American Doom

New American fascism and competitive authoritarianism, with Steven Monacelli

Feb 22, 2025

In this discussion, Steven Monacelli, an independent investigative journalist in Texas, dives into the rise of a new form of American fascism and competitive authoritarianism. He examines radical ideologies infiltrating institutions, including a shocking ICE lawyer with extremist ties. Steven explores the contradictions within right-wing movements and the unexpected alliances among Trump supporters. The conversation also sheds light on the harmful influence of individuals like Elon Musk and calls for heightened accountability within government agencies.

26:14

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Steven Monacelli

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Quick takeaways

The podcast discusses the emergence of neo-fascism in the U.S., highlighting how technology and data are leveraged to erode democratic principles.

An investigation into a neo-Nazi attorney at ICE illustrates the troubling intersection of extremist beliefs within immigration enforcement agencies.

Deep dives

New American Fascism and Competitive Authoritarianism

The discussion highlights the emergence of a new form of fascism within the United States, often referred to as neo-fascism, as exemplified by varying ideologies and practices among the American right. Notably, the podcast cites a recent article that argues the political developments following Trump's tenure represent a qualitative shift towards authoritarianism. This shift is characterized by the consolidation of power through technology and data to undermine established democratic principles, as articulated by philosophers exploring contemporary fascism. Additionally, parallels are drawn to historical corporate fascism, where business interests align with dictatorial ambitions, evident in current political maneuvers by figures like Elon Musk.

Intro

2min

New American Fascism: A Modern Examination

17min

Unveiling the Dark Ties of Competitive Authoritarianism

3min

Investigating Controversial Employment Within ICE

2min

Investigating Government Transparency and Accountability

3min

Today I’m speaking with Steven Monacelli, an independent investigative journalist based in Texas. Steven does an incredible job covering right-wing extremism. His latest pieces include an examination of what experts are calling a new form of fascism helmed by the White House, and a more complex understanding of what we’re witnessing called competitive authoritarianism. Steven also just published an explosive investigation into an ICE lawyer in Dallas who runs an anonymous, white supremacist X account.

I first met Steven in Dallas — where I lived for a couple of years while covering immigration and the border — at a QAnon conference where disgraced Gen. Mike Flynn infamously called for a Myanmar-like coup to install Trump in power. That was in 2021, which seems like a quaint time as I write this just four years later. Our previous conversation focused on threats posed to democracy by Christian nationalism, another focus of Steven’s work.

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