Postscript: Political Scientists Ring Alarm Bell Over Trump’s Second Administration
Apr 21, 2025
42:41
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Quick takeaways
Political scientists are alarmed by the erosion of democratic principles under Trump’s second administration, citing significant threats to checks and balances.
There is a growing emphasis on education and civic engagement as vital strategies to counteract democratic backsliding and promote resilience.
Deep dives
Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
The statement signed by over 1,200 political scientists highlights urgent concerns regarding threats to American democracy, particularly during Donald Trump's second presidency. Signers emphasize that the Trump administration has often disregarded established laws and regulations, posing risks to the essential checks and balances that uphold the constitutional order. Actions such as undermining the power of Congress, mass firings of civil service employees, and dismissals of inspector generals were cited as significant threats. Additionally, the statement reaffirms that while Trump was legitimately elected, this does not grant him the authority to subvert democratic principles.
Analyses of Political Behavior
As political scientists assess the evolving landscape of American governance, a shift in focus emerges towards the behaviors and responses of political actors and institutions. It is noted that Congress has become increasingly compliant to executive wishes, thereby failing to assert its constitutional role in checks and balances. This aligns with historical perspectives of the framers of the Constitution, who did not foresee a political environment dominated by party interests that could threaten democratic structures. The lack of robust opposition from Congress raises concerns about the sustainability of American democracy amidst these changes.
The Importance of Scholarly Objectivity
The carefully crafted nature of the political scientists' statement reflects a conscious effort to maintain scholarly objectivity while addressing governmental actions perceived as authoritarian. The document deliberately avoids partisan rhetoric, focusing instead on institutional integrity and the implications of executive overreach. By presenting an academic perspective on democratic erosion, the signers aim to foster a non-partisan understanding of these critical issues. This approach enhances the statement's impact, making it a more compelling call to action for preserving democratic values.
Mobilizing for Democratic Resilience
Amidst fears of democratic backsliding, political scientists call for a proactive approach to safeguarding American democracy through education and civic engagement. Initiatives like the Democratic Erosion Consortium aim to enhance understanding among students and the public about the importance of democratic norms and functions. Scholars are encouraged to teach courses related to democratic resilience, engaging students in discussions about the conditions that foster or threaten democracy. Ultimately, fostering an informed citizenry prepared to actively participate in democratic processes, such as voting and community engagement, is deemed crucial in countering erosive trends.
After being sworn in as the 47th president, President Donald Trump quickly altered American government – and political discourse. He issued a slew of executive orders that affected how American government functions and he spoke about officers of the government, federal agencies, executive power, the press, the Constitution, and the rule of law in ways that surprised citizens, journalists, and many scholars. Postscript has devoted three podcasts to how professional historians have assessed Trump’s actions. Today, we look at how political scientists understand the second Trump presidency and how they have organized to amplify their concerns. Over 1200 trained political scientists signed a statement that lays out alarming changes to American government – and today’s podcast features the incoming president of the American Political Science Association, Dr. Susan Stokes, to discuss the statement and what it means for so many political scientists to sign it. With her forthcoming book, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (Princeton University Press), Sue Stokes is the perfect person to assess democratic erosion and autocracy. Our conversation provides insights into the state of American politics, resources for people who want to oppose democratic erosion, and particular suggestions for teachers – and sneak peak into her new book.
Dr. Susan Stokes is the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of political science and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy at The University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is co-director of Bright Line Watch, a group of political scientists who monitor democratic practices, their resilience, and potential threats. Dr. Stokes has spent her career unpacking how democracy functions in developing societies, distributive politics, and comparative political behavior. Her books include Brokers, Voters, and Clientelism: The Puzzle of Distributive Politics (Cambridge, 2013), and Why Bother? Rethinking Participation in Elections and Protests, co-authored with S. Erdem Aytaç (Cambridge, 2019).
