Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the limitations of populist politics, the difficulty populists face in effecting change despite electoral wins, and the influence of digital democracy on modern governance.

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LINKS:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@samoburja

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Populists win elections but struggle to govern effectively against entrenched bureaucracies.
• Modern populism confronts administrative states, unlike historical populism that opposed monarchies.
• The administrative state was ironically strengthened by early 20th century populist movements.
• Case studies (Hungary, Brexit) show winning elections doesn't guarantee successful implementation.
• Trump faces resistance from within the Republican Party, limiting his appointment power.
• Elon Musk and X.com provide Trump stronger tools than he had in 2016.
• Left populism offers direct benefits while right populism promises protection from threats.
• Samo suggests tech elites could pool money to counter traditional Republican donors' influence.
• Future Democratic success may come from candidates combining progressive policies with family-oriented messaging.
• Populism emerged through internet's bypass of traditional media gatekeepers.
• Western democracies need a new balance between populist movements and administrative institutions.