The Great Battlefield Defending Liberal Democracies Against Authoritarianism with Shikha Dalmia of The UnPopulist
Jan 14, 2026
Shikha Dalmia, Editor of The UnPopulist and a prominent voice against authoritarianism, dives deep into her journey from India to journalism and her influence on liberal thought. She discusses the surprising rise of Hindu nationalism in India, drawing parallels with Trump's appeal in the U.S. Dalmia shares her split from libertarian circles, critiques left populism, and advocates for a cross-ideological liberal coalition. She emphasizes the need for institutional safeguards against future authoritarianism and offers insightful advice for Democratic politicians.
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Formative Years In Post‑Partition India
- Shikha Dalmia recounts growing up in socialist, post-partition India and how scarcity and communal trauma shaped her worldview.
- She says witnessing India's shift to Modi and America's shift to Trump forced her to revisit why she underestimated populist authoritarianism.
Trump As A Political Breakpoint
- Dalmia argues Trump represented a break from American political norms that couldn't be treated like a normal presidency.
- She says accommodating him risked sacrificing core liberal commitments for short-term policy gains.
Starting The Unpopulist From Scratch
- Dalmia describes founding The Unpopulist after leaving Reason and receiving a seed grant from Stand Together Trust.
- She started with 550 readers and grew the publication into a small team and broader platform.
