Fresh Air Stacey Abrams On American Autocracy & Her New Chapter
27 snips
Jul 15, 2025 Stacey Abrams, a prominent American politician and voting rights activist, isn't running for office but keeps her options open for the future. She discusses her thrilling new novel, Coded Justice, while emphasizing the urgent fight against voter suppression. Abrams highlights the crucial role of technology and decentralized leadership in preserving democracy. She also reflects on the interplay between authenticity and the performative nature of politics, urging a focus on community needs over authoritarian agendas.
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The 10 Steps to Autocracy
- Autocracy develops through ten distinct steps, starting with a last free election and ending with permanent voter suppression.
- Each step involves eroding checks, media, civil society, and incentivizing violence to consolidate power.
Recent Signs of Autocratic Shift
- Recent use of military forces against civilians and arrests of officials protesting policy are alarming signs of democratic erosion.
- Early opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion signals upcoming attacks on vulnerable communities.
Justice Jackson's Vital Dissents
- Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson's dissents highlight the erosion of judicial integrity and the responsibility of courts to safeguard democracy.
- Her dissenting opinions lay breadcrumbs for future restoration of justice and rule of law.
