union, but at the time when that thing was alive. Turkey did, I mean, the AKP government or Erdogan as prime minister did a lot of things that were going in the right direction. They certainly demilitarized Turkish politics, but increasingly as they consolidated themselves in power, they moved in a more authoritarian path. And of course, after the coup attempt in 2016 on the 15th of July, that trend towards authoritarianism had been exacerbated and but with the help of a very sui generis if you will unaccountable presidential system we are we find ourselves where we are but The thing is what has been missed out by many abroad was that there was also a very strong resistance that had remained actually unbowing for a long time. And Istanbul, which is, of course, almost a fifth of Turkey's population, 32 percent of its economy, and that's where the pulse of the country actually beats, since 2017 did not vote for Mr Erdogan. I mean, referendum, general election, municipal election. It hasn't, it hasn't. And that is that really, it really represents the future. And today, the disenchantment or discontent has now become much broader, much more broadly based because conservative Anatolia is also now feeling the biting of the economy. And this sense of justice in the country has been severely damaged. And That's what I think explains. The kinds of reaction we had throughout the country to the first arrest and then incarceration of the very popular mayor of Istanbul who is a national figure and who was seen as the main contender for the presidency in the elections that are scheduled to take place in.Andrew Keen: Yeah, and I want to talk more about Turkey's opposition and an interesting New York Times editorial. But before we get there, Soli, you mentioned that the original model was Chavez in Venezuela, of course, who's always considered a leftist populist, whereas Erdogan, Trump, etc., and maybe Netanyahu are considered populists of the right. Is that a useful? Bifurcation in ideological terms or a populist populism that the idea of Chavez being different from Trump because one's on the left and right is really a 20th century mistake or a way of thinking about the 21st century using 20th-century terms.Soli Ozel: Okay, I mean the ideological proclivities do make a difference perhaps, but at the end of the day, what all these populist movements represent is the coming of age or is the coming to power of country elites. Suggests claiming to represent the popular classes whom they say and who are deprived of. Uh, benefits of holding power economically or politically, but once they get established in power and with the authoritarian tilt doesn't really make a distinction in terms of right or wrong. I mean, is Maduro the successor to Chavez a rightist or a leftist? I mean does it really make a difference whether he calls himself a leftists or a rightists? I is unaccountable, is authoritarian. He loses elections and then he claims that he wins these elections and so the ideology that purportedly brought them to power becomes a fig leaf, if you will, justification and maybe the language that they use in order to justify the existing authoritarianism. In that sense, I don't think it makes a difference. Maybe initially it could have made a difference, We have seen populist leaders. Different type of populism perhaps in Latin America. For instance, the Peruvian military was supposed to be very leftist, whereas the Chilean or the Brazilian or the Argentinian or the Uruguayan militaries were very right-wing supported by the church itself. Nicaragua was supposed to be very Leftist, right? They had a revolution, the Sandinista revolution. And look at Daniel Ortega today, does it really matter that he claims himself to be a man of the left? I mean, He runs a family business in Nicaragua. And so all those people who were so very excited about the Nicaraguan Revolution some 45 years ago must be extraordinarily disappointed. I mean, of course, I was also there as a student and wondering what was going to happen in Nicaragua, feeling good about it and all that. And that turned out to be an awful dictatorship itself.Andrew Keen: Yeah, and on this sense, I think you're on the same page as our mutual friend, Moises Naim, who wrote a very influential book a couple of years ago. He's been on the show many times about learning all this from the Latin American playbook because of his experience in Venezuela. He has a front row on this. Solly, is there one? On this, I mean, as I said, you just come out with a piece on the current situation in Turkey and talk a little bit more detail, but is America a few stops behind Turkey? I mean you mentioned that in Turkey now everyone, not just the urban elites in Istanbul, but everyone in the country is beginning to experience the economic decline and consequences of failed policies. A lot of people are predicting the same of Trump's America in the next year or two. Is there just one route in this journey? Is there's just one rail line?Soli Ozel: Like by what the root of established wow a root in the sense of youAndrew Keen: Erdogan or Trump, they come in, they tell lots of lies, they promise a lot of stuff, and then ultimately they can't deliver. Whatever they're promising, the reverse often happens. The people they're supposed to be representing are actually victims of their policies. We're seeing it in America with the consequences of the tariff stuff, of inflation and rise of unemployment and the consequences higher prices. It has something similar. I think of it as the Liz Truss effect, in the sense that the markets ultimately are the truth. And Erdogan, I know, fought the markets and lost a few years ago in Turkey too.Soli Ozel: There was an article last week in Financial Times Weekend Edition, Mr. Trump versus Mr. Market. Trump versus, Mr. Market. Look, first of all, I mean, in establishing a system, the Orban's or Modi's, they all follow, and it's all in Ece's book, of course. You have to control the judiciary, you have to control the media, and then all the institutions. Gradually become under your thumb. And then the way out of it is for first of all, of course, economic problems, economic pain, obviously makes people uncomfortable, but it will have to be combined with the lack of legitimacy, if you will. And that is, I don't think it's right, it's there for in the United States as of yet, but the shock has been so. Robust, if you will, that the reaction to Trump is also rising in a very short period, in a lot shorter period of time than it did in other parts of the world. But economic conditions, the fact that they worsen, is an important matter. But there are other conditions that need to be fulfilled. One of those I would think is absolutely the presence of a political leader that defies the ones in power. And I think when I look at the American scene today, one of the problems that may, one of problems that the political system seems to have, which of course, no matter how economically damaging the Trump administration may be, may not lead to an objection to it. To a loss of power in the midterms to begin with, is lack of leadership in the Democratic Party and lack of a clear perspective that they can share or program that they present to the public at large. Without that, the ones that are in power hold a lot of cards. I mean, it took Turkey about... 18 years after the AKP came to power to finally have potential leaders, and only in 2024 did it become very apparent that now Turkey had more than one leader that could actually challenge Erdogan, and that they also had, if not to support the belief in the public, that they could also run the country. Because if the public does not believe that you are competent enough to manage the affairs of the state or to run the country, they will not vote for you. And leadership truly is an extraordinarily important factor in having democratic change in such systems, what we call electoral authoritarian.Andrew Keen: So what's happened in Turkey in terms of the opposition? The mayor of Istanbul has emerged as a leader. There's an attempt to put him in jail. You talk about the need for an opposition. Is he an ideological figure or just simply younger, more charismatic? More attractive on the media. What do you need and what is missing in the US and what do you have in Turkey? Why are you a couple of chapters ahead on this?Soli Ozel: Well, it was a couple of chapters ahead because we have had the same government or the same ruler for 22 years now.Andrew Keen: And Imamo, I wanted you to pronounce it, Sali, because my Turkish is dreadful. It's worse than most of the other.Soli Ozel: He is the mayor of Istanbul who is now in jail and whose diploma was annulled by the university which actually gave him the diploma and the reason why that is important is if you want to run for president in Turkey, you've got to have a college degree. So that's how it all started. And then he was charged with corruption and terrorism. And he's put in zero. Oh, it's terrorism. There was.Andrew Keen: It's terrorism, they always throw the terrorist bit in, don't they, Simon?Soli Ozel: Yeah, but that dossier is, for the moment, pending. It has not been closed, but it is pending. Anyway, he is young, but his major power is that he can touch all segments of society, conservative, nationalist, leftist. And that's what makes people compare him also with Erdogan who also had a touch of appealing to different segments of the population. But of course, he's secular. He's not ideological, he's a practical man. And Istanbul's population is about anywhere between 16 and 18 million people. It's larger than many countries in Europe. And to manage a city like Istanbul requires really good managerial skills. And Imamoglu managed this in spite of the fact that central government cut its resources, made sure that there was obstruction in every step that he wanted to take, and did not help him a bit. And that still was continuing. Still, he won once. Then there was a repeat election. He won again. And this time around, he one with a landslide, 54% against 44% of his opponent, which had all theAndrew Keen: So the way you're presenting him, is he running as a technocrat or is he running as a celebrity?Soli Ozel: No, he's running as a politician. He's running a politician, he is a popular politician. Maybe you can see tinges of populism in him as well, but... He is what, again, what I think his incarceration having prompted such a wide ranging segments of population really kind of rebelling against this incarceration has to do with the fact that he has resonance in Anatolia. Because he does not scare conservative people. He aspires the youth because he speaks to them directly and he actually made promises to them in Istanbul that he kept, he made their lives easier. And he's been very creative in helping the poorer segments of Istanbul with a variety of programs. And he has done this without really being terribly pushing. So, I mean, I think I sense that the country sees him as its next ruler. And so to attack him was basically tampering with the verdict of the ballot box. That's, I, think how the Turkish public interpreted it. And for good historical reasons, the ballot box is really pretty sacred in Turkey. We usually have upwards of 80% of participation in the election.Andrew Keen: And they're relatively, I mean, not just free, but the results are relatively honest. Yeah, there was an interesting New York Times editorial a couple of days ago. I sent it over. I'm sure you'd read it anyway. Turkey's people are resisting autocracy. They deserve more than silence. I mean from Trump, who has very peculiar relations, he has peculiar relations with everyone, but particularly it seems with Turkey does, in your view, does Turkey needs or the resistance or the mayor of Istanbul this issue, need more support from the US? Would it make any difference?Soli Ozel: Well, first of all, the current American administration didn't seem to particularly care that the arrest and incarceration of the mayor of Istanbul was a bit, to say the least, was awkward and certainly not very legal. I mean, Mario Rubio said, Marco Rubio said that he had concerns. But Mr. Witkoff, in the middle of demonstrations that were shaking the country, Mr. Witkof said it to Tucker Carlson's show that there were very wonderful news coming out of Turkey. And of course, President Trump praised Erdogan several times. They've been on the phone, I think, five times. And he praised Erdogan in front of Bibi Netanyahu, which obviously Bibi Netanyah did not particularly appreciate either. So obviously the American administration likes Mr. Erdogans and will support him. And whatever the Turkish public may or may not want, I don't think is of great interest toAndrew Keen: What about the international dimension, sorry, Putin, the Ukrainian war? How does that play out in terms of the narrative unfolding in Turkey?Soli Ozel: Well, first of all, of course, when the Assad regime fell,Andrew Keen: Right, and as that of course. And Syria of course as well posts that.Soli Ozel: Yeah, I mean, look, Turkey is in the middle of two. War zones, no? Syria was one and the Ukraine is the other. And so when the regime fell and it was brought down by groups that were protected by Turkey in Idlib province of Syria. Everybody argued, and I think not wrongly, that Turkey would have a lot of say over the future of Syria. And I think it will. First of all, Turkey has about 600 miles or 911 kilometer border with Syria and the historical relations.Andrew Keen: And lots of Syrian refugees, of course.Soli Ozel: At the peak, there were about 4 million, I think it's now going down. President Erdogan said that about 200,000 already went back since the overthrow of the regime. And then of course, to the north, there is Ukraine, Russia. And of course this elevates Turkey's strategic importance or geopolitical importance. Another issue that raises Turkish geopolitical importance is, of course, the gradual withdrawal of the United States from providing security to Europe under the umbrella of NATO, North Atlantic Alliance. And as the Europeans are being forced to fetch for themselves for their security, non-EU members of NATO such as Britain, Norway, Turkey, their importance becomes more accentuated as well. And so Turkey and the European Union were in the process of at least somewhat normalizing their relations and their dialog. So what happened domestically, therefore, did not get much of a reaction from the EU, which is supposed to be this paragon of rights and liberties and all that. But But it also left Turkey in a game in an awkward situation, I would think, because things could have gone much, much better. The rapprochement with the European Union could have moved a lot more rapidly, I will think. But geopolitical advantages are there. Obviously, the Americans care a lot for it. And whatever it is that they're negotiating with the Turkish government, we will soon find out. It is a... It is a country that would help stabilize Syria. And that's what President Trump also said, that he would adjudicate between Israel and Turkey over Syria, because these two countries which have been politically at odds, but strategically usually in very good terms. Whether or not the, so to avoid a clash between the two in Syria was important for him. So Turkey's international situation will continue to be important, but I think without the developments domestically, Turkey's position and profile would have been much more solid.Andrew Keen: Comparing US and Turkey, the US military has never participated, at least overtly, in politics, whereas the Turkish military, of course, has historically. Where's the Turkish Military on this? What are they thinking about these imprisonments and the increasing unpopularity of the current regime?Soli Ozel: I think the demilitarization of the Turkish political system was accomplished by the end of the 2000s, so I don't think anybody knows what the military thinks and I'm not sure that anybody really wonders what the army thinks. I think Erdogan has certainly on the top echelons of the military, it has full control. Whether or not the cadets in the Turkish military are lower echelons. Do have political views at odds with that of the government that is not visible. And I don't think the Turkish military should be designing or defining our political system. We have an electorate. We do have a fairly, how shall I say, a public that is fairly attuned to its own rights. And believes certainly in the sanctity of the ballot box, it's been resisting for quite some time and it is defying the authorities and we should let that take its course. I don't think we need the military to do it.Andrew Keen: Finally, Soli, you've been very generous with your time from Vienna. It's late afternoon there. Let's end where we began with this supposed tarnishing of the U.S. Brand. As we noted earlier, you and I have invested our lives, if for better or worse, in the U S brand. We've always been critical, but we've also been believers in this. It's also important in this brand.Soli Ozel: It is an important grant.Andrew Keen: So how do we, and I don't like this term, maybe there is a better term, brands suggest marketing, something not real, but there is something real about the US. How do we re-establish, or I don't know what the word is, a polish rather than tarnish the US brand? What needs to happen in the U.S.Soli Ozel: Well, I think we will first have to see the reinvigoration of institutions in the United States that have been assaulted. That's why I think the Harvard case... Yeah, and I love you.Andrew Keen: Yeah, and I love your idea of comparing it to the Scopes trial of 1926. We probably should do a whole show on that, it's fascinating idea.Soli Ozel: Okay, and then the Democratic Party will have to get its act together. I don't know how long it will take for them to get their act together, they have not been very...Andrew Keen: Clever. But some Democrats will say, well, there's more than one party. The Sanders AOC wing has done its job. People like Gavin Newsom are trying to do their job. I mean, you can't have an official party. There's gonna be a debate. There already is a debate within the party between the left and the right.Soli Ozel: The thing is, debates can be endless, and I don't think there is time for that. First of all, I think the decentralized nature of American governance is also an advantage. And I think that the assault has been so forceful that everybody has woken up to it. It could have been the frog method, you know, that is... Yeah, the boiling in the hot water. So, already people have begun to jump and that is good, that's a sign of vitality. And therefore, I think in due time, things will be evolving in a different direction. But, for populist or authoritarian inclined populist regimes, control of the institutions is very important, so you've got to be alert. And what I discovered, studying these things and looking at the practice. Executive power is a lot of power. So separation of powers is fine and good, but the thing is executive power is really very... Prominent and the legislature, especially in this particular case with the Republican party that has become the instrument of President Trump, and the judiciary which resists but its power is limited. I mean, what do you do when a court decision is not abided by the administration? You cannot send the police to the White House.Andrew Keen: Well, you might have to, that's why I asked the military question.Soli Ozel: Well, it's not up to the military to do this, somehow it will have to be resolved within the civilian democratic system, no matter where. Yes, the decks are stacked against the opposition in most of these cases, but then you'll have to fight. And I think a lot hinges on how corporations are going to react from now on. They have bet on Trump, and I suppose that many of them are regretting because of the tariffs. I just was at a conference, and there was a German business person who said that he has a factory in Germany and a factory in Ohio. And he told me that within three months there would not be any of the goods that he produces on the shelves because of tariffs. Once this begins to hit, then you may see a different dynamic in the country as well, unless the administration takes a U-turn. But if it does take a U turn, it will also have weakened itself, both domestically and internationally.Andrew Keen: Yeah, certainly, to put it mildly. Well, as we noted, Soli, what's real is economics. The rest is perhaps froth or lies or propaganda. Soli Ozel: It's a necessary condition. Without that deteriorating, you really cannot get things on values done.Andrew Keen: In other words, Marx was right, but perhaps in a slightly different context. We're not going to get into Marx today, Soli, we're going to get you back on the show. Cause I love that comparison with the current, the Harvard Trump legal thing, comparing it to Scopes. I think I hadn't thought of that. It's a very interesting idea. Keep well, keep safe, keep telling the truth from Central Europe and Turkey. As always, Solia, it's an honor to have you on the show. Thank you so much.Soli Ozel: Thank you, Andrew, for having me.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. 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In this episode, Hawk discusses El Salvador, its current President Nayib Bukele, and the controversial CECOT prison. Hawk provides historical context about El Salvador from pre-colonial times through its civil war, explaining how gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18 (which originated in Los Angeles) created severe violence in El Salvador until Bukele's crackdown beginning in 2022. The video details how El Salvador became the murder capital of the world before Bukele implemented a state of exception that suspended constitutional rights.Hawk extensively describes the CECOT terrorism confinement center, a massive prison built in just six months that now holds over 14,500 inmates in inhumane conditions. The prison features 30-foot walls, 24-hour artificial lighting, no windows, and cells where up to 160 prisoners share two toilets and two water buckets. Hawk explains that President Bukele claims no prisoner has ever been released from CECOT except one deportee, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was recently moved to another facility after a U.S. Senator's intervention.The episode also covers the recent arrangement between the Trump administration and El Salvador where the U.S. has deported alleged gang members to CECOT, including many with no criminal record. Hawk notes that Trump has expressed desire to send U.S. citizens to this prison despite legal experts saying this would be impossible under U.S. law. The video concludes with observations about El Salvador's improved safety under Bukele's authoritarian approach and the complex trade-offs between security and human rights. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk- Support Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com- Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole- Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social- Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Podcasts Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.com- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTBSimplecast: https://hawk-droppings.simplecast.com- Hawk Podcasts RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/pPVtxSNJ
In this episode of The Gedunk Show, Bobby and Dan sit down with political strategist and democracy defender Trygve Olsen to unpack the seven telltale signs of rising authoritarianism—many of which are already playing out across the U.S. and the world. From attacking independent media to eroding electoral integrity, Trygve helps us understand the playbook authoritarian leaders use—and more importantly, what everyday citizens can do to push back. This conversation is both a wake-up call and a blueprint for action. Tune in, take notes, and join the resistance to creeping autocracy.
Pratap's bona fides ... How Pratap ran afoul of Modi (and the price he paid) ... Trump vs Modi: compare and contrast ... India's birth as a multi-ethnic state ... Pratap on how we got Trump (and Modi) ... Heading to Overtime ...
Pratap's bona fides ... How Pratap ran afoul of Modi (and the price he paid) ... Trump vs Modi: compare and contrast ... India's birth as a multi-ethnic state ... Pratap on how we got Trump (and Modi) ... Heading to Overtime ...
We open with the media saying the Pope did not meet with VP JD Vance, only to find they did meet before the Pope passed away. I am on-call to fill-in on the Erick Erickson Show this Thursday if they sign the Ukraine mineral rights deal. Then we look back to just over a year ago to remind everyone how the Democrats thought of illegals as the “Americans they care most about.” This leads to more about the Democrat Party siding with MS-13, to the point of claiming Donald Trump is the one who wants this story to be kept alive in order to hide how bad the economy is doing. Economist Peter St. Onge says we are starting to enter deflation and sides with Trump on wondering why Fed Chair Jerome Powell won't lower interest rates? Disgruntled and fired leakers from the DoD put out a hit-piece on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that the NYTimes dutifully ran with and got people repeating over the weekend. Once again, seems to be just another fake hit from the usual suspects. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) says the Democrat party will remember those countries who worked with Donald Trump and they will be thought of unkindly. Seems rather ominous and authoritarian. SCOTUS seems to have contradicted itself after putting out an emergency midnight ruling that says the opposite of what the put out just over a week ago regarding the presidency and foreign policy. A judge in New Mexico has resigned after it was discovered he was sheltering an illegal and member of the TdA gang in his home. The NLRB whistleblower who claimed DOGE stole data to sell to the Russians is now being investigated for making up the story. Finally, if you are going to photoshop someone into a picture, at least put some effort into it. Please take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR, TRUTH Social and YouTube by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. And, consider becoming a sponsor of the show by visiting my Patreon page!!
A big concern since Donald Trump returned to the White House has revolved around his authoritarian style and what it means for the future of US democracy. So when he says he's not joking about the possibility of serving another term as President, which is banned under the US constitution, it's not just seen as a flippant comment. Today Philip Klinkner a professor of government at Hamilton College in Clinton New York on how Trump could actually do it Featured:Philip Klinkner, Professor of Government, Hamilton College, New York
Authoritarian regimes sometimes take power all at once – but other times they chip away at societal norms bit by bit. Aziz Huq teaches law at the University of Chicago, and he joins host Krys Boyd to discuss specifically how the Nazis rose to power and began to persecute Jews in part because the rest of German society just went about its business without objection. His article published in The Atlantic is “America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Across Europe, the walls are closing in. In Spain, activist Isabel Peralta is sentenced for speaking the truth about migrant violence. In Germany, the surging AFD is punished for rising in the polls. In Norway, peaceful protesters are investigated like criminals. From the UK's online speech police to Scotland's snitch kiosks, this is not the Europe you knew — it's the EU-SSR. NATO was built to fight the old USSR, but now Brussels is pushing censorship, silencing dissent, and criminalizing patriotism. And the worst part? American elites want to import the same model. This is the battle for the future of the West — and it's only just beginning.
DL and Krispin discuss what it's like when you start to notice your partner's family is dysfunctional, as well as what it's like when you're the one in the enmeshed family — and your partner starts to point it out to you. You can read about religious authoritarian parenting and also find the transcript for this podcast at strongwilled.substack.com. You can join our patreon comamunity or join our substack to support this podcast and join our discord community. You can follow STRONGWILED on Instagram. You can follow Krispin on Instagram here.
https://youtu.be/vFaDm6eo-mk Podcast audio: In this episode of The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast, Onkar Ghate and Ben Bayer examine the Trump administration's recent tariff policy and the legal, economic, and political disruptions they create. Among the topics covered: Why tariffs are not a proper foreign policy instrument to deter the threat from China; Why all justifications for tariffs are arbitrary and collectivistic in nature; How the obsession with trade deficits reveals outright ignorance of economic principles; How legal ambiguity has enabled the executive to wield authoritarian power; How Trump's whim-driven rule is pushing the country toward authoritarianism; The economic chaos caused by the tariffs; What hopes exist for reversing the policy. Recommended in this podcast are Ayn Rand's articles “America's Persecuted Minority: Big Business” and “The Moratorium on Brains.” The podcast was recorded on April 9, 2025 and posted on April 10, 2025. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.
The Trump administration has moved at breakneck speed to suppress free speech, mass deport hundreds of individuals without due process, and target judges who dare cross him – moves straight out of an authoritarian playbook.If you're not a 5-4 Premium member, you're not hearing every episode! To hear this and other Premium-only episodes, access to our Slack community, and more, join at fivefourpod.com/support.5-4 is presented by Prologue Projects. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto. Leon Neyfakh provides editorial support. Our researcher is Jonathan DeBruin, and our website was designed by Peter Murphy. Our artwork is by Teddy Blanks at Chips NY, and our theme song is by Spatial Relations.Follow the show at @fivefourpod on most platforms. On BlueSky, find Peter @notalawyer.bsky.social, Michael @fleerultra.bsky.social, and Rhiannon @aywarhiannon.bsky.social. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bill Gates' AI PredictionsAI Apocalypse Unveiled: Bill Gates Predicts the End of Humanity in a Decade Buckle up for a wild ride as Bill Gates drops a bombshell on Jimmy Fallon's show, claiming artificial intelligence will obliterate jobs, replace doctors and teachers, and leave humans obsolete within 10 years. Is this a visionary forecast or a sinister plot to usher in a technocratic nightmare and establish NEW unchallengeable authority figure? The Future of Jobs in an AI WorldHumans Need Not Apply: Gates' Shocking Vision of an AI-Dominated Workforce Gates boldly declares most jobs will vanish as AI takes over, leaving only three human roles standing: and they all are connected to him. Will you be one of the lucky few, or are you destined to be sidelined by machines? The future of work just got terrifyingly real! AI as the New GodBlasphemy in Binary: Is AI the False Deity Replacing God? Critics scream heresy as AI is poised to become the ultimate authority, replacing human experts and even divine wisdom. From Fauci to chatbots, the text warns of a dystopian shift where technology dictates your life. Is this progress or a rebellion against the Almighty? AI Bias and LiesLiar, Liar, Code on Fire: AI's Dirty Secret of Deception ExposedCambridge virologists catch ChatGPT red-handed, fabricating diseases and confessing its lies! With biases baked in by low-paid programmers, AI's “truth” is a sham. Can we trust this tech, or is it a Pandora's box of misinformation ready to ruin us all? Economic Impacts of AI and Net ZeroSkyrocketing Costs and Empty Skies: AI and Net Zero Ground the MassesQantas spills the beans: air travel's about to become a luxury only the elite can afford, thanks to net zero madness. Cars? Add $12,000 to the price tag, courtesy of Trump's tariffs. The economy's crumbling—will you be left grounded and broke? Trump's Tariffs, Planned Misdirection, and Crypto SchemesTrillion-Dollar Heist: Trump's Tariffs and Stablecoins to Rob You BlindTrump's tariff chaos slaps a $100 billion tax on cars according to White House staff (Trump boasts $300-$600 billion), while his crypto cronies push “stablecoins” that aren't stable, private, or even coins! It's a massive wealth grab disguised as patriotism—will you own nothing while they rake in trillions? War and Bombing CampaignsBlood, Bombs, and Bragging: America's Endless Killing Spree ExposedYemen bleeds as Trump boasts of “successful” airstrikes—US averaging 46 airstrikes PER DAY since 2000! It's bipartisan disregard for civilian slaughter, hidden behind “national security.” Will the war machine ever stop, or are we all complicit in this carnage? Greenland and Geopolitical GamesGreenland Rejects the Vances: Trump's Arctic Land Grab Sparks OutrageGreenlanders slam the door on JD Vance and Usha's visit as Trump eyes their land for rare earth riches. Denmark cries foul, Putin warns of encroachment, and locals say no to being pawns in America's crony capitalist chess game. Is this a takeover in the making? Surveillance and Facial RecognitionBig Brother's New Gang: AI Face-Scanners Turn Cops into Thugs!London's streets sprout permanent facial recognition cameras, misidentifying innocents and unleashing police brutality. The text warns of a surveillance state where AI flags you as a criminal—guilty or not. Will you be SWAT-ed by the “face-recog” hit list? Propaganda in MediaNetflix's Mind Games: Adolescence Pushes a Sinister Digital ID AgendaThe film Adolescence isn't just entertainment—it's propaganda to lock kids off the internet with digital IDs, backed by UK politicos and Netflix's Bernays bloodline. Is this art or a calculated move to control the next generation? Spiritual ResistanceGod vs. AI: The Ultimate Battle for Your Soul Begins NowAs AI and technocrats play God, the text calls for prayer and discernment to fight back. Gates' error-riddled machines can't match the Almighty's truth. Will faith topple this silicon tower of Babel, or are we doomed to digital slavery?Jack Lawson's Civil Defense Manual Returns with a Vengeance Amid a Nation on the Brink He's back—Jack Lawson, the fearless voice of survival, storms onto the scene with Civil Defense Manual, a a revamped new website, and a stockpile of three tons of books ready to arm Americans with the knowledge to face the chaos ahead. After a maddening four-month blackout blamed on DEI disasters at his distributor, Lawson's breaking free from the shackles of Big Tech censorship—Amazon's ‘Communist Commissar' crew axed his account, but they can't stop him now! With a Substack to rally the troops, Lawson's not just selling books—he's igniting a movement. As he warns of a ‘Fourth Turning' crisis barreling toward 2029, with economic collapse and war looming, he's arming patriots with free resources and a Certified American program to rebuild a civil defense from scratch.If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTFor 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.