Martin Wolf and Fiona Hill on democracy’s year of peril
Jun 23, 2024
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Martin Wolf and Fiona Hill discuss the challenges facing democracy globally, drawing parallels between Trump and Putin, concerns about the US Congress, and potential outcomes of the upcoming elections. They explore the erosion of democratic principles, rise of strongmen, and the impact of leadership on democratic systems.
Growing support for populist parties poses a threat to democracy globally.
Leaders like Trump and Putin exhibit tendencies to consolidate personal power.
US Congress' failure to fulfill its role threatens democratic governance.
Deep dives
Russian Presidential Contest and Interference
In a discussion with an expert on Russian geopolitics, the podcast highlights the controversial 2019 Russian presidential contest won by Vladimir Putin with a dubious 88% of the vote. The episode addresses Russia's interference in global elections, blurring lines between fact and fiction, posing a significant threat to democracies worldwide.
Comparative Analysis: Yeltsin's Actions and Trump's Presidency
A comparison between Boris Yeltsin's authoritarian tendencies in the 1990s in Russia and Donald Trump's actions during his US presidency is drawn. Yeltsin's forceful acts and sidelining of checks and balances mirror Trump's efforts to consolidate power, leading to concerns about eroding democratic safeguards and promoting personal authority.
Democratic Challenges Globally
The podcast expands on the global challenges to democracy, noting the rise of strongmen leaders and democratic setbacks. While some nations like Poland witness shifts in power dynamics, debates on electoral reforms and political party systems emerge in countries like Germany. The discussion underscores the ongoing struggle for democratic principles amidst escalating authoritarianism.
US Political Fractures and Constitutional Crisis
Fiona Hill discusses the US political landscape, indicating Congress' failure to uphold its role in the face of political turmoil. The podcast delves into potential implications of a weakened federal government under a second Trump administration, raising concerns about governance, state-federal relations, and the US's role in global stability.
Uncertainty in US Election Outcomes and Democratic System
As the US election outcome remains uncertain, the episode underscores its pivotal impact on liberal democracy. The discussion contemplates the potential fragility of democratic systems in the face of populist leaders and electoral divisions, leaving the future of democratic governance globally in a state of unpredictability.
Across the world, billions of citizens are being asked to cast their vote in elections taking place in more than 50 countries, and in many places, populist, illiberal and far-right parties are either growing in support or consolidating gains they have already made. Fiona Hill, who served as senior director for European and Russian affairs on the National Security Council in the Trump White House from 2017 to 2019, tells Martin Wolf about the parallels she sees between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, why she believes the US Congress has failed and how she will not be breathing a sigh of relief if President Joe Biden wins in the November polls. Clips: The Times, The Sunday Times, CSpan
This episode is presented by Martin Wolf. The producer is Sandra Kanthal. Production help from Sonja Hutson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and the sound engineer is Nigel Appleton. The FT's global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.