Will Institutions Hold?

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0:00 Paul: The past shows us there’s a basis for hope for this country3:40 The origins of Paul’s new book, American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now11:07 Is the push-pull between liberation struggles and institutional resistance a uniquely American phenomenon?13:31 Ground News ad15:39 The black freedom struggle as a template for change21:37 From civil rights to progressive overreach24:31 Can the Democrats take back lost ground? 30:58 Paul: Trump’s immigration crack-downs are acts of political revenge 35:53 The social triumph and political tragedy of immigration45:54 How modern media fragmented American society52:59 Paul: We need to restrain executive power57:39 The importance of remembering our past without being shackled by it

Recorded November 20, 2025

Links and Readings

Paul’s new book, American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now

Anne Case and Angus Deaton’s book, Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism

Pauli Murray and Mary Eastwood’s article, “Jane Crow and the Law: Sex Discrimination and Title VII”

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s book, Abundance: How We Build a Better Future

Paul’s American Prospect article, “The Social Triumph and Political Tragedy of Immigration”

Paul’s book, The Creation of the Media: Political Origins of Modern Communication

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