Ideas Can democracies survive the attacks on the rule of law?
Oct 30, 2025
Asha Rangappa, a Yale lecturer and former FBI agent, teams up with Wayne McKay, a constitutional law expert from Dalhousie, to discuss the alarming erosion of democratic norms. They explore how leaders manipulate judicial power to undermine checks and balances. Asha highlights the gradual journey towards authoritarianism, while Wayne shares insights on Canada's legal protections. They also consider the risks posed by recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the normalization of federal powers, warning that public complacency could lead to dire consequences.
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Democracy Erodes Step By Step
- Democratic erosion happens incrementally along a recognisable path rather than overnight.
- Asha Rangappa warns the U.S. and Canada are already on that path and should be worried.
Safeguards Need More Than Norms
- Many constitutional safeguards rely heavily on norms and mutual trust, not just formal rules.
- When trust breaks down, norms alone cannot preserve democratic checks and balances.
FBI's Power Relies On Internal Rules
- Asha Rangappa explains the FBI lacks a legislative charter and relies on attorney general guidelines.
- She recounts how long investigatory runways let agents gather records and surveil without formal charges.