/481/ Everything is Plausible: Oligarchy – or Worse ft. Corey Robin
Apr 15, 2025
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Corey Robin, a political theorist and professor at Brooklyn College, joins the discussion on Trump's administration and the evolving American political landscape. They explore whether Trump's reliance on executive orders signifies a lack of strength. The conversation dives into the complexities of oligarchy, questioning if the U.S. has transitioned into one, and how economic sanctions and immigration policies reflect deeper issues within democracy. The dialogues also touch on the fractures within the Republican Party and the implications of power dynamics in shaping governance.
Trump's administration employs mass firings in the civil service to eliminate opposition and instill fear among government workers.
The use of economic sanctions against state and local entities reflects a novel exertion of executive power that undermines democratic checks.
Trump's immigration policies merge fear tactics with political repression, threatening civic freedoms and the integrity of democratic discourse.
Deep dives
Trump's Power and Domestic Strategy
Trump's recent actions reveal a multifaceted approach to wielding power within the U.S. government, significantly impacting domestic policies. Key strategies include the mass firing of government workers, which potentially affects around two million individuals. This tactic not only removes opposition but also sends a chilling message about the administration's control over the government machinery. The dramatic nature of these firings exemplifies Trump’s use of fear as a political weapon to reinforce loyalty among remaining government personnel and deter dissent.
Economic Sanctions as a Political Tool
Trump's application of economic sanctions against state and local governments, as well as private institutions like universities, showcases a novel wielding of power that circumvents traditional legislative and judicial checks. By threatening to withdraw funding, Trump creates an environment where these entities feel pressured to align with his administration’s directives. This maneuver not only solidifies his control but also cultivates an atmosphere of fear across various sectors of society, undermining the foundational principles of democratic governance. Such tactics have raised concerns about the erosion of institutional integrity and the consequences of unchecked executive power.
Terror Politics and Immigration
Trump's immigration policies signal a shift toward using fear and terror as mechanisms to control and intimidate not just undocumented immigrants but all dissenters. Actions such as street abductions and indefinite detentions serve to instill a broader sense of vulnerability among the expatriate and immigrant communities. This approach effectively merges the legal structures of immigration enforcement with the repression of political speech, leaving a lasting impact on civic freedoms. The chilling implication of these policies is that dissenting views can be met with state-sanctioned reprisals, thereby threatening the fabric of political discourse in America.
The Complexity of Freedom of Speech
The discourse surrounding freedom of speech within the current political climate has become increasingly complex, especially in the context of Trump’s administration. While some on the right assert that their commitment to free speech can be useful in critiquing Trump, skepticism persists about the sincerity of these arguments. Historically, the right has shown inconsistency in upholding these principles, often retracting when convenienced by political expedience. This inconsistency raises questions about the left's approach; instead of leveraging free speech as a rallying point, a renewed focus on the fundamental necessity of free expression could better serve the broader interest of democracy.
Oligarchy and Institutional Integrity
The notion of an American oligarchy has gained traction amidst the Trump administration's governance model, suggesting a blend of long-standing capitalist interests with overtly corrupt practices. This era reflects a deviation from traditional neoliberal protocols, revealing an alarming trend where financial and corporate powers exercise unprecedented influence over political decision-making. Compounded by the effective criminalization of dissent through targeted policies, this shift signals a critical undermining of democratic processes and public accountability. Observing this evolution forces a reevaluation of how power is constructed, utilized, and challenged in contemporary America, raising urgent questions about the future of democracy itself.
On Trump's government, his motives and his modus operandi.
Political theorist Corey Robin talks to Alex H and contributing editors Lee Jones and Alex Gourevitch about Trump II from a domestic perspective. We look at the three main things he's done so far: cutting the civil service, imposing economic sanctions domestically, and his immigration terror politics.
Is Trump a strong president? Does the reliance on executive orders indicate weakness?
What happened to the #Resistance?
Why has the tariff issue, instead of uniting Republicans as in the 19th century, divided them?
Is the bond market the main force limiting Trump's agenda?
Has Bernie Sanders' prediction come true – this is now an oligarchy?
Does Trump just represent patrimonialism and even gangsterism? A degradation of democracy?
What does reaction looks like when there’s very little left to react against?
