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Jacobin Radio

Behind the News: DOGE-ism w/ Quinn Slobodian

Feb 25, 2025
Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University history professor and expert in neoliberalism, dives into the complexities of Trumpism and its implications. He discusses whether Trump embodies neoliberal principles and elaborates on the three strands of DOGE-ism. Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute, examines Europe's military response to the Ukraine conflict and the tangled dynamics of U.S.-European relations. Together, they unpack the contradictions of modern political discourse and the impact of neoliberalism on governance.
53:01

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores the complexities of Trump's political identity, suggesting he embodies elements of both neoliberalism and authoritarian capitalism amidst shifting conservative ideologies.
  • Quinn Slobodian discusses the rise of DOGE-ism, emphasizing its intersection with Wall Street and Silicon Valley, which threatens traditional democratic values and accountability.

Deep dives

Trump's Self-Identification as King

Trump’s announcement to cancel New York City's congestion pricing program illustrates his tendency to position himself as a ruler, which raises questions about the implications of his leadership style. This attempt to dismiss an important funding source for public transit draws attention to his broader political motivations and his manipulative rhetoric. His reference to a misattributed quote regarding law and the state underscores a concerning dismissal of legal frameworks, leaving many to wonder what he perceives as a threat to 'saving' the country. The core issue revolves around what Trump aims to protect, as he ironically claims to guard against concepts such as pronouns, reflecting his prioritization of personal narrative over public policy effectiveness.

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