Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast cover image

Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

How Democratic Backsliding Happens with Steve Levitsky

Dec 10, 2024
Steve Levitsky, a Harvard professor and a bestselling author, delves into the pressing issue of democratic backsliding. He discusses the critical role of societal memory in resisting authoritarianism, drawing on examples from South Korea and the U.S. Levitsky explores competitive authoritarianism, highlighting how modern leaders manipulate public support while undermining democracy. He critiques presidential systems for fostering division and emphasizes the urgency for bipartisanship to safeguard democratic principles in turbulent times.
52:23

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Democratic backsliding is a real threat in the U.S., necessitating awareness of the potential shift toward authoritarianism.
  • Citizen mobilization, exemplified by protests against South Korea's martial law, highlights the importance of public resistance to authoritarian measures.

Deep dives

Introduction of Instagram Teen Accounts

Instagram has introduced new teen accounts designed to enhance the safety of adolescents as they navigate the platform. These accounts come with automatic protections that restrict who can contact teens and what content they can access, functioning much like safety gear for physical activities. The intention is to ensure that the online environment is safer for younger users, reflecting a proactive approach to digital security. Such features aim to help parents feel more secure about their children's online interactions.

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