The Bulwark Podcast Garry Kasparov and Jerusalem Demsas: Democracy Can't Defend Itself
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Aug 21, 2025 Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and dissident, and Jerusalem Demsas, editor-in-chief of The Argument, dive deep into the rising threats to democracy. They explore Kasparov's transition from chess prodigy to a fierce advocate for democratic values, emphasizing the fragility of institutions in the U.S. amid geopolitical tensions. The duo dissects the problematic Trump-Putin relationship, the impact of historical narratives on politics, and the launch of a new media outlet aimed at revitalizing liberal discourse. The conversation reflects on engaging diverse views to tackle modern challenges.
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From Chess Champion To Dissident
- Kasparov recounts growing up in the Soviet Union and using his chess fame to support Perestroika.
- He left chess in 2005 to join pro-democracy opposition against Russia's slide to dictatorship.
Democracy Requires Active Vigilance
- Garry Kasparov warns democracies can backslide if complacent and lose vigilance.
- He argues values must be actively defended, not assumed to self-sustain.
Normalization Changes Political Norms
- Kasparov says Trump has normalized previously unacceptable behavior and shifted political culture.
- He frames Trump’s tactics as escalating lies and constitutional challenges over time.
