The Rise of Authoritarianism in America

The podcast episode discusses the rise of authoritarianism in America, with a focus on the age of Donald Trump. It explores how the country became more vulnerable to Trump's rise in 2016 compared to after a national crisis like September 11th. The episode delves into historical instances where relatively affluent and stable countries made sudden turns towards authoritarianism. It also examines the factors that contributed to Trump's popularity, including economic dislocation and the manipulation of fears and insecurities among the population. The episode highlights the importance of understanding the historical context and patterns to analyze the current political landscape in the United States.