Author and former U.S. Department of State consular officer Josef Burton discusses the tendency for liberal institutions to carry out illiberal practices. They talk about topics such as Trump's Muslim ban, Russian air traffic safety, and a startup that shifts into dark mode when it can make money. They also explore the challenges and frustrations of working in government and the role of diplomats in promoting ideology and immigration policies.
Liberal institutions often find themselves implementing illiberal policies, with individuals feeling conflicted but the institutions necessary for the functioning of these policies.
Feeling bad about implementing illiberal policies can become a tool for maintaining the status quo within liberal institutions, preserving the institution's self-image while perpetuating harm.
The challenges faced by liberal bureaucrats highlight the tension between personal values and institutional demands, calling for accountability and a reevaluation of the role of institutions in addressing immigration issues.
Deep dives
Caden: Control Your Data, Learn from Your Data, Earn Real Money for Your Data
Caden is an app that allows users to consolidate all their data from various sources into one app. Users can then choose to give their data to Caden, who will pay them real money in return. The app aims to take advantage of the increasing consumer privacy acts by offering users a way to monetize their data while also simplifying the data collection process. However, concerns about data vulnerability and privacy may arise as all data is stored in one app.
The Dilemma of Liberal Institutions in Implementing Illiberal Policies
Liberal institutions, such as diplomatic corps and foreign ministries, often find themselves in the position of implementing illiberal policies. While individuals within these institutions may feel conflicted and even express regret, the institutions themselves are necessary for the functioning of these policies. The emotional response of feeling bad about implementing such policies becomes an integral part of the system, allowing illiberal practices to continue while maintaining the facade of liberalism. This dilemma highlights the complex relationship between personal beliefs and institutional responsibilities.
The Intersection of Feeling Bad and Institutional Imperatives
Feeling bad about implementing illiberal policies does not necessarily lead to resistance or change. Instead, such emotions can become tools for maintaining the status quo within liberal institutions. By conforming to the institution's objectives, individuals can become complicit in perpetuating harm while also preserving the institution's self-image. This phenomenon is not limited to specific countries or policies, but rather exists within the broader framework of liberal institutions and their relationship with illiberal practices.
The Challenges of Liberal Bureaucrats
The podcast episode discusses the challenges faced by liberal bureaucrats working in institutions where they are ordered to carry out illiberal actions. It explores how individuals within these institutions struggle to reconcile their personal values with the demands of their roles. The episode highlights the tension between liberal attitudes and the exercise of power, and the need for bureaucratic functionaries to bear witness and take accountability for the actions of institutions and centers of power.
The Future of Immigration Policies
The podcast episode also delves into the future challenges of immigration policies, particularly in the face of climate change and the potential increase in climate refugees. It raises questions about the implications of securitization and the need for democratic control and oversight over immigration systems. The episode encourages a reevaluation of the role of institutions and a shift in attitudes towards identification as cogs in a machine rather than allegiance to the institutions themselves. It calls for recognition of the potential for institutional power to be used for imperial agendas and the importance of breaking free from ideological contradictions in addressing immigration issues.
This week, the gang speaks with author and former U.S. Department of State consular officer Josef Burton about the tendency for liberal institutions to find themselves ordered to carry out illiberal practices—whether it’s Trump’s Muslim ban, the UK’s barge housing, or any other recent story in which we simply cannot believe that we’re obligated to do an immoral thing, for the state. We also talk about a recent news story regarding Russian air traffic safety, and a startup that shifts into dark mode when it can commercialise its ‘harmless’ product.
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