Uncommon Knowledge Five Questions for Stephen Kotkin: Advice for the New Administration (and the Rest of Us)
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Jan 28, 2025 
Stephen Kotkin, a renowned historian and Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, shares insights on pivotal global issues. He probes the implications of Donald Trump’s potential reelection, analyzing American political shifts and upcoming elections worldwide. Kotkin addresses the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting Putin’s misjudgments and discussing authoritarian governance. He also examines rising tensions in the Middle East related to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel's strategies, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to achieve lasting peace.
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Democracy's Paradox
- 2024 was a landmark year for democracy, with 8 of the 10 most populous countries holding national elections.
- Despite this, discussions often revolve around a "crisis of democracy," sometimes conflating electoral outcomes with systemic issues.
Incumbent Troubles
- Incumbents across the political spectrum faced significant losses in 2024, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with governance.
- Voters often punish incumbents for perceived failures rather than embracing alternative platforms.
Biden's Miscalculation
- Biden's misreading of his 2020 mandate led to his party's punishment in the 2024 election.
- Trump now faces a similar risk of misinterpreting his victory and overreaching.