The New Yorker Radio Hour

The Authors of “How Democracies Die” on the New Democratic Minority

Nov 15, 2024
Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, both Harvard professors and co-authors of "How Democracies Die," dive into the concerning state of American democracy. They argue that voters aren't solely responsible for protecting democracy; it’s the role of elites and institutions. The duo highlights the troubling trend of democratic backsliding, emphasizing that this crisis predates Trump. They stress the need to confront hard questions about political behavior and the Electoral College, warning that without reform, the democratic landscape will continue to deteriorate.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Democracy's Decline

  • American democracy is backsliding, scoring lower than Argentina on freedom indices.
  • This is due to restricted ballot access, threats against officials, and attempts to overturn elections.
INSIGHT

Republican Party's Transformation

  • The Republican Party's transformation into a Trump-controlled entity is concerning.
  • This unified power poses a greater threat to democracy than Trump alone.
INSIGHT

Minority Rule

  • US institutions favor sparsely populated areas, leading to minority rule.
  • This resulted in a president and Senate elected with fewer votes, significantly impacting the Supreme Court's composition.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app