The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Archive: Eric Posner on ‘The Demagogue's Playbook'

Jun 19, 2024

Eric Posner, author of 'The Demagogue's Playbook', discusses the historical context of demagogues in democracies, the founders' concerns about demagogues in American government, and how Trump's demagoguery influenced his election win. The conversation explores the dynamics of demagogues in American politics, the balance between a powerful presidency and checks and balances, and the challenges demagogues pose to democracy and institutional norms.

58:09

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Episode guests

Eric Posner

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Quick takeaways

Demagogues historically threaten democracies, challenging Founding Fathers' preventative measures.

American institutions were designed to curb demagogic influence by limiting direct votes on leaders.

Demagogues exploit social divisions and manipulate emotions, posing grave threats to democratic structures.

Deep dives

Trump's Potential Re-election Despite Convictions in NY

Despite being convicted on 34 felony counts in New York, former President Donald Trump is in a tight race with President Biden for re-election. Trump has expressed intentions of acting as a dictator from day one if elected. The Heritage Foundation has presented Project 2025, a set of policy proposals that could transform the U.S. into an autocracy. This dangerous scenario is discussed in a Lawfare Podcast episode that explores demagoguery in American democracy.

Intro

4min

Preventing the Rise of Demagogues in Democracies

5min

Exploring the Demagogue: from Andrew Jackson to Donald Trump

19min

Analysis of a Political Figure's Charisma and Manipulative Tactics

3min

Exploring Demagoguery, Elite Institutions, and the Big Lies in Democracy

2min

The Rise of Demagoguery in American Politics

20min

Views on the American presidency in light of Trump's presidency and the need for constraints

6min

From June 29, 2020: Jack Goldsmith sat down with Eric Posner, the Kirkland & Ellis Distinguished Service Professor of Law at the University of Chicago, and the author of the new book, "The Demagogue's Playbook: The Battle for American Democracy from the Founders to Trump." They discussed why demagogues are a characteristic threat in democracies, how the founders of the U.S. Constitution tried to ensure elite control and prevent a demagogue from becoming president, how these safeguards weakened over time and how Donald Trump's demagoguery helped him win election as president. They also explored how Posner's perception of Trump as a threat to American democracy fits with his writings in support of a powerful president.

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The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Archive: Eric Posner on ‘The Demagogue's Playbook'

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Trump's Potential Re-election Despite Convictions in NY

The Historical Threat of Demagogues in Democracy

The Founders' Safeguards Against Demagoguery

Definition of Demagoguery and Its Dangers

Trump's Influence as a Modern Demagogue

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts