Podcasts about Autocracy

The Guilty Feminist 495. The Architecture of Autocracy Presented by Deborah Frances-White with special guest Isabella Segalovich Recorded 5 August 2026 via Riverside. Released 10 August. The Guilty Feminist theme composed by Mark Hodge. The Storytelling Leadership Academy is an eight-week online course for leaders who need to find their voice and tell their story. For more information and to register, click here. https://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/storytelling-academy/ More about Deborah Frances-White https://deborahfrances-white.com https://www.instagram.com/dfdubz https://www.virago.co.uk/titles/deborah-frances-white/six-conversations-were-scared-to-have/9780349015811 https://www.virago.co.uk/titles/deborah-frances-white/the-guilty-feminist/9780349010120 More about our Isabella Segalovich https://www.instagram.com/interstellar_isabellar https://www.patreon.com/isasegalovich https://www.interstellarisabellar.com For more information about this and other episodes visit https://www.guiltyfeminist.com tweet us https://www.twitter.com/guiltfempod like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/guiltyfeminist check out our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theguiltyfeminist or join our mailing list http://www.eepurl.com/bRfSPT More Big Speeches workshops now available https://guiltyfeminist.com/big-speeches/ Come to a live show Lindsey Mendick in Conversation. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/tkestudio/2325923%0A Edinburgh Fringe. https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6708/ DreamDate. https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/deborah-frances-white-dreamdate Newcastle Open Space. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-guilty-feminist-presents-road-to-gilead-open-space-tickets-1996315094186 Newcastle Guilty Feminist live show, 5 September. https://www.live.org.uk/whats-on/guilty-feminist London Podcast Festival. https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/podcast/the-guilty-feminist-10/ Vision Festival. https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/t-xdymnyp Thank you to our amazing Patreon supporters. To support the podcast yourself, go to https://www.patreon.com/guiltyfeminist You can also get an ad-free version of the podcast via Apple Podcasts. The Guilty Feminist is part of the AudioPlus Network. If you d like to work with us, please get in touch at hello@weareaudioplus.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julia Ioffe left the USSR as a child and came back as an adult journalist to find that the confident, credentialed women she remembered from her Soviet childhood had largely been supplanted by those chasing marriage and domesticity instead. That disorienting reversal is the engine of her book Motherland, a National Book Award finalist that reconstructs modern Russian history almost entirely through its women. Her account, drawn from her own family's history as well as the archives, keeps returning to one plain observation: Soviet policy pushed women into the workforce, the medical schools, and even into combat, while asking so little of men that low expectations became self-fulfilling—and Russia is still living with the results. Julia joined Tyler to discuss why so many of Russia's great constructivist painters were women, why the tsarist government established women's medical courses in 1872, changing attitudes towards abortion and birth control in the 20th century, why the Soviet regime turned prudish, how Khrushchev's plan to "replace the dead" institutionalized single motherhood, Russian superwomen, why Jewish men were a prized commodity amid rampant antisemitism, the cultural significance of flowers, why a few Russian names still dominate, why Russian women think Western feminists have their priorities backwards, how gender attitudes and autocracy feed into each other, three underrated Russian novels, what she wants to write about next, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video on YouTube.  Recorded April 7th, 2026. Other ways to connect Follow us on X and Instagram Follow Tyler on X Follow Julia on X Sign up for our newsletter Join our Discord Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:06:38 - Bolshevik feminism 00:08:41 - Birth control, abortion, and prudery 00:14:48 - The Russian mating market 00:23:06 - Russian superwomen 00:32:02 - The importance of flowers 00:37:35 - Common Russian names 00:39:51 - Russian vs. American feminism 00:44:23 - Gender attitudes and Russian politics 00:49:54 - Russian novels 00:54:33 - Outro Photo credit: Max Avdeev

Why would the world's largest country risk everything to destroy a smaller neighbor?What is it about Ukraine that poses a greater threat to Vladimir Putin than any army?Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and The Atlantic writer Anne Applebaum has spent decades studying Russia, Ukraine, and authoritarian regimes. She argues that the war is being fought over far more than territory and that the outcome will reshape democracy, military power, and global politics.She discusses:● What Putin was really trying to prevent when he invaded Ukraine● Why nearly everyone underestimated the Ukrainian people● How architects, engineers, and entrepreneurs began reinventing modern warfare● What drones have revealed about the future of war● The first warning sign that a democracy is beginning to fail● How modern propaganda works without persuading anyone● Why leaders often become dramatically richer as democracy weakensThe maps don't tell the whole story of this war.Anne Applebaum explains what's actually at stake, why Putin hasn't achieved what he expected, and what Ukraine may reveal about the hidden strengths of democracy.

Send us a message!Ivan the Terrible wasn't born a monster — he was made. In this episode, we descend into the childhood of Ivan IV Vasilyevich, the first Tsar of Russia, and trace how trauma, political violence, and abandonment shaped one of history's most fearsome rulers. From boyar clans tearing the Kremlin apart to the brutal scenes Ivan witnessed as a child, we explore how paranoia became policy and how a neglected prince forged an empire through terror.  Music is by Alexander Nakarada.Support the show

Facebook open-sourced AI models in 2024, but why did this book summary reveal it was a shortcut for China? Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams - An audiobook summary and review by StoryShots.

Kate is joined by returning guest and friend of the show, Kim Lane Scheppele, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton, and one of the world's leading scholars of democratic backsliding, autocracy, and the rule of law. They discuss how the Supreme Court has been “captured,” the ways Donald Trump is attempting to remake Washington, D.C., in his image, and what Hungary can teach us about autocracy and how to recover from it.Favorite things: Kate:Emil Bove Defended Trump in Court. Then Trump Made Him a Judge, Mattathias Schwartz (NYT); Mailman: My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home, Stephen Starring Grant Kim:Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan; Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID, Nicholas Enrich; The Dual State, Ernst Fraenkel; The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt; It Can't Happen Here, Sinclair Lewis; Borgen - Power & Glory (Netflix); Gok Wan's Easy Asian (Prime Video) Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE on November 6th in Washington, DC: Crookedcon.comBuy Melissa's book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern ReaderBuy Leah's book, Lawless, now out in paperbackFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and BlueskyFor a transcript of an episode of Strict Scrutiny please email transcripts@crooked.com

In recent years, democracy research institutes have been categorising India as a ‘partly free' democracy, with the V-Dem Institute of the University of Gothenburg classifying India as an “electoral autocracy” from as far back as 2019. For India's Opposition parties, will the business-as-usual electoral politics suffice in an ‘electoral autocracy', especially when they can go longer count on a level playing field? Political scientist, psephologist, activist, politician and columnist Yogendra Yadav has been arguing that the transition of Indian democracy from “competitive authoritarianism” to “electoral autocracy” requires the Opposition to reimagine politics, and to switch from a politics of electoral contestation to a “politics of resistance”. But what does this mean in practical terms, and are India's Opposition parties ready for it? Host: G Sampath Producer and editor: Jude Weston Recorded by : Jude Weston and Saif Ali Ekram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mea Culpa welcomes the Lincoln Project advisor Stuart Stevens. Regarded as one of the Republican Party's most talented political gurus—a body of work that includes steering Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in 2012—Stevens may also be the GOP's most prominent defector when he abandoned his party as Trump rose to power. He despises the former president in a way that feels strikingly personal. While the Lincoln Project argues that Trump is perverting the Republican Party, Stevens doesn't think Trump has perverted anything: Trump is the Republican Party, Stevens believes, and the Republican Party is Trump. Stuart believes there is no reclaiming his former party, it must be burned to the ground. Or to use a Vietnam-era metaphor, the Village must be destroyed in order to save it. Reflecting on a four-decade career in American politics, Stevens is convinced that Trump was not an aberrant zigzag. He was fate. “I saw a lot of this stuff, but I just chose to believe that this kind of dark side was the recessive gene, not the dominant one,” he says. “I was wrong.” Stevens joins Mea Culpa to discuss his fabulous new book “The Conspiracy to End America: Five Ways My Old Party Is Driving Our Democracy to Autocracy.” The book is part memoir and part Jeremiad as Stevens unpacks how we are moving towards an autocratic end.

This episode unpacks the unique challenges faced by women leaders, their contributions to democracy, and the critical lessons they offer in the fight against authoritarianism.   Enter the CFR book giveaway by July 8, 2026, for the chance to win one of ten free copies of Women in Power by Linda Robinson. You can read the terms and conditions of the offer here.   Host: James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR   Guest: Linda Robinson, Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy, CFR; Author, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism   We Discuss: Why women's political representation has stalled at roughly 27 percent in the world's legislatures. How right-wing authoritarianism and the normalization of violent misogyny have combined to create ferocious headwinds for women in politics. Whether women govern differently from men, and what the research reveals about their attentiveness to health, education, welfare, and climate issues. Why rolling back women's rights is central to authoritarian and right-wing movements, and why playing the "misogyny card" proves so effective, even among women voters. Why some of the most prominent nationalist movements—in Italy, France, and Germany—are led by women, and how right-leaning figures like Giorgia Meloni complicate the picture. How authoritarian governments use hybrid warfare and gendered disinformation against women leaders, including Chinese campaigns against Taiwan's Tsai Ing-wen and Russian campaigns against Moldova's Maia Sandu. Which common themes emerge among successful women leaders. Which policy reforms could strengthen both democracy and women's political participation.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Linda Robinson, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism, Columbia University Press   Sanna Marin, Hope in Action: A Memoir About the Courage to Lead, Scribner   “Freedom in the World 2026: The Growing Shadow of Autocracy,” Freedom House   “Expanding Representation: Reinventing Congress for the 21st Century,” American Academy of Arts and Sciences   “TAKE IT DOWN Act (S.146),” U.S. Congress   “The Digital Services Act,” European Commission   “First Five,” HBO Max   For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President's Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/women-in-power   Opinions expressed on The President's Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

Professor John Yoo applies the Thucydides Trap to the current conflict between the US and Iran's "concert of autocracies." He notes that while some view Iran as a rising power, it functions more like a small, oppressive elite. Yooemphasizes that the US fears autocracy rather than rising power alone. (4)

In our latest episode of the special series produced in partnership with the Journal of Democracy, we discuss the recent article by Ghia Nodia, entitled “Georgia: Between Democracy and Autocracy” (Journal of Democracy, Vol. 37, No.2, April 2026)Over the last couple of years, Georgia has frequently been in foreign news due to two related issues. Firstly, in 2024, the current Georgian government, after a failed initial attempt, has adopted the law “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” thereby joining a global trend of countries adopting so-called “Foreign Agents Laws.” While facially claiming to protect a country against threats posed by foreign interference, such laws are often used by governments with authoritarian tendencies to suppress their country's civil society. The second related issue is the long protests of Georgian civil society against the authoritarian tendencies of the incumbent party, Georgian Dream. Georgia is known for its vibrant and active civil society, which has often shown its willingness to take to the streets and confront its government. In a recent article in the Journal of Democracy, Ghia Nodia analyzes the hybridity of the Georgian state resulting from these opposing tendencies and asks in which direction the country is headed: Democracy or Autocracy. Ghia Nodia is a professor of political science at Ilia State University and director of the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy, and Development in Tbilisi, Georgia. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Democracy. In 2008, Prof. Nodia served as Georgia's Minister of Education and Science.

Natalie Ecanow explains that Qatari wealth is controlled by the Al-Thani autocracy, whose values often conflict with U.S. interests, such as their support for Hamas and the Taliban. She highlights the lack of transparency in Qatarifunding, citing a lawsuit that revealed nearly half a billion dollars in undisclosed money sent to Texas A&M University, and calls for stricter U.S. disclosure laws. (6)1705

Doruk Erhan on the crackdown on Turkey's main opposition party. Judicial operations on the CHP have led pundits to warn the country is shifting to a post-democratic system of arbitrary rule, but in recent articles for the Verfassungsblog, Erhan makes a relatively optimistic case for the opposition's path forward. Please support Turkey Book Talk on Patreon or Substack. Supporters get a 35% discount on all Turkey/Ottoman History books published by Bloomsbury Academic, transcripts of every interview, and links to articles related to each episode.

Are President Trump and MAGA Republicans publicly signaling that they plan to interfere in—and potentially rig—the 2026 midterm elections? If so, why is the media not taking the threat seriously? In this episode of Inequality Watch, Taya Graham and Stephen Janis investigate the connections between wealth inequality, political power, ICE funding, the influence of Super PACs on elections, and growing concerns about democratic accountability in Trump's America.Credits: Pre-Production: Taya Graham, Stephen JanisStudio Production / Post-Production: Cameron Granadino, Stephen JanisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

Leah, Kate, and Melissa recap another busy week in legal news, covering the continued fallout from the Voting Rights Act case, Louisiana v. Callais, the ongoing saga of the DOJ's insurrectionist slush fund, wild twists with the Broadview Six, more ballroom drama, the curious case of the Georgia judge who had loud sex in her chambers and then lied about it, and more. They also cover SCOTUS opinions involving compassionate release for prisoners and compelled arbitration before Leah speaks with University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade about her book, The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government.Favorite things: Kate: Trump's Illegal $250 Bill: A Micro-History of Autocracy, Ruth Ben-Ghiat (Lucid); How Callais broke the Voting Rights Act and weaponized the equal protection clause, Issa Kohler-Hausmann & Kevin Z. Yang (SCOTUSblog); Beg For Me (JADE Remix), Lilly Allen; Harmeet Dhillon Is Not Wasting Any Time, Quinta Jurecic (The Atlantic); Brown's Advancing Impact on Maternal and Reproductive Health Lab Leah: Ronny Chieng's Harvard speech; Hit the Wall, Gracie Abrams; Midnight Sun, Zara Larsson Melissa: Strangers, Belle Burden; her event at Politics and Prose at The Wharf on 6/3/26; Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump's Deceit and Save America, Andrew Weissmann Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2026! 6/20/26 – New York City Learn more: http://crooked.com/eventsBuy Melissa's bestselling book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern ReaderPreorder a signed paperback of Leah's book, Lawless, here.Follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky

Hawk walks through Jonathan V. Last's Bulwark newsletter "The Murder of 60 Minutes," a deep look at how Barry Weiss and the Ellisons are systematically dismantling CBS News and 60 Minutes to appease Donald Trump and clear the path for billion-dollar media mergers. 60 Minutes generated $206 million in advertising revenue in 2024, yet CBS's corporate parent Paramount SkyDance is willing to destroy a profitable and iconic institution. David Ellison paid $150 million for Barry Weiss's Free Press website and installed her at CBS News, where the ratings have cratered across the board. Correspondents Sharon Alphonse and Cecilia Vega were pushed out. Producers Tanya Simon and Drag Mihalovich were fired. Leslie Stahl was bypassed for a Netanyahu interview she had worked on for months. Hawk connects this to the broader pattern of corporate surrender: law firms, universities, media companies, and figures like Jeff Bezos publicly capitulating to Trump in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment. Larry Ellison has reportedly already discussed what he plans to do to CNN anchors Trump dislikes, with Warner Brothers Discovery in Ellison's sights next. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- 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/48COaTB

Play NowEpisode 402 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast kicks off with an in-hand analysis of Haslab Liokaiser. A quick look at the upcoming Sentinel Prime occurs before shifting gears to news of The Transformers: The Movie original soundtrack being re-recorded for its 40th anniversary. We then dive into a wide-ranging batch of listener questions, covering topics such as reimagined cassette characters for a new series, adapting comic storylines into films, managing an ever-growing cast of characters, assembling a new all-star roster, the role of humans and playsets, and our favorite Transformers that have received only a single toy release that isn't a remold or repaint. The episode concludes with another round of Bragging Rights.

Many studies focus on how Russia doesn't work and why. There's a laundry list of reasons. Corruption. Autocracy. Imperialism. Exceptionalism. But, how, then, does Russia work? Because there are people, a state, and society. What greases the wheels? Alena Ledeneva has made this question the focus of her career. For her, it's the informal networks and practices that allow the system, with all its deficiencies, to function. Her new book, Russian Pendulum, is a synthesis of her three books on informality. But instead of focusing on post-Soviet Russia, she examines the long duree of informality through the concept of paradox. For example, the Soviet paradox, “Shops are empty, but fridges are full.” Ledeneva says that this paradox contains a hidden informal relation that ameliorates shortage. She also takes a novel approach to this subject using sculpture and music to represent the paradoxes and practices of Russian everyday life. We at the Eurasian Knot wanted to know more. So we put the question to Ledeneva–How does Russia work? And what does that say about Russia's historical development over the last few centuries? Russian Pendulum has a soundtrack: “The System Made Me Do It,” available on Spotify and elsewhere. Guest:Alena Ledeneva is Professor of Politics and Society at the University College London and a founder of the Global Informality Project. She's the author of the trilogy: Russia's Economy of Favours (1998), How Russia Really Works (2006), Can Russia Modernize? (2013), Her new book is The Russian Pendulum: Paradoxes, Practices and Patterns published by UCL Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep.#1 "Bequeath" credits: Bequeath written & narrated by Xavier Combe Episode written & produced by Jim Hall Bienvenue! We are delighted you are here for our inaugural episode. May we set the table for you with some fine French wine (1958 Chateau Lafite Rothschild) and pair it with American Velveeta Cheese Product. Oui, you are in for a Une aventure mouvementee!(Wild Ride). Chock-full of Absurd & Quirky stories and song. Canary Canard is your Paris Home Companion without the Prairie... Presented from the stage of the Muffy Drake Lost Bistro Cabaret, you will hear quirky & absurd songs and stories with a French sensibility and worldview. Xavier Combe had a storied career while working at French public radio for decades as a translator that included being the voice of Nobel Prize Lauerates and Academy Award winners. Jim Hall is a 2-time Peabody Award winner for his work in television as part of an investigative team. Together, they forged a Franco-American alliance with Canary Canard Studios. CC produces podcasts and short films with over 100 Official Selections worldwide.  Take a look and listen here: canarycanard.com WARNING: Full Disclosure-Elements of this podcast were made with AI. It's apparent, the fix is in, and has been in the works for some time to flip the script into Autocracy. As creatives, what are we to do? How can we possibly fight back with equal measure? Canary Canard Studios was created to be a cudgel to Far Right politics. We ultimately felt like we were taking a knife to thermonuclear gunfight. The struggle was how to amplify our voice and message to Roll Back this RED TIDE. Artificial intelligence was used in the production of this podcast. We disclose that openly because we understand the concern. AI carries profound risks: it exists in a world already marked by war, violence, disinformation, and the possible displacement of artists and human labor. We do not dismiss those fears; we share many of them. For us, AI is not authorship, ideology, or replacement. It is a tool governed by human hands, human judgment, and human values. We remain fully responsible for every creative and ethical choice. But, why? We believe the world is hurtling, yet again, towards a critical mass and Democracy is worth saving, by any means necessary.  In the end: “Well, Doctor, what have we got—a republic or a monarchy?” Ben Franklin replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.”    

Athena Indigo is not happy with the current world situation and sings from the Lost Bistro Cabaret stage.  "The Orange Box" written & Narrated by Xavier Combe Episode written & Produced by Jim Hall  WARNING: Full Disclosure-Elements of this podcast were made with AI. It's apparent, the fix is in, and has been in the works for some time to flip the script into Autocracy. As creatives, what are we to do? How can we possibly fight back with equal measure? Canary Canard Studios was created to be a cudgel to Far Right politics. We ultimately felt like we were taking a knife to thermonuclear gunfight. The struggle was how to amplify our voice and message to Roll Back this RED TIDE. Artificial intelligence was used in the production of this podcast. We disclose that openly because we understand the concern. AI carries profound risks: it exists in a world already marked by war, violence, disinformation, and the possible displacement of artists and human labor. We do not dismiss those fears; we share many of them. For us, AI is not authorship, ideology, or replacement. It is a tool governed by human hands, human judgment, and human values. We remain fully responsible for every creative and ethical choice. But, why? We believe the world is hurtling, yet again, towards a critical mass and Democracy is worth saving, by any means necessary.  In the end: “Well, Doctor, what have we got—a republic or a monarchy?” Ben Franklin replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.”  

May 24, 2026; 9am: President Trump put his authoritarian tendencies on full display this week as he is pushing to give his allies $1.8 billion dollars of taxpayer money over claims of government “weaponization”. MS NOW Legal Analyst Andrew Weissmann joins The Weekend to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnbc TikTok: @theweekendmsnbc To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Somalia is home to Turkey's largest overseas military base. It has signed an oil exploration and production deal with Ankara that has sparked protests from the opposition. The Middle East Institute's Gonul Tol unpacks the drivers of Turkey's Africa policy, noting that Turkish engagement comes at a cost.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The New Yorker staff writer Andrew Marantz joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss Péter Magyar, the new Prime Minister of Hungary, whom Marantz recently interviewed for the magazine. Marantz tells Foggatt about how Magyar defeated the longtime incumbent, Viktor Orbán—despite intervention by Donald Trump and his allies, and Orbán's extensive influence over the Hungarian media—and why many Hungarians, after years of democratic backsliding and alleged corruption, ultimately turned against their deeply entrenched leader. Foggatt and Marantz also explore the challenges of governing after authoritarianism without reproducing its abuses of power, and whether Hungary's political transition offers lessons for other democracies confronting illiberal movements.This week's reading: “Péter Magyar Led Hungarians out of Autocracy. Where Will He Take Them Now?,” by Andrew Marantz  “Why Spain Is Standing Up to Donald Trump,” by Ishaan Tharoor “Why Trump's Spiritual Adviser Dedicated a Golden Statue to the President,” by Isaac Chotiner  “The Art of the Ceasefire,” by Sudarsan Raghavan “Rumors of Instability in Moscow,” by Joshua Yaffa See the Washington Roundtable live at 92NY on June 4th.The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Anne Applebaum has spent decades studying how democracies collapse, how authoritarian systems rise, and why the warning signs are often ignored until it's too late. She reveals why America is entering a dangerous new phase, and what happens next! Anne Applebaum is a staff writer at The Atlantic and has hosted its Autocracy in America podcast. She is also a senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University and the School of Advanced International Studies. She is also the bestselling author of books such as, ‘Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World'. She explains: ◼️ Why democracies rarely collapse overnight ◼️ Why America may be closer to autocracy than people think ◼️ How elected leaders can slowly take apart the system from within ◼️ Why corruption is one of the clearest warning signs of authoritarianism ◼️ Why Big Tech leaders are bending toward political power ◼️ How America's allies are already preparing for U.S. betrayal ◼️ Why Russia, China, and Iran are challenging the democratic world order ◼️ Why America may never fully go back to normal after Trump Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:13 Why History Keeps Repeating 00:04:52 Why Democracy Feels So Broken 00:07:21 The Biggest Threats Right Now 00:08:32 Why Democracy Is Rapidly Shifting 00:09:58 Could America Become An Autocracy? 00:11:45 What A Trump Third Term Means 00:14:36 Why Autocracy Appeals To People 00:18:52 Trump's Wealth Changes Everything 00:21:08 Why Global Stability Is Collapsing 00:26:06 Democracy Vs Dictatorship: What Lasts? 00:27:18 Who's Happier: Democracies Or Autocracies? 00:28:44 Would Informed People Choose Democracy? 00:30:25 How Putin Stays In Power 00:32:20 5 Tactics Autocrats Use 00:33:59 Are Tech CEOs Enabling This? 00:37:51 Can America Ever Return To Normal? 00:39:07 Why Nations Are Turning Inward 00:43:37 What This Means For Americans 00:45:19 The Most Dangerous Part Of Dictatorship 00:48:29 Why Trump's Ratings Are Falling 00:50:28 Ads 00:52:31 The 2nd Tactic Autocrats Use 00:57:19 The 3rd Tactic Autocrats Use 00:59:20 The 4th Tactic Autocrats Use 01:05:38 Should Social Media Have Legal Power? 01:12:38 Can Citizens Really Leave China? 01:13:55 The 5th Tactic Autocrats Use 01:14:28 Why ICE Is Breaking Down 01:16:40 Ads 01:17:49 Is The American Empire Declining? 01:21:49 Is Politics Just Human Nature? 01:24:38 Does Democracy Create Extreme Capitalism? 01:26:44 How Democracies Defend Themselves 01:28:18 Is Mainstream Media Politically Biased? 01:31:59 Why Journalism Matters More Than Ever 01:33:29 How Algorithms Control Your Reality 01:34:37 Anne's Personal Political Journey 01:41:05 What Regime Change Really Feels Like 01:44:36 Anne's Toughest Setback Follow Anne: Youtube - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/4pTtMb1 Instagram - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/1GOn8p5 X - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/8M5yUMK Website - https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/GGmhcYf You can purchase Anne's book, ‘Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World', here: https://link.thediaryofaceo.com/D07471h Sponsors: Stan - Visit https://coach.stan.store/?ref=stevenbartlett&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode5 Wispr - Get 14 days of Wispr Flow for free at https://wisprflow.ai/steven

In this roundtable, we sit down with Steve, Mechanic, and Jeff, and honestly, we struggle to stay on Bitcoin for half of it. Our catch-up quickly turns into a rant about LLMs acting like corporate yes-men, and the frustrations of running AI locally. But we do get back to the money. We talk about the St. Louis Fed literally copyrighting Bitcoin price data, France tracking self-hosted wallets, Steve's update on UTXOracle, and why the quantum computing threat looks a lot more like a funding scam with terrible marketing. On the technical side, we get into the proposed cluster mempool changes in Bitcoin Core. Mechanic also shares his view on renting hashrate, and how much money giant pools waste by ignoring empty block speedups. Guest Links Steve Simple Nostr (Link: https://tinyurl.com/3s6a8yn8) Steve Simple on X (Link: https://x.com/stevesimple) Bitcoin Mechanic Nostr (Link: https://tinyurl.com/2tm827ut) Bitcoin Mechanic on X (Link: https://x.com/GrassFedBitcoin) Jeff Swann Nostr (Link: https://tinyurl.com/3sjc3bcp) Jeff Swann on X (Link: https://x.com/agoristview) Affiliate Links Become sovereign, hold your keys, be censorship resistant with the Bitbox hardware wallet. Get 5% off everything in the store with code GUY (Link: https://bitbox.swiss/) Get 10% off the best Bitcoin board game in the world, HODLUP! Or any of the other great games from The Free Market Kids! Use code GUY10 at checkout for 10% off your cart! (Link: https://www.freemarketkids.com/collections/games-1) Host Links ⁠Guy on Nostr ⁠(Link: http://tinyurl.com/2xc96ney) ⁠Guy on X ⁠(Link: https://twitter.com/theguyswann) Guy on Instagram (Link: https://www.instagram.com/theguyswann) Guy on TikTok (Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@theguyswann) Guy on YouTube (Link: https://www.youtube.com/@theguyswann) ⁠Bitcoin Audible on X⁠ (Link: https://twitter.com/BitcoinAudible) The Guy Swann Network Broadcast Room on Keet (Link: https://tinyurl.com/3na6v839) Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Roundtable(00:05:16) - Building the UTXO Oracle Reference Price(00:15:09) - Ocean Mining Pool Hashrate and Core Drama(00:23:40) - Analyzing AI Model Costs and Economic Feasibility(00:37:05) - Iran Reportedly Taking Bitcoin Tolls for Shipping(00:42:08) - VPN Usage and Legal Realities in Autocracies(00:53:12) - Governement Advancing Self-Hosted Wallet Regulations(00:59:06) - Debunking Google Quantum Computing Encryption Threats(01:16:45) - Analyzing Cluster Mempool Feasibility in Bitcoin Core(01:28:01) - AI Agents Operating Wallets(01:33:14) - The Rise of Decentralized Rentable Hashrate(01:44:26) - Hosted Bitcoin Nodes and Stratum Uptime Solutions(01:57:17) - Non-Custodial Wallet Adoption on Nostr(02:02:37) - Lightning Network UX Challenges and Bolt 12(02:13:14) - Updates and Final Thoughts

This week on Democracy Dialogues, host Maya Tudor speaks with two democracy experts at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Freedom House to understand the headlines from Freedom House's 2026 Report, entitled the growing shadow of autocratization. We discuss the drivers behind the 20th consecutive year of global democratic decline and compare the similarities and differences between Freedom House and Varieties of Democracy reports. We conclude by anticipating what lies ahead, what our experts are looking to understand, and what everyday citizens can do to strengthen democracy. Links: Freedom in the World 2026 25 Years of Autocratization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

This week on Democracy Dialogues, host Maya Tudor speaks with two democracy experts at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Freedom House to understand the headlines from Freedom House's 2026 Report, entitled the growing shadow of autocratization. We discuss the drivers behind the 20th consecutive year of global democratic decline and compare the similarities and differences between Freedom House and Varieties of Democracy reports. We conclude by anticipating what lies ahead, what our experts are looking to understand, and what everyday citizens can do to strengthen democracy. Links: Freedom in the World 2026 25 Years of Autocratization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

This week on Democracy Dialogues, host Maya Tudor speaks with two democracy experts at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and Freedom House to understand the headlines from Freedom House's 2026 Report, entitled the growing shadow of autocratization. We discuss the drivers behind the 20th consecutive year of global democratic decline and compare the similarities and differences between Freedom House and Varieties of Democracy reports. We conclude by anticipating what lies ahead, what our experts are looking to understand, and what everyday citizens can do to strengthen democracy. Links: Freedom in the World 2026 25 Years of Autocratization Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

The Washington Roundtable discusses the global consequences of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz with Edward Fishman, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and the author of the book “Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare.” The group explores how Donald Trump's embrace of economic weapons such as tariffs, along with his military escalation in Iran, has upended the world's economy and weakened his popularity at home. “I think we have not seen the worst of this war yet,” Fishman says. “I don't see how anyone can view that as a victory, and we all know Donald Trump doesn't like to look like a loser.”See the Washington Roundtable live at 92NY on June 4th.This week's reading: “Trump and the Iran Deal That Wasn't,” by Susan B. Glasser “Donald Trump's Triumphal Arch and the Architecture of Autocracy,” by Adam Gopnik “How Big a Threat Are Iranian-Backed Cyberattacks?,” by Sue Halpern “How Beijing Views the War in Iran,” by Isaac Chotiner The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The New Yorker staff writer Zach Helfand joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss his Profile of Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education. They talk about the sweeping layoffs and downsizing at the Department of Education during Donald Trump's second term—a fulfillment of a long-standing conservative effort to dismantle the agency—and the consequences for students and schools that rely on its services. They also explore how McMahon's tenure as C.E.O. of World Wrestling Entertainment set her up to be one of Trump's most reliable and effective Cabinet members, across both his terms—and why the President has long been drawn to McMahon, her husband, Vince, and the world of professional wrestling.This week's reading: “How Professional Wrestling Prepared Linda McMahon for Trump's Cabinet,” by Zach Helfand “J. D. Vance's Bumpy Ride,” by Amy Davidson Sorkin “Donald Trump's Triumphal Arch and the Architecture of Autocracy,” by Adam Gopnik “What Nicolás Maduro's Life Is Like in a Notorious Brooklyn Jail,” by Diego Lasarte The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In our new series—China Rules—we look at how China is a global exporter, not just of goods, but also of standards, ideas, technologies and mechanisms of control. We’re starting with politics, and whether China is exporting its brand of “smart authoritarianism”. China’s heady mix of extractive political institutions and pro-growth economic policies makes for an attractive recipe to would-be imitators, just as China borrowed these ideas from South Korea and Singapore. Coupled with its edge in AI, digital surveillance and emerging technologies, China has moved from a passive exemplar to marketing—and profiting from—its blueprint for staying in power. Louisa and Graeme are joined by Jennifer Lind from Dartmouth College, the author of Autocracy 2.0: How China’s Rise Re-Invented Tyranny, and Bethany Allen from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and author of Beijing Rules: China's Quest for Global Influence. Image: China’s Police Liaison Team demonstrates martial arts during a community engagement event in Honiara, Solomon Islands. RFA/AFP/Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), June 2025 Transcripts available at https://ciw.anu.edu.au/podcasts/little-red-podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max and Maria are joined by journalist and author Julia Ioffe to discuss her recent book, Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia, from Revolution to Autocracy. Motherland is available now from HarperCollins Publishers.

Putin puppet Viktor Orbán—whose nepotistic and corrupt government in Hungary has become the model for the far-right in America and Europe—is facing his first serious election challenge in 16 years. It turns out that voters get mad when a president steals from the public and tanks the economy. Vance tried to bolster Orbán with Kremlin-esque fake propaganda, but the energy may be with the grassroots campaign of Peter Magyar. Plus, Vance's arrogance and ignorance about Ukraine, Trump is still coming up short on his Iran war goals, the administration made some weird threats against Pope Leo, and Kari Lake is still a loser. Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller. show notes Anne's piece on Hungary, "The First Post-Reality Political Campaign" Thursday's "Morning Shots" Giselle Donnelly's Bulwark piece on how Trump's war is impacting global navigation Anne's book, "Twilight of Democracy"  Anne's "Autocracy, Inc." in paperback  Anne's book recommendation, "Furious Minds: The Making of the Maga New Right" Letters from Leo on Substack 

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has led Hungary for the past 16 years, the longest-serving leader in the European Union. He has systematically brought the institutions of Hungary under centralized state control, from the courts and the press to the education system, gutting the democratic checks to his power. But political upstart Peter Magyar, head of the opposition party, is currently beating Orbán in the polls. Brooke sits down with Ivan Nagy, reporter for the Columbia Journalism Review, to discuss covering the campaigns, what new leadership would mean for the nation's media, and the lasting damage done to journalism in Hungary, whether Orbán wins or loses.   On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

The Democratic Party has lost to Donald Trump and MAGA twice, and is continuing to lose working-class voters by clinging to corporate power, militarism, and a leadership class increasingly disconnected from its base. In this episode of The Marc Steiner Show, Marc speaks with Norman Solomon about his new book, The Blue Road to Trump Hell, and the reality that the right can only be stopped by both confronting Democratic failures and rebuilding a grassroots politics rooted in class, peace, and social movements.GuestsNorman Solomon is the cofounder of RootsAction.org, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, and the author of numerous books, including War Made Easy: How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death; War Made Invisible: How America Hides the Human Toll of the Military Machine; and The Blue Road to Trump Hell: How Corporate Democrats Paved the Way for Autocracy.CreditsProducer: Rosette SewaliStudio Production: David HebdenAudio Post-Production: Stephen FrankBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

2. Copley explores the transition from failing republics toward autocracy, noting that government suppression of liberties provides only temporary stability. He distinguishes between "tribal nationalism," rooted in historical values and land, and "state nationalism," which is transactional and prone to corruption. As republics become congested with factional battles and polarized between globalist and nationalist ideologies, they exhaust their resources through patronage. Copley suggests that societies must restructure to survive this breakdown. The transactional nature of modern republicanism eventually loses its unifying power as the state runs out of benefits to distribute. (2)CHARLES II

March 22, 2026; 8am: Organizers predict next week's “No Kings” protests will be the largest in American history. One of the issues fueling the protests is Trump's draconian immigration crackdown. Chief Political and Advocacy Officer for the ACLU, one of the organizations planning “No Kings” events this upcoming Saturday, Deirdre Schifeling, and Democratic strategist and senior advisor to the Harris-Walz campaign, Adrienne Elrod, join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Synopsis:  Indivisible's Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think. This show is made possible by you!  Make a tax deductible donation and become a member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate.  Description: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary's strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary's most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary's universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today's episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura. “Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin “You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper Guests: • Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible • László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary Listen to the full uncut conversation in this podcast feed. Watch the episode released on YouTube, PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airs on community radio across the U.S. (check here to see if your station airs the show) & as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit: “Give In to What is Real” by STR4TA from their album Aspects released on Brownswood Recordings, "Steppin" by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES: * Recommended Book: “We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration's War on Civilians:  Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut • Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut  • Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism:  Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut     Related Articles and Resources: •  Indivisible:  A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink:  Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version •  The Three R's Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack •. Countering Authocratization:  Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School:  Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation •  Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary's Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine •  The Government Took Over Their University.  Here's How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons • How to save the news.  The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance.  A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue •  Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum joins Offline to discuss America's slide towards autocracy, as illustrated through Trump's war of choice in Iran. Anne is a staff writer at The Atlantic, an authoritarianism expert, and the host of the "Autocracy in America" podcast. She and Jon discuss how Trump and the White House are using propaganda to minimize the seriousness of this war, what our president has learned from other autocrats, and why Anne is still hopeful that American democracy can still prevail.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Synopsis:  If you're worried about authoritarianism, this episode reminds you that people-powered resistance still wins. Indivisible's Ezra Levin and Hungarian organizer László Upor share creative, community-driven tactics — from joyful protests to bold campus actions — that pushed back against autocratic agendas. Their message: you have more power than you think. This show is made possible by you!  Make a tax deductible donation and become a member, go to LauraFlanders.org/donate.  Description [orignal airdate December 2025]: If you care about resisting autocracy and building democracy, the U.S. has much to learn from Hungary. While Donald Trump rails against Europe, he and Hungary's strongman leader, Viktor Orbán, have praised each other for years. Anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-queer — Orbán and Trump came to power on parallel tracks with similar values. In their first interview together, Ezra Levin, the co-founder of Indivisible (the group behind No Kings!) and László Upor, a leader in one of Hungary's most creative and visible resistance efforts, share their experiences of resisting authoritarianism. Upor is former Vice Rector and Acting Rector of the University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest — the one university that fought back when the Orbán administration began taking control of Hungary's universities. Levin is the co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, the grassroots movement behind such protests as the historic Hands Off and No Kings rallies. From the principles of their organizing to frog suits and caution tape, today's episode is a masterclass in creative resistance. Plus a commentary from Laura. “Our enemy in this isn't Trump, it's not the Republicans. It's not the broader regime. Our enemy is this sense of cynicism or fatalism or nihilism . . . I do think a core principle in our communication philosophy is convincing people, you have power, you just gotta use it. The best way to use it is in concert with a lot of other people in your community.” - Ezra Levin “You have to laugh at them, not be afraid of them . . . They don't understand mirth. They don't understand the derision. They think they are invincible. And when we don't give in, they don't understand what's going on.” - László Upper Guests: • Ezra Levin: Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Indivisible • László Upor: Former Vice Rector & Acting Rector, University of Theatre and Film Arts (SzFE), Budapest, Hungary   Watch the episode released on YouTube; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Episode Notes are located HERE. Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES: * Recommended Book: “We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump” by Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, Get the Book* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: • Congresswoman Jayapal & Marine Veteran Goldbeck: Standing Together Against the Administration's War on Civilians:  Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut • Masha Gessen & Jason Stanley: Is it Doomsday for U.S. Democracy?: Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut  • Dolores Huerta & Ellen Gavin: Creative Courage in the Face of Fascism:  Watch / Listen:  Full uncut interview and Episode cut     Related Articles and Resources: •  Indivisible:  A Practical Guide to Democracy on the Brink:  Strategies, Tactics, & Tips for How Everyday Americans Can Fight Back Together Wherever We Live, lead authors Leah & Ezra -co-founders of Indivisible, Download the PDF and Audio Version •  The Three R's Framework by Scot Nakagawa, October 1, 2025, Substack •. Countering Authocratization:  Lessons from the 2025 Harvard Nonviolent Action Lab Summit, October 16, 2025, Harvard Kennedy School:  Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation •  Learning Republic: Students and Teachers from Hungary's Theater and Film University Build an Alternative to Autocracy, by Alisa Solomon, Theater Magazine •  The Government Took Over Their University.  Here's How These Students Fought Back, by Todd London, September 16, 2025, Howlround Theatre Commons • How to save the news.  The internet has become a tool of misinformation and mass surveillance.  A global initiative seeks to change that. by Marta Peirano, November 5, 2025, Prospect Avenue •  Artists Against Authoritarianism: A Talk by László Upor, September 2, 2025, Columbia University School of the Arts  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

New York Times columnist and author M.Gessen on the slow strangulation of democracy, happening right now in Trump's America.M Gessen grew up in the Soviet Union and migrated to the US as a teenager before returning to Russia in the 90s to cover the country's brief attempt at democracy and then the slow slide back into autocratic rule under Vladimir Putin.M's insight into the mindset of the autocrat offers some clarity on why such leaders do the things they do and how they see the world.This Conversation was recorded at the Brisbane Powerhouse, as part of the Brisbane Writer's Festival.Further Information M Gessen is an author and New York Times columnist, their latest book is Surviving AutocracyThis episode of Conversations was produced by Alice Moldovan, Nicola Harrison is the Executive Producer.It covers US politics, President Donald Trump, democratic institutions, the Soviet Union, state terror, state tyranny, Vladimir Putin, journalism, protest, ICE, Minneapolis, autocratic rulers, power, dogma, mindset, democratic freedom, voting in elections, Hannah Arendt, Milan Kundera, mutual aid, organising.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Get Alex's class here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/modern-russia-75-151205869?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=web_share   Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2019 did not happen in a vacuum. In fact, it was the result of a series of events that culminated in the disintegration of the USSR and its messy aftermath. The only way that we can fully understand the intricacies of "collapse," the Ukraine conflict, and modern Russia is by careful study of its history.   This course begins with the late Tsarist Empire, assessing its imperial structure and its fault lines, taking students through the collapse of Autocracy, the two revolutions of 1917, all the way to Putin's ascent. Combining over 10+ years of study (my PhD is in Russian History), personal knowledge, archival experience, and more, it offers students a thorough understanding of Russia and the USSR.   The class is split into 7 sessions, comprised of lectures and discussion. We will begin meeting at the end of March on a day and time decided together.   Check out our new bi-weekly series, "The Crisis Papers" here: https://www.patreon.com/bitterlakepresents/shop   Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,   BECOME A PATRON! We're creating patron only programing, you'll get bonus content from many of the episodes, and you get MERCH!   Become a patron now https://www.patreon.com/join/BitterLakePresents?   Please also like, subscribe, and follow us on these platforms as well, (specially YouTube!)   THANKS Y'ALL   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG9WtLyoP9QU8sxuIfxk3eg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thisisrevolutionpodcast/ Twitter: @TIRShowOakland Instagram: @thisisrevolutionoakland   Substack: https://jmylesoftir.substack.com/.../the-money-will-roll...   Read Jason Myles in Current Affairs Magazine here: https://www.currentaffairs.org/.../donald-trump-is-a-pro...   Read Jason Myles in Damage Magazine https://damagemag.com/2023/11/07/the-man-who-sold-the-world/

Historian Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic,  host of their podcast "Autocracy in America" and author of Autocracy Inc. (Penguin, 2024) and offers her analysis of how President Trump and his administration are seeking to control elections, as well as science and culture, and why.   photo: "I Voted" sticker worn on lapel of fuzzy winter coat, shot during the November 2025 election in St. Paul, Minnesota.  (Funknendai, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been dragging Saudi Arabia into the modern world over the last decade. Journalist and author Karen Elliott House lays out the Saudi leader's motivations, hopes, and contradictions. Listen as she and EconTalk's Russ Roberts explore the crown prince's mix of cultural liberalization and political dominance and where his balancing act might lead his country in the future. 

Political theorist Yascha Mounk returns to assess whether the United States is sliding toward autocracy or demonstrating institutional resilience under pressure. He argues that while the Trump administration's actions have been more extreme than expected, courts, elections, and a decentralized system have so far acted as real constraints rather than hollow rituals, a case he first laid out in The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Mounk also warns against exaggeration that fuels anticipatory obedience, even as he concedes the next three years remain an open test of democratic durability. Plus, Britain's Epstein reckoning, where Keir Starmer loses top aides over ties to Jeffrey Epstein, while close associations in Epstein's own country (the USA) don't matter. Produced by Corey Wara Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist

What do the ICE operations in Minneapolis reveal about a broader shift in the exercise of state power? This week, Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, The Atlantic staff writer, and Autocracy in America podcast host Anne Applebaum joins Preet Bharara to discuss why Minneapolis has galvanized people in a way few events have in the Trump era, and why our closest allies now say the word for this moment is “rupture.” Plus, Applebaum explains why she believes the better comparison for the second Trump administration isn't conservatism—it's Bolshevism. Then, Preet answers your questions about the FBI's seizure of election ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, and the risks of refusing to pay taxes as a political protest. In the bonus for Insiders, Anne and Preet take a trip around the globe—from the war in Ukraine to Trump's Greenland fixation to the uncertain future of Venezuela after Maduro. Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.  You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leah kicks off the episode with repeat guest Rebecca Ingber of Cardozo Law to discuss the wild illegality–both domestic and international–of Trump's regime change operation in Venezuela. Then, Kate, Melissa, and Leah welcome Princeton professor and expert on the rise of modern autocracies, Kim Lane Scheppele to break down how Trump is consolidating power over the executive branch and the courts. Leah next catches up with president and CEO of Democracy Forward Skye Perryman on some of the legal developments over the holidays, including challenges to Department of Education funding cuts, the freezing of childcare payments to Minnesota, and a near-total abortion ban for veterans. Finally, the hosts speak with Demand Justice's Josh Orton about the worrying trends his organization is seeing among Trump 2.0's judicial nominees.Kim's favorite things: An “Almost Sacred Responsibility”: The Rule of Law in Times of Peril, Gerald J. Postema (Judicature); Judge Harvey Wilkinson's opinion in Abrego Garcia v. Noem; Judge William G. Young's opinion in AAUP vs. Rubio; Sara L. Ellis's opinion in Chicago Headline Club v. Noem; The Dual State, Ernst Fraenkel; The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2026! 3/6/26 – San Francisco3/7/26 – Los AngelesLearn more: http://crooked.com/eventsBuy Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad VibesFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025! 3/6/26 – San Francisco3/7/26 – Los AngelesLearn more: http://crooked.com/eventsOrder your copy of Leah's book, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad VibesFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a special new year retrospective, Amicus host Dahlia Lithwick revisits an important episode from early 2025. Back at the beginning of February, Kim Lane Scheppele, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International affairs at Princeton University, pointed to  the speed and viciousness of the very opening legal gambits in Trump 2.0 as evidence that America had already switched over to the fast track for autocracy on January 20th, 2025. An expert in the law of autocracy, Scheppele has seen firsthand what happened to constitutional courts, the media, the academy and the democratic norms that protected them in Russia and Hungary. In this interview, Scheppelle explains how Trump's executive orders on everything from government funding to transgender people in the military reveal a familiar global playbook that has chillingly familiar endpoints.  Want more Amicus? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes with exclusive legal analysis. Plus, you'll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Amicus show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/amicusplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices