Daniel Bessner – Managing American Decline in the Trump Era

Apr 25, 2025

Daniel Bessner, a Professor of International Studies and host of the American Prestige podcast, delves into America's complex political climate and foreign policy challenges. He critiques the disconnect between political ideologies and real issues, arguing that Trump's authoritarianism shouldn't be labeled as fascism. Bessner discusses the implications of U.S. actions in global geopolitics, especially regarding China and Russia, and the pressing dangers of nuclear proliferation amid American decline, advocating for renewed dialogue and disarmament.

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INSIGHT

Limited Public Influence on Politics

American political discourse focuses on culture wars while ordinary people lack influence on real politics.
Institutions have separated state foreign policy from mass democratic will, limiting popular impact on key issues.

INSIGHT

Democracy's Expert Deficit

Democracy lacks effective mechanisms to integrate expert foreign policy with mass input.
The enduring democratic deficit in expert-driven foreign policy needs urgent address.

INSIGHT

Executive Power Dominates War Decisions

Congress has not declared war since 1942, marking a constitutional crisis.
Power centralization in the executive weakens democratic checks and balances.

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