Consider This from NPR

Is the U.S. headed for autocracy?

Feb 19, 2025

M. Gessen, a New York Times Opinion writer who witnessed Russia’s drift into autocracy under Putin, discusses alarming parallels with the U.S. political landscape. They highlight outrageous proposals from Trump that reshape democratic boundaries and suggest how trivial conversations overshadow vital issues. Gessen explores voter discontent as a catalyst for supporting disruption of a neglected system and warns of the subtle shift toward authoritarianism driven by executive overreach. Insightful, chilling, and thought-provoking.

09:34

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M. Gessen

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Quick takeaways

M. Gessen emphasizes that seemingly outrageous political narratives can gradually undermine democracy, as seen in both Putin's Russia and Trump's America.

The deep dissatisfaction with the political system has driven some Americans to support Trump, viewing him as a necessary catalyst for change.

Deep dives

Understanding Autocracy Through Historical Context

M. Gessen reflects on their experiences in Russia during the rise of Vladimir Putin, highlighting how initially absurd political narratives can evolve into serious threats to democracy. They recount how Putin targeted LGBT individuals, framing them as threats to national sovereignty, which seemed ridiculous at first but later became a personal danger, leading to Gessen's eventual flight from the country. This mirrors the current political climate under Donald Trump, where irrational ideas, such as the U.S. buying Greenland or permanently acquiring the Gaza Strip, gain traction and reshape public discourse. Gessen argues that these outlandish proposals undermine democratic norms by delegitimizing established law and order, creating a slippery slope toward autocracy.

Intro

2min

Exploring Unconventional Proposals and Their Impact on Democracy

2min

The Absurdity of Autocracy and Voter Discontent

3min

The Subtle Shift Toward Authoritarianism

2min

Examining Presidential Power and Its Impact on Democracy

2min

Is the United States headed toward autocracy?

That's a question prompted by a steady stream of executive orders seeking to consolidate power in the White House and upend long held policies and norms.

New York Times Opinion writer M. Gessen lived through much of Russia's slide into autocracy, and wrote a book about it.

They argue that one of the ways Vladimir Putin consolidated power... was by making a series of arguments that seemed outrageous at the time — like the idea that the LGBT population was a threat to Russian sovereignty.

President Donald Trump's second term has been marked by a string of policy proposals that would have been unthinkable in any other administration.

Even if they don't go anywhere, they're reshaping the boundaries of our democracy.

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Consider This from NPR

Is the U.S. headed for autocracy?

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding Autocracy Through Historical Context

The Consequences of Political Disengagement

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts