2018 book on democracy
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2 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
3 episodes with How Democracies Die
4 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
2 episodes with How Democracies Die
Steven Levitsky, a leading expert on authoritarian regimes, joins host Alex Lovit to talk about the US's current slide into authoritarianism and what we can do about it. Democracies tolerate dissent. In a democracy, citizens and institutions can criticize, protest, or file legal claims against the government, without fear of reprisal. That is no longer true of the US today, which means that the US is no longer a full democracy. Steven Levitsky is the David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and professor of government and director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University. Along with many acclaimed academic works, he is the coauthor (with Daniel Ziblatt) of two bestselling books about threats to democracy: 2018's How Democracies Die and 2023's Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point. He is also a senior fellow at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
As President Trump and his allies escalate the administration's battle on colleges, and on Harvard specifically, Steven Levitsky, Harvard professor and author of “How Democracies Die,” joins Christiane to discuss the reshaping of knowledge in America. Then, best-selling German author Daniel Kehlmann speaks with Christiane about his new book “The Director," exploring what it was like for artists like G.W. Pabst who made films for Joseph Goebbels and the Nazis. Marking 600 days of war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Christiane highlights both Jeremy Diamond's report on Israel's fight to get back the 58 remaining hostages in Hamas captivity and Oren Lieberman's story on the chaotic aid delivery to starving Palestinians this week. Christiane also talks to Wilfred Frost, son of the legendary TV host David Frost, about his father's iconic interviews with the likes of Richard Nixon, Yasser Arafat and Elton John, and a new documentary series following his storied career. From her archive, Christiane pays tribute to award-winning Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado. Finally, marking 45 years since CNN's founding, Christiane revisits her conversation with company founder Ted Turner about how he changed the news business forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
As Harvard students celebrated the end of their academic journey, just six miles away the school's lawyers were in court, fighting back against President Trump's attempt to ban international students. That is only one front in a sustained attack by this administration on Harvard. For scholars of democracy, targeting higher education is both shocking and predictable. Steven Levitsky is a Professor of Government and of Latin American studies at Harvard, and the co-author of "How Democracies Die." He joins the program from Brookline, Massachusetts. Also on today's show: Harvard professor Dr. Kari Nadeau; director Wes Anderson; US House Republican Blake Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steven Levitsky is David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government and Director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard. His research focuses on democratization and authoritarianism, political parties, and weak and informal institutions, with a focus on Latin America. He is co-author of How Democracies Die, which was a New York Times Best-Seller and was published in 30 languages, and Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point. He has written or edited 11 other books, including Transforming Labor-Based Parties in Latin America: Argentine Peronism in Comparative Perspective, Competitive Authoritarianism: Hybrid Regimes after the Cold War, and Revolution and Dictatorship: The Violent Origins of Durable Authoritarianism. He is currently working on a book on democratic resilience across the world. I asked Steven if our democracy is dying. Don't miss this insightful conversation where he answers this critical question and so much more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel
When family stories become show biz stories, the world listens. Fitting that very bill we've got actor Keith Coogan, the grandson of the original child star, Jackie Coogan, whose namesake law in the state of California, is the first to safeguard the rights of young performers in Hollywood. Keith talks about growing up with this legend plus his own iconic roles as a prolific film and TV child actor!Keith's career proves that show business blood runs thick: He told his mother he wanted to act before he even knew of his family legacy. His great grandfather, Jack Coogan Sr. was a Vaudeville and silent film star. His grandfather, Jackie Coogan was known, in the 1920s as, “the most famous boy in the world!” Keith began booking roles by the age of eight and quickly became a go-to casting choice, for TV guest spots and commercials starring Henry Fonda and Robert Morse.Keith's show biz success made his grandfather proud but a little jealous and relieved when Keith developed into a working actor rather than America's darling.Keith tells us about the legendary events, which led to The Coogan Act - After Jackie's father died in a car crash, the young superstar's hard earned fortune was squandered by his stepfather.Passed in 1939, The Coogan Law requires that a portion of a child's earnings be placed in a blocked trust account until the child turns 18.Keith recalls with great fondness his experiences working with stellar casts and crews on the “Babysitter” cult greats, 'Adventures in Babysitting', and Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead. Plus Toy Soldiers, The Waltons and The Fox and The Hound.We play IMDB Roulette and get into Laverne and Shirley, Mork and Mindy, and Little House!In recommendations-- Weezy: Netflix series, North of NorthFritz: Book, How Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven LevitskyPath Points of Interest:Keith Coogan Keith Coogan on WikipediaKeith Coogan on IMDBKeith Coogan on InstagramKeith Coogan on XKeith Coogan on YouTubeKeith Coogan on FacebookKeith Coogan MerchNorth of NorthHow Democracies Die by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven LevitskyMedia Path Podcast
After being sworn in as the 47th president, President Donald Trump quickly altered American government – and political discourse. He issued a slew of executive orders that affected how American government functions and he spoke about officers of the government, federal agencies, executive power, the press, the Constitution, and the rule of law in ways that surprised citizens, journalists, and many scholars. Postscript has devoted three podcasts to how professional historians have assessed Trump's actions. Today, we look at how political scientists understand the second Trump presidency and how they have organized to amplify their concerns. Over 1200 trained political scientists signed a statement that lays out alarming changes to American government – and today's podcast features the incoming president of the American Political Science Association, Dr. Susan Stokes, to discuss the statement and what it means for so many political scientists to sign it. With her forthcoming book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press), Sue Stokes is the perfect person to assess democratic erosion and autocracy. Our conversation provides insights into the state of American politics, resources for people who want to oppose democratic erosion, and particular suggestions for teachers – and sneak peak into her new book. Dr. Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of political science and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy at The University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-director of Bright Line Watch, a group of political scientists who monitor democratic practices, their resilience, and potential threats. Dr. Stokes has spent her career unpacking how democracy functions in developing societies, distributive politics, and comparative political behavior. Her books include Brokers, Voters, and Clientelism: The Puzzle of Distributive Politics (Cambridge, 2013), and Why Bother? Rethinking Participation in Elections and Protests, co-authored with S. Erdem Aytaç (Cambridge, 2019). Mentioned: Statement signed by over 1200 political scientists (closed for signatures) Bright Line Watch: political scientists monitor democratic practices, resilience, and potential threats APSA “take action” suggestions (really helpful if you are calling or writing your leaders) APSA public statements and letters Nancy Bermeo, “On Democratic Backsliding,” Journal of Democracy (2016) Timothy Snyder, On Freedom (2024) and On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017) Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Force a Democracy for All (2024), New Books Interview with Levitsky and Ziblatt by Karyne Messina Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, How Democracies Die (2018), New Books Interview with Daniel Ziblatt by Jenna Spinelle Brendan Nyhan's work and commentary Democratic Erosion Consortium (nonpartisan effort with resources) 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
After being sworn in as the 47th president, President Donald Trump quickly altered American government – and political discourse. He issued a slew of executive orders that affected how American government functions and he spoke about officers of the government, federal agencies, executive power, the press, the Constitution, and the rule of law in ways that surprised citizens, journalists, and many scholars. Postscript has devoted three podcasts to how professional historians have assessed Trump's actions. Today, we look at how political scientists understand the second Trump presidency and how they have organized to amplify their concerns. Over 1200 trained political scientists signed a statement that lays out alarming changes to American government – and today's podcast features the incoming president of the American Political Science Association, Dr. Susan Stokes, to discuss the statement and what it means for so many political scientists to sign it. With her forthcoming book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press), Sue Stokes is the perfect person to assess democratic erosion and autocracy. Our conversation provides insights into the state of American politics, resources for people who want to oppose democratic erosion, and particular suggestions for teachers – and sneak peak into her new book. Dr. Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of political science and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy at The University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-director of Bright Line Watch, a group of political scientists who monitor democratic practices, their resilience, and potential threats. Dr. Stokes has spent her career unpacking how democracy functions in developing societies, distributive politics, and comparative political behavior. Her books include Brokers, Voters, and Clientelism: The Puzzle of Distributive Politics (Cambridge, 2013), and Why Bother? Rethinking Participation in Elections and Protests, co-authored with S. Erdem Aytaç (Cambridge, 2019). Mentioned: Statement signed by over 1200 political scientists (closed for signatures) Bright Line Watch: political scientists monitor democratic practices, resilience, and potential threats APSA “take action” suggestions (really helpful if you are calling or writing your leaders) APSA public statements and letters Nancy Bermeo, “On Democratic Backsliding,” Journal of Democracy (2016) Timothy Snyder, On Freedom (2024) and On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017) Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Force a Democracy for All (2024), New Books Interview with Levitsky and Ziblatt by Karyne Messina Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, How Democracies Die (2018), New Books Interview with Daniel Ziblatt by Jenna Spinelle Brendan Nyhan's work and commentary Democratic Erosion Consortium (nonpartisan effort with resources) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
After being sworn in as the 47th president, President Donald Trump quickly altered American government – and political discourse. He issued a slew of executive orders that affected how American government functions and he spoke about officers of the government, federal agencies, executive power, the press, the Constitution, and the rule of law in ways that surprised citizens, journalists, and many scholars. Postscript has devoted three podcasts to how professional historians have assessed Trump's actions. Today, we look at how political scientists understand the second Trump presidency and how they have organized to amplify their concerns. Over 1200 trained political scientists signed a statement that lays out alarming changes to American government – and today's podcast features the incoming president of the American Political Science Association, Dr. Susan Stokes, to discuss the statement and what it means for so many political scientists to sign it. With her forthcoming book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press), Sue Stokes is the perfect person to assess democratic erosion and autocracy. Our conversation provides insights into the state of American politics, resources for people who want to oppose democratic erosion, and particular suggestions for teachers – and sneak peak into her new book. Dr. Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of political science and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy at The University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-director of Bright Line Watch, a group of political scientists who monitor democratic practices, their resilience, and potential threats. Dr. Stokes has spent her career unpacking how democracy functions in developing societies, distributive politics, and comparative political behavior. Her books include Brokers, Voters, and Clientelism: The Puzzle of Distributive Politics (Cambridge, 2013), and Why Bother? Rethinking Participation in Elections and Protests, co-authored with S. Erdem Aytaç (Cambridge, 2019). Mentioned: Statement signed by over 1200 political scientists (closed for signatures) Bright Line Watch: political scientists monitor democratic practices, resilience, and potential threats APSA “take action” suggestions (really helpful if you are calling or writing your leaders) APSA public statements and letters Nancy Bermeo, “On Democratic Backsliding,” Journal of Democracy (2016) Timothy Snyder, On Freedom (2024) and On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017) Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Force a Democracy for All (2024), New Books Interview with Levitsky and Ziblatt by Karyne Messina Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, How Democracies Die (2018), New Books Interview with Daniel Ziblatt by Jenna Spinelle Brendan Nyhan's work and commentary Democratic Erosion Consortium (nonpartisan effort with resources) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics
After being sworn in as the 47th president, President Donald Trump quickly altered American government – and political discourse. He issued a slew of executive orders that affected how American government functions and he spoke about officers of the government, federal agencies, executive power, the press, the Constitution, and the rule of law in ways that surprised citizens, journalists, and many scholars. Postscript has devoted three podcasts to how professional historians have assessed Trump's actions. Today, we look at how political scientists understand the second Trump presidency and how they have organized to amplify their concerns. Over 1200 trained political scientists signed a statement that lays out alarming changes to American government – and today's podcast features the incoming president of the American Political Science Association, Dr. Susan Stokes, to discuss the statement and what it means for so many political scientists to sign it. With her forthcoming book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press), Sue Stokes is the perfect person to assess democratic erosion and autocracy. Our conversation provides insights into the state of American politics, resources for people who want to oppose democratic erosion, and particular suggestions for teachers – and sneak peak into her new book. Dr. Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of political science and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy at The University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-director of Bright Line Watch, a group of political scientists who monitor democratic practices, their resilience, and potential threats. Dr. Stokes has spent her career unpacking how democracy functions in developing societies, distributive politics, and comparative political behavior. Her books include Brokers, Voters, and Clientelism: The Puzzle of Distributive Politics (Cambridge, 2013), and Why Bother? Rethinking Participation in Elections and Protests, co-authored with S. Erdem Aytaç (Cambridge, 2019). Mentioned: Statement signed by over 1200 political scientists (closed for signatures) Bright Line Watch: political scientists monitor democratic practices, resilience, and potential threats APSA “take action” suggestions (really helpful if you are calling or writing your leaders) APSA public statements and letters Nancy Bermeo, “On Democratic Backsliding,” Journal of Democracy (2016) Timothy Snyder, On Freedom (2024) and On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century (2017) Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Force a Democracy for All (2024), New Books Interview with Levitsky and Ziblatt by Karyne Messina Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, How Democracies Die (2018), New Books Interview with Daniel Ziblatt by Jenna Spinelle Brendan Nyhan's work and commentary Democratic Erosion Consortium (nonpartisan effort with resources) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
During the 2020 Presidential election, I frequently mentioned that there were 11 states that didn't require even half a year of public schooling in American history, government or civics. At this point, I don't know how many there are. But I know many millions of Americans now seem ignorant of how our government functions, and don't seem too bothered by the idea that our democracy could go away. If no one teaches you about the Bill of Rights in the seventh grade, how can you be expected to be horrified thirty years later is someone is trying to do away with it it? People's almost giddy embrace of a situation in which a few guys go in and destroy whatever part of our government they feel like destroying that day, is definitely a sign that someone either 1) has no idea how a democracy functions, or 2) is done with it and wants to burn it all down. They also seem quite unaware of how an authoritarian takeover might affect their own lives. The anger people feel about the unfairness of our system is justified, don't get me wrong. But the brilliantly evil deflection that's occurring - turning people against the federal workforce, for God's sake - is a sign that some serious liars are playing with the national psyche. I have two relatives, one a doctor and one an oceanographer, who are genuinely heartbroken that the good work they were doing for their country has now been put on hold. Multiply them by tens of thousands of other civil servants now vilified by people convinced that such “faceless bureaucrats” are the source of their problems. Really…? Medical researchers are the source of our problems? People who feed starving children are the source of our problems? People who monitor fisheries are the source of our problems? People who dispense education grants are the source of our problems? I think not. “But Marianne,” I'm told, “There's so much fraud and abuse!” Which is why Congress created the role of Inspectors General, people responsible for preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in key government agencies like Defense, State, and Labor. Trump removed 18 of those watchdog officials as soon as he got into office.All of this was planned. So… I hope my videos are keeping you company in this darkened hour. I mention a few books in the video (Strongmen, How Democracies Die, and Tyranny) as well as an excellent Kara Swisher Podcast that I think encapsulates what's going on quite well. It's all going to be okay, you know. Long term, this is going to make us better people and a better country. I just feel that. The short and middle term will probably be rough - it already is - but I'm betting on us to rise, to be courageous, and to save our democracy. Nothing less is at stake.I have faith in us, and I have faith in God. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.transformarticles.com/subscribe
With Trump acting as if he were already president - and madly so - a number of the wealthy and powerful are stepping over each other to obey in advance. A clear step on the path toward authoritarianism cited by both Tim Snyder in On Tyranny and Daniel Ziblatt & Stephen Levitsky in How Democracies Die - here's my conversation with Naomi Klein, recorded in July 2017, 6 months into Trump's first term, about her book, NO IS NOT ENOUGH: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need. What were we thinking? How would we respond? How does our response look 8 years later?
Daniel Ziblatt is an American political scientist, Eaton Professor of the Science of Government at Harvard University, and the co-author (with Steven Levitsky) of several bestselling books, including How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority. Ziblatt writes from the position that what defines strong democracies is free and fair competition for power, inclusive participation, and a package of civil liberties that make those first two conditions possible.2024 saw voters in more than 60 countries go to the polls—and deliver difficult outcomes for incumbents and traditional political parties. This week, Ziblatt joins Bethany and Luigi to discuss the fate of democracy after 2024. They explore how big money and corporate power have destabilized democracies worldwide by interfering with the conditions for free and fair competition for power. The consequence has been the movement of voters toward political extremes, which in turn can often threaten economic growth, civil liberties, and the rule of law. Nevertheless, should we judge the strength of democracy by process or outcome? Does democracy still thrive when the people vote for undemocratic politicians and parties?Together, Ziblatt and our co-hosts discuss how to curb global democratic decline by realigning government away from the interests of corporations or big money and back to those of the people.Episode Notes:Revisit ProMarket's series seeking to understand the issues of political economy driving global populist movements during the 2024 “year of elections.”
We're in strange times. In the U.S., we're finding ourselves in a situation in which the possibility of genuine democratic retrenchment and some version of presidential authoritarian dictatorship is a real possibility. There's a lot to consider as the liberal democracy we've become accustomed to could erode right before our eyes in the near future. Steve Levitsky is a professor of government at Harvard and serves as the director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies. Levitsky is also a New York Times bestselling author of numerous books including, “How Democracies Die” and “Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point,” which he co-authored with Daniel Ziblatt. He joins WITHpod to discuss entering into a new era, the uncertainty of this moment, the process by which a democracy might backslide into something that's less democratic and resisting the erosion.
American voters have elected a President with broadly, overtly authoritarian aims. It's hardly the first time that the democratic process has brought an anti-democratic leader to power. The political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, who both teach at Harvard, assert that we shouldn't be shocked by the Presidential result. “It's not up to voters to defend a democracy,” Levitsky says. “That's asking far, far too much of voters, to cast their ballot on the basis of some set of abstract principles or procedures.” He adds, “With the exception of a handful of cases, voters never, ever—in any society, in any culture—prioritize democracy over all else. Individual voters worry about much more mundane things, as is their right. It is up to élites and institutions to protect democracy—not voters.” Levitsky and Ziblatt published “How Democracies Die” during Donald Trump's first Administration, but they argue that what's ailing our democracy runs much deeper—and that it didn't start with Trump. “We're the only advanced, old, rich democracy that has faced the level of democratic backsliding that we've experienced. . . . So we need to kind of step back and say, ‘What has gone wrong here?' If we don't ask those kinds of hard questions, we're going to continue to be in this roiling crisis,” Ziblatt says.
American voters have elected a President with broadly, overtly authoritarian aims. It's hardly the first time that the democratic process has brought an anti-democratic leader to power. The political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, who both teach at Harvard, assert that we shouldn't be shocked by the Presidential result. “It's not up to voters to defend a democracy,” Levitsky says. “That's asking far, far too much of voters, to cast their ballot on the basis of some set of abstract principles or procedures.” He adds, “With the exception of a handful of cases, voters never, ever—in any society, in any culture—prioritize democracy over all else. Individual voters worry about much more mundane things, as is their right. It is up to élites and institutions to protect democracy—not voters.” Levitsky and Ziblatt published “How Democracies Die” during Donald Trump's first Administration, but they argue that what's ailing our democracy runs much deeper—and it didn't start with Trump. “We're the only advanced, old, rich democracy that has faced the level of democratic backsliding that we've experienced…. So we need to kind of step back and say, ‘What has gone wrong here?' If we don't ask those kinds of hard questions, we're going to continue to be in this roiling crisis,” Ziblatt says.
Trump has already shown that when he moves back to the White House, he's likely to use the strategies of dictators he admires, such as Viktor Orbán of Hungary: pack courts and agencies with ideological cronies, intimidate and harass the press, and continue to denigrate opponents as “evil,” “low IQ,” "vermin" and “enemies from within.” Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority, tells us why it could take years to rescue America's democracy. Even if you heard this episode when we first posted it, we think you'll want to listen again now that Trump is returning to the Oval Office.
Argentina's constitution is among the oldest democratic constitutions in the world, and in significant respects it was modeled after the constitution of the United States. But Argentine democracy hasn't always been stable. Between the 1930s and 1970s, the government was overturned by military coups six times. Even when there have been free and fair elections, some elected leaders have governed as authoritarians. This experience of dictatorship is a source of trauma for Argentinian citizens—and also a source for the rebuilding and resilience of democracy since 1983. This conversation with Roberto Saba and Steven Levitsky explores the history of Argentine democracy and some of the parallels the country shares with the United States. Roberto Saba obtained his law degree (JD) at Buenos Aires University and his Master's (LLM) and doctoral (JSD) degrees at Yale Law School. He was the cofounder of the Association for Civil Rights (an organization inspired by the American ACLU) and served as its executive director (2000-2009). He was also executive director of Citizen Power Foundation, Transparency International's Chapter in Argentina (1995-1998), and dean of Palermo University School of Law (2009-2016). Saba is currently a professor of constitutional law at Buenos Aires University and at Palermo University Law Schools. Saba has published on a wide variety of subjects, including deliberative democracy, judicial review, constitutional theory, freedom of expression, freedom of information and structural inequality. His connection with the Kettering Foundation began in 1992, when he served as an international fellow at the foundation. Since then, he has participated in numerous Kettering seminars and workshops. He is currently a board member of the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. Steven Levitsky is David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and professor of government at Harvard University, director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard, and a senior fellow at the Kettering Foundation. His research focuses on democracy and authoritarianism. He and Daniel Ziblatt are authors of How Democracies Die (2018) and Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point (2023), both of which were New York Times bestsellers.
From May 1, 2018: Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, authors of the new book “How Democracies Die,” join Benjamin Wittes for a conversation about the conditions under which democracies survive and how American democracy can survive its experiment with populism.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/c/trumptrials.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
America is undergoing a massive experiment: It is moving, in fits and starts, toward a multiracial democracy, something few societies have ever done. But the prospect of change has sparked an authoritarian backlash that threatens the very foundations of our political system. Why is democracy under assault here, and not in other wealthy, diversifying nations? And what can we do to save it? With the clarity and brilliance that made their first book, How Democracies Die, a global bestseller, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy. They then show how our Constitution makes us uniquely vulnerable to attacks from within: It is a pernicious enabler of minority rule, allowing partisan minorities to consistently thwart and even rule over popular majorities. Most modern democracies—from Germany and Sweden to Argentina and New Zealand—have eliminated outdated institutions like elite upper chambers, indirect elections, and lifetime tenure for judges. The United States lags dangerously behind. In Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Forge a Democracy for All (Crown, 2024), Levitsky and Ziblatt issue an urgent call to reform our politics. It's a daunting task, but we have remade our country before—most notably, after the Civil War and during the Progressive Era. And now we are at a crossroads: America will either become a multiracial democracy or cease to be a democracy at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
America is undergoing a massive experiment: It is moving, in fits and starts, toward a multiracial democracy, something few societies have ever done. But the prospect of change has sparked an authoritarian backlash that threatens the very foundations of our political system. Why is democracy under assault here, and not in other wealthy, diversifying nations? And what can we do to save it? With the clarity and brilliance that made their first book, How Democracies Die, a global bestseller, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy. They then show how our Constitution makes us uniquely vulnerable to attacks from within: It is a pernicious enabler of minority rule, allowing partisan minorities to consistently thwart and even rule over popular majorities. Most modern democracies—from Germany and Sweden to Argentina and New Zealand—have eliminated outdated institutions like elite upper chambers, indirect elections, and lifetime tenure for judges. The United States lags dangerously behind. In Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Forge a Democracy for All (Crown, 2024), Levitsky and Ziblatt issue an urgent call to reform our politics. It's a daunting task, but we have remade our country before—most notably, after the Civil War and during the Progressive Era. And now we are at a crossroads: America will either become a multiracial democracy or cease to be a democracy at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics
America is undergoing a massive experiment: It is moving, in fits and starts, toward a multiracial democracy, something few societies have ever done. But the prospect of change has sparked an authoritarian backlash that threatens the very foundations of our political system. Why is democracy under assault here, and not in other wealthy, diversifying nations? And what can we do to save it? With the clarity and brilliance that made their first book, How Democracies Die, a global bestseller, Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt offer a coherent framework for understanding these volatile times. They draw on a wealth of examples—from 1930s France to present-day Thailand—to explain why and how political parties turn against democracy. They then show how our Constitution makes us uniquely vulnerable to attacks from within: It is a pernicious enabler of minority rule, allowing partisan minorities to consistently thwart and even rule over popular majorities. Most modern democracies—from Germany and Sweden to Argentina and New Zealand—have eliminated outdated institutions like elite upper chambers, indirect elections, and lifetime tenure for judges. The United States lags dangerously behind. In Tyranny of the Minority: How to Reverse an Authoritarian Turn, and Forge a Democracy for All (Crown, 2024), Levitsky and Ziblatt issue an urgent call to reform our politics. It's a daunting task, but we have remade our country before—most notably, after the Civil War and during the Progressive Era. And now we are at a crossroads: America will either become a multiracial democracy or cease to be a democracy at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmThis week, Matt and Brian take a big-picture view of Republicans for Kamala, including:* Why the Emerging Democratic Majority thesis of the aughts and early 2010s made people assume that outreach to Republicans would lead to betrayal on policy grounds.* The academic basis for Harris to view support from influential conservatives as a critical safeguard against Democratic backsliding.* How a more concerted Trump-accountability effort at the outset of Joe Biden's presidency might have mooted the whole need for a unified front.Then, behind the paywall, a more nuts-and-bolts look at how this kind of third-party validation works in practice: Are Harris's critics really mystified by why Democrats keep citing state-level Republican praise for the Biden administration's response to Hurricane Helene? Would we be talking about January 6 so much, all of a sudden, were it not for the fact that it drove so many influential Republicans into the anti-Trump camp? If this kind of thing is suspicious, or of dubious value, why is Trump trying so hard to pretend Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk reflect significant Democratic defections?All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed. Further reading:* How Democracies Die, by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt* Brian on creeping Democratic fatalism and the role Republicans for Kamala might—might—be playing in it.* Matt on how Harris can, should, and does appeal to Trump-curious male voters.
What's it like putting your creative work out in the world and discovering that some people hate it? In episode 103 of James and Ashley Stay at Home, international bestselling author Robyn Harding joins James and Ashley to explore her extensive career in writing. She shares her experience of releasing her first book in 2004, and how her journey has evolved up to the launch of her latest novel, The Haters. Robyn also shares insights into the challenges of dealing with online negativity, the psychological impact of reviews, and what inspired her to write a story centered around an author's worst nightmare. We also discuss managing negativity bias and maintaining a long-term career in the ever-changing literary world. Robyn Harding is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including The Party, The Arrangement and The Drowning Woman. She is also the screenwriter and executive producer of the independent film, The Steps. She lives in Vancouver, BC, with her family and two rescue chihuahuas. Books & authors discussed in this episode: Troll Hunting by Ginger Gorman; This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead; The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead; Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor; Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor; Tyranny of the Minority by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt; How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt; Catherine Wheel by Liz Evans Get your copy of 'The Haters' from your local bookshop or library. Supporting libraries and neighbourhood bookshops supports authors. Upcoming events: Ashley is part of the Northern Beaches Readers Festival, 27-28 September Ashley is teaching Online: Creative Nonfiction for Writing NSW, a six-week online course starting 30 September Ashley is in conversation with Heather Taylor Johnson in celebration of her latest novel, Little Bit, on Thursday 3 October, 6.30pm James is teaching an online creative writing workshop for Laneway Learning, Wednesday 11 Sept, 6.15pm AEST Ashley is teaching Crafting Memoir for the New England Writers Centre online, Saturday 12 October, 2-3.30pm James is in conversation with Zahid Gamieldien at Manly Library on Tuesday 15 October, 6:30pm James is teaching Writing Setting and Landscape for Writing NSW, Saturday 26 October, 10am-4pm Learn more about Ashley's bestselling psychological thriller Dark Mode and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Learn more about James' award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson
In this episode of Conversations with Cohen, I sit down with Jasson Casey, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Identity. Jasson's journey is a fascinating one that came full circle, starting from his high school days writing software for local companies to realizing the potential of startups. A pivotal moment in college, sparked by a book on Craig Computer, inspired him to embark on his entrepreneurial path.Jasson's first startup experience at 19, coupled with the influence of Jim Clark's book The New New Thing, shaped his career trajectory. After serving as CTO at Security Scorecard, Jasson felt the itch to push the boundaries of the security world. While sailing in the Mediterranean, he received an email from Jim Clark, initially thought to be spam, which led to their collaboration on a groundbreaking venture focused on password-less authentication.Jasson explains the flaws in traditional password systems and how Beyond Identity leverages asymmetric cryptography and modern signature systems to enhance security. He shares insights on the concept of zero trust, the challenges of corporate adoption, and the federal mandate for agencies to eliminate password-based access within 18 months.We also delve into the impacts of COVID-19 on startups, the nuances of remote vs. in-person work culture, and Jasson's passion for reading. He offers book recommendations, including The New New Thing, and discusses his current reads like How Democracies Die and the Faller Series by Peter F. Hamilton.Tune in to discover Jasson's journey, the innovations at Beyond Identity, and his thoughts on cybersecurity's future. Connect with Jasson on BeyondIdentity.com, LinkedIn, or at major security expos. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Trump, the Republican party and Project 2025 are echoing Orbán's autocratic playbook - along with strategies of other leaders who got elected democratically and then turned their nations into autocracies. Key steps: pack courts and agencies with their cronies, slander and intimidate the media, and denigrate their opponents as "evil" and "vermin." Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority, tells us why it could take years to rescue America's democracy - even if Trump loses the upcoming election.
For this episode of Trump's Trials, host Scott Detrow speaks with Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky, the authors of How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority.The Supreme Court's landmark decision ruling that president's enjoy broad immunity from criminal prosecution stunned many constitutional experts. Ziblatt and Levitsky see it as the latest move that has put America's democracy in danger of "collapse." In this episode we dive into the state of America's democracy and what can be done to save it. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for new episodes each Saturday.Sign up for sponsor-free episodes and support NPR's political journalism at plus.npr.org/trumpstrials.Email the show at trumpstrials@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Placing the U.S. in comparative perspective, Daniel Ziblatt, professor of government at Harvard University, discusses uniquely American counter-majoritarian institutions. Ziblatt is also director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's WZB Social Science Center. He is the author of four books, including "How Democracies Die," co-authored with Steve Levitsky, a New York Times best-seller. His newest book co-authored with Steven Levitsky is entitled "Tyranny of the Minority." Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 39852]
Harvard professor Steven Levitsky is the co-author of the 2018 international bestseller, “How Democracies Die.” It's a book that President Joe Biden has cited often.In it, Levitsky and fellow Harvard professor Daniel Ziblatt documented the rise of authoritarian movements and the decline of democracies around the world. But Levitsky was still shocked when Trump supporters launched a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.He thought it wouldn't happen here.The Jan. 6 insurrection inspired Levitsky and Ziblatt to look at why American democracy has receded so quickly. They have a new book, “Tyranny of the Minority,” that seeks to answer this question.Steven Levitsky is the David Rockefeller professor of Latin American studies and professor of government at Harvard University. Levitsky also did not expect that he would witness a crackdown on civil liberties on his own campus and on universities around the country. "These were overwhelmingly peaceful protests, and we get an extraordinary wave of police repression and the arrest of 3600 peaceful protesters,” Levitsky said. “And I think what terrified me the most was there was a consensus ... in the mainstream establishment that this was OK. It was appropriate. Because a national narrative had emerged that these protesters were violent, that they were chaotic, that they were antisemitic, that they were pro-terrorist. It was overwhelmingly not the case. But that justified the repression."Levitsky argued that colleges have long tolerated peaceful student protest but that today's students were being unfairly subject to a “Palestine exception.” During the past month, he tried to mediate between student activists and Harvard's leaders to ensure that students were not punished for speaking out. His efforts failed when Harvard suspended five undergraduates and placed at least 20 more on probation, including barring 13 seniors from graduating in late May.Levitsky says the national erosion of democracy has been accelerated by "the fact that so many mainstream politicians are willing to set aside any commitment to democracy in order to get ahead, to continue their political careers and pursue their political ambitions. That was a terrifying lesson."Lebistky insists that democracy is threatened by minority rule, which is enshrined in the U.S. constitution and institutions like the Electoral College, which is "biased towards sparsely populated territories, and this is allowing the Republican Party to govern without winning national majorities. And when that partisan minority is an increasingly authoritarian party, watch out. We now have a set of institutions that are protecting and empowering the authoritarian minority party."
For this episode of the Global Exchange podcast, Colin Robertson talks with Michael Ignatieff about the successes and failures about the Responsibility to Protect, and Canada's role in the world in light of this. // Participants' bios - Michael Ignatieff is Rector Emeritus and Professor of History at Central European University. A scholar and author of many books, Michael has taught at the University of British Columbia, Cambridge University, the University of Toronto, the London School of Economics and Harvard University, where he was Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. He was also Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition from 2008 until 2011. Michael is a member of the Order of Canada. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, www.cgai.ca/colin_robertson // Read & Watch: - "How Democracies Die", by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/562246/how-democracies-die-by-steven-levitsky-and-daniel-ziblatt/ // Recording Date: April 30, 2024.
Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid “is the most openly authoritarian campaign I've seen [from] any candidate anywhere in the world since World War II”. That's according to Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky, co-author of the book “How Democracies Die”. Trump's stated plans include seeking revenge on political opponents, purging the federal workforce, ordering mass deportations, and deploying the military domestically. As part of Forum's “Doing Democracy” series, we'll talk with Levitsky and others about why democracy experts are sounding the alarm about a possible second Trump administration, and whether our institutions can withstand the upheaval. Guests: Steven Levitsky, professor of government, Harvard; co-author with Daniel Ziblatt of the New York Times bestseller "How Democracies Die." Their latest book is "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point." Lulu Garcia-Navarro, host, "The Interview" podcast, New York Times; former NPR correspondent Eric Cortellessa, reporter, Time magazine - He interviewed Donald Trump for a cover story in April.
America's contemporary democratic predicament is rooted in its historically incomplete democratization. Born in a pre-democratic era, the constitution's balancing of majority rule and minority rights created still-unresolved dilemmas. Placing the U.S. in comparative perspective, Daniel Ziblatt, professor of government at Harvard University, discusses the relationship between U.S. political institutions and their political majorities. Ziblatt is also director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's WZB Social Science Center. He is the author of four books, including "How Democracies Die," co-authored with Steve Levitsky, a New York Times best-seller. His newest book co-authored with Steven Levitsky is entitled "Tyranny of the Minority." Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 39851]
Guest: Daniel Ziblatt is a Professor of Government at Harvard University. He is the co-author of How Democracies Die, and most lately, Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point, also co-authored with Steven Levitsky. The post American Democracy and the Tyranny of the Minority appeared first on KPFA.
Now Trump and the Republican party are following their autocratic playbooks, whether by design or by instinct: pack courts and agencies with their cronies, slander and intimidate the media, and denigrate their opponents as "evil" and vermin. Harvard professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority, tells us why it could take many years to rescue America's democracy - even if Trump loses the next election.
Jonathan Blitzer, staff writer at the New Yorker, joins Jon Stewart to discuss his book "Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here" and how varying political dynamics halt the progress of immigration reform in the United States. Then, Harvard University professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of the bestsellers “Tyranny of the Minority” and "How Democracies Die," joins Jon to talk about how the Founding Fathers shaped elected democracy through improvisation, the challenge of constitutional reform, and the importance of improving and evolving democratic institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Three political scientists join Jeffrey Rosen to discuss democratic instability, backsliding, and demagogues from a historical and global perspective. Guests included Harvard's Steven Levitsky, author of Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point, the University of Texas-Austin's Kurt Weyland, author of Democracy's Resilience to Populism's Threat, and Princeton University's Frances Lee. This program originally aired on November 27, 2023. Resources: Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point Frances Lee, “Populism and the American Party System: Opportunities and Constraints” Kurt Weyland, Democracy's Resilience to Populism's Threat: Countering Global Alarmism Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, How Democracies Die Questions or comments about the show? Email us at podcast@constitutioncenter.org. Continue today's conversation on social media @ConstitutionCtr and #WeThePeoplePodcast. Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate, at bit.ly/constitutionweekly. You can find transcripts for each episode on the podcast pages in our Media Library.
Jon Stewart unpacks Biden's fired-up State of the Union and Sen. Katie Britt's disastrous GOP kitchen rebuttal, then calls bulls**t on conservatives branding themselves the party of “true American patriots” and wrapping themselves in the Constitution, while their leader Trump's rhetoric sounds more like that of an undemocratic king. And Harvard University professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of the bestsellers “Tyranny of the Minority” and "How Democracies Die," joins Jon to talk about how the Founding Fathers shaped elected democracy through improvisation, the challenge of constitutional reform, and the importance of improving and evolving democratic institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America's contemporary democratic predicament is rooted in its historically incomplete democratization. Born in a pre-democratic era, the constitution's balancing of majority rule and minority rights created still-unresolved dilemmas. Placing the U.S. in comparative perspective, Daniel Ziblatt, professor of government at Harvard University, offers new perspectives on what should be “beyond the reach of majorities” – and what should not – making the case for a fuller democracy as antidote to the perils of our age. Ziblatt is also director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's WZB Social Science Center. He is the author of four books, including "How Democracies Die," co-authored with Steve Levitsky, a New York Times best-seller. His newest book co-authored with Steven Levitsky is entitled "Tyranny of the Minority." Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 39237]
America's contemporary democratic predicament is rooted in its historically incomplete democratization. Born in a pre-democratic era, the constitution's balancing of majority rule and minority rights created still-unresolved dilemmas. Placing the U.S. in comparative perspective, Daniel Ziblatt, professor of government at Harvard University, offers new perspectives on what should be “beyond the reach of majorities” – and what should not – making the case for a fuller democracy as antidote to the perils of our age. Ziblatt is also director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's WZB Social Science Center. He is the author of four books, including "How Democracies Die," co-authored with Steve Levitsky, a New York Times best-seller. His newest book co-authored with Steven Levitsky is entitled "Tyranny of the Minority." Series: "UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 39237]
Welcome to a special episode of the Superhumanize Podcast, where we delve into the world of democracy, political science, and the challenges facing modern societies. Today, we have the distinct honor of hosting Steven Levitsky, a luminary in the field of comparative politics and a Harvard University professor renowned for his incisive analysis of democracies and authoritarian regimes.Steven Levitsky is not just an academic authority; he is a pivotal voice in understanding the dynamics of political systems worldwide. As the David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard, Levitsky brings a wealth of knowledge, especially in the realms of democratization, political parties, and the complex interplay between authoritarianism and democracy. His profound insights into these subjects have established him as a go-to expert in understanding the intricacies of political systemsLevitsky's work transcends academic circles, impacting the broader public discourse. He is the co-author of the groundbreaking and New York Times Best-Selling book, "How Democracies Die," a seminal work that examines the conditions leading to the breakdown of democratic systems from within. This book has not only garnered critical acclaim but also sparked crucial conversations about the state of democracies worldwide.His latest book, "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point," co-authored with Daniel Ziblatt, takes a hard look at the U.S. Constitution and the challenges it poses in today's political landscape. This work is particularly relevant as we approach the 2024 elections, providing crucial insights into the structural and ideological challenges facing American democracy.In this episode, we will explore Levitsky's profound research and thoughts on democracy's resilience, the evolving nature of authoritarian regimes, and the pressing need for constitutional reforms in the United States.Join us for an enlightening conversation with Steven Levitsky, as we navigate the complex waters of political science and democracy, and understand what it takes to sustain and strengthen democratic institutions in challenging times. This is an episode you won't want to miss, especially for those passionate about the future of our political systems and the role we all play in shaping it.In this episode with Steven Levitsky, you'll discover:-What are the key factors that historically have contributed to the resilience of democracies?...04:30-How the two American political parties have backslid from their founding principles, to the detriment of society...09:00-How to differentiate dystopian fantasy from authoritarian reality...13:15-Why we're living in a state of fear, and what we can do about it...19:25-"We're going to lose at least one generation of Americans who are going to give up and say, I don't live under a democracy"...29:00-The wheels of political change move slowly, and need to be greased often...36:45-The cardinal sin of democracy: everybody has to accept the results of elections, win or lose...39:35-Democracy in America has gradually weakened in the last decades...46:45-Why democracy is NOT in a global retreat worldwide, evidence to the contrary notwithstanding...52:50-And much more...Resources mentioned:Steven's curriculum vitaeSteven's Harvard ProfileSteven's Wikipedia profileBooks by Steven LevitskyP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to...
In Berkeley Talks episode 189, Harvard Professor Daniel Ziblatt discusses how Americans need to do the work of making the U.S. political system more democratic through reforms that ensure that electoral majorities can actually govern.“If you're going to have a first-past-the-post electoral system, as we have in the United States, or one side wins and another side loses, then those with the most votes should prevail over those with fewer votes in determining who holds political office,” said Ziblatt, co-author How Democracies Die and Tyranny of the Minority. “No theory of liberal democracy can justify any other outcome. Put differently, office holding should reflect how voters vote.” This Dec. 6, 2023 talk was presented by UC Berkeley Graduate Lectures as part of the Jefferson Memorial Lecture series.Listen to the episode and read the transcript on Berkeley News (news.berkeley.edu/podcasts).Photo by Manny Becerra via Unsplash.Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Three years ago, we started the podcast Coming From Left Field… where we talk about politics, books, and current events. In this podcast we reflect on some of our guests we have hosted over the 68 episodes, argue where we agree and disagree, and provide observations about our current political apocalypse. Greg's Blog (subscribe!): http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com/ Marxism-Leninism Today (MLToday): https://mltoday.com/ Timestamps: (01:45) book discussion “How Democracies Die” (14:14) Dan Kovalik, “Cancel This Book,” “Pink Tide,” “Trip to Russia & Crimea” (16:24) book discussion Karl Marx (20:47) Carlos Garrido, “Last Years of Marx” book discussion (22:41) Eddie Smith, “Blackshirts and Reds” book discussion (24:38) Christian Parenti, “First Privilege Walk & Radical Hampton” (26:22) Janice O'Mahony & Kevin Miller, “A Couple of Poets” (27:49) Stephen Gowans, “Israel, A Beachhead in the Middle East” (30:07) Jim Painter, “Media,” & “The Black March Novel” (30:49) Hoss Hollwedel, “”Exterminate All the Brute” & “Amazon unions” (32:21) Toni Gilpin, “The Long Deep Grudge: (32:47) Roger Keeran, “The Communist Party and the Autoworker's” (34:06) Tony Monterio, “The lost legacy of Henry Winston” (37:09) Walter Johnson, “The Broken Heart of America” (39:09) Tariq Ali, “Winston Churchill” (39:20) Vijay Prashad, “The Withdrawal” (39:25) Joanna Moncrieff, “The Serotonin Theory of Depression” (41:42) Gerald Horne, “Black Liberation / Red Scare”, “Jazz and Justice” (45:14) Walter Bragman, “Moms for Liberty” (45:21) Anthony Conwright, “Jan 6, Big Lie” (45:31) Kathryn Joyce. “War on Public Schools” (45:42) Andy Campbell, “We Are Proud Boys” (47:53) Suzanne Gordon, “Wounds of War” (49:42) Bill Ehrhart, “Thank You for Your Service,” “Smedley Butler,” “Essays” (51:27) Norman Finkelstein,” I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It!” (54:29) Ruth Ben-Ghiat, “Strongmen” (57:16) Fredrik deBoer, “Cult of Smart,” ”How Elites Ate the Social Justice Movement” PatCummings#GregGodels#ZZBlog#ComingFromLeftField#ComingFromLeftFieldPodcast#DanKovalik#KarlMarx#MidwesternMarist#CarlosGarrido#EddieSmith#Blackshirts#MichaelParinti#ChristianParenti#JaniceO'Mahony#KevinMiller#Poets#StephenGowans#JimPainter#ToniGilpin#RogerKeeran#CommunistParty#TonyMonterio#WalterJohnson#TariqAli#VijayPrashad#JoannaMoncrieff#GeraldHorne#JazzandJustice#WalterBragman#AnthonyConwright#KathrynJoyce#Andy#Bill Ehrhart#WDEhrhart#NormanFinkelstein#RuthBen-Ghiat#Strongmen#FredrikdeBoer
In this live recording of Soul of the Nation, Rev. Jim Wallis and the Center on Faith and Justice hosted Harvard University political scientist Steven Levitsky for a discussion on his new book “Tyranny of the Minority.” In the book, Levitsky argues that authoritarianism threatens the foundations of the U.S. political system, which the Constitution prevents from becoming a true multi-racial democracy. Levitsky is co-author of the New York Times bestseller How Democracies Die and the David Rockefeller Professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Squarely in the heart of the Trump administration, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt published a book titled How Democracies Die which proved enormously popular. Celebrities read it. Obama read it. Most people you know probably pretended to have read it. Five years later, Levitsky and Ziblatt are back with a sequel of sorts, arguing that in the United States, democracy might never have been fully alive in the first place, strangled in the cradle by our very own constitution. To explain how their thinking has changed since How Democracies Die and discuss the new book, Tyranny of the Minority, we're thrilled to have on today's podcast Daniel Ziblatt, Eaton Professor of Government at Harvard University and director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's Social Science Center. In this episode, we poke around into all of the different ways the United States privileges minoritarian politics. Ziblatt explains that a major contribution of Tyranny of the Minority is showing how regular politics interact with our constitution's minoritarianism to create a particularly potent anti-democratic danger for the United States. We discuss the legislative advantage minorities have in the U.S. thanks to our love of holding onto grand old traditions like the filibuster and what that means for statutory interpretation. Democratic backsliding, the advantages of party politics, papal smoke and mirrors–it's all in there. We hope you enjoy. This podcast is generously supported by Themis Bar Review. Referenced Readings How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt Democratic Justice: Felix Frankfurter, the Supreme Court, and the Making of the Liberal Establishment by Brad Snyder “Inside or Outside the System?” by Eric Posner and Adrian Vermuele After Misogyny: How the Law Fails Women and What to Do about It by Julie Suk The Anti-Oligarchy Constitution: Reconstructing the Economic Foundations of American Democracy by Joseph Fishkin and William Forbath “The Insulation of Local Governance from Black Electoral Power: Northern Cities and the Great Migration” by Jacob Grumbach, Robert Mickey, and Daniel Ziblatt
Thursday, October 12th, 2023 Steven Levitsky is Professor of Government at Harvard University. Together with Daniel Ziblatt, he is co-author of How Democracies Die and has just published Tyranny of the Minority. They argue that reforming American institutions to become more democratic will help us achieve a multiracial democracy—and in the process save democracy itself. We are on the cusp of a multiracial democracy, but to get there we need to reform our constitution and end counter-majoritarian institutions. Majorities should be empowered to govern. If the majorities are not getting serious consideration in the legislature, something is wrong. For example, states with higher populations should get greater representation because democracy represents people, not territory. Follow Mila on Twitter: https://twitter.com/milaatmos Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Love Future Hindsight? Take our Listener Survey! http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=6tI0Zi1e78vq&ver=standard Take the Democracy Group's Listener Survey! https://www.democracygroup.org/survey Want to support the show and get it early? https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Check out the Future Hindsight website! www.futurehindsight.com Read the transcript here: https://www.futurehindsight.com/episodes/tyranny-of-the-minority-steven-levitsky Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Steven Levitsky Executive Producer: Mila Atmos Producer: Zack Travis
I believe minority rule to be one of the most dangerous challenges facing American society with enormous impact for the fate of the world. I'm excited to engage with Daniel Ziblatt, about his latest book, TYRANNY OF THE MINORITY:Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point, co-authored with Stephen Levitsky. Their previous book, How Democracies Die, was described by The Economist magazine as "the most important book of the Trump era." You can learn more at scholar.harvard.edu/dziblatt. This episode was recorded as a LiveTalksLA event September 21, 2023 - link to video.
Joy Reid leads this episode of The ReidOut with Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James together for the first time in a New York City courtroom. Trump is on trial to determine what price he should pay for the massive fraud he has committed for years. Plus, we cover the former president's increasing threat to democracy. He is attacking judges and threatening to lock up America's district attorneys. The authors of the book, "How Democracies Die," join Joy with their perspectives. Also in this episode, we explain how Matt Gaetz might have the power to take down Kevin McCarthy unless Democrats come to McCarthy's rescue. But will they? Joy and her expert guests discuss this and more in this edition of The ReidOut on MSNBC.
Host Brian Stelter discusses the Republican Party's anti-democracy trajectory with Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Harvard professors and co-authors of the new book “Tyranny of the Minority.” The pair, who sounded the alarms with their acclaimed 2018 book, “How Democracies Die,” discuss increasing threats ahead of the 2024 election, and which constitutional changes could keep America on the path toward multiracial democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Steven Levitsky is the David Rockefeller professor of Latin American Studies and Professor of Government at Harvard University, and Daniel Ziblatt is the Eaton Professor of the Science of Government at Harvard University. They are the authors, jointly, of How Democracies Die. Their latest book is Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point. In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk, Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt discuss the extent to which American institutions distort our politics by excessively thwarting majority governance; whether or not the American electorate is polarizing, or depolarizing, by race; and whether American democracy is better served by pursuing institutional reform or by tailoring Democratic Party strategy to the system as it exists. This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity. Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: podcast@persuasion.community Website: http://www.persuasion.community Podcast production by John Taylor Williams, and Brendan Ruberry Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google Twitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasion Youtube: Yascha Mounk LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This year's midterm elections were widely seen as a victory for democracy in the United States. Election deniers were defeated in many closely watched races and voting proceeded smoothly, even in areas where the Big Lie has taken a firm hold. But the threat of authoritarianism remains strong. David Remnick talks with Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, authors of the best-seller “How Democracies Die” about recent political trends. “You can't really live in a functioning democracy if you feel like each election is a national emergency,” Ziblatt says. “Because what it means is that we're not confronting the major problems confronting our society.”
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