Voicecraft E133| What Is Politics and Why Are We Stuck? w/ Benjamin Studebaker & Tim Adalin
Aug 22, 2025
Political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, author of works examining legitimacy and crises in democracy, engages with Tim Adalin on contemporary political challenges. They explore how technofeudalism shapes communication and societal relationships. The discussion also delves into the fragmentation of political legitimacy, the impact of digital discourse on divisiveness, and the role of violence in civil conflicts. Ultimately, they advocate for reevaluating political participation and fostering authentic change in increasingly alienated communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Politics As Legitimation Of Decisions
- Politics concerns intractable disagreements that cannot be resolved by ordinary persuasion or deals.
- Legitimation explains why decisions made without consensus should be accepted despite resentment.
Minimal Legitimacy And Fear Of Alternatives
- People tolerate minimal legitimacy when they distrust institutions but see no feasible alternative.
- Fear of violent or disastrous alternatives (20th-century regimes) keeps people from pursuing radical change.
Money And Capital Mobility Shape Power
- Global capital mobility and trade liberalization limit nation-states' policy autonomy and democratic capacity.
- This structural constraint creates a sense that 'no one is in charge' and that money effectively governs outcomes.
