Yascha Mounk: Is Trump’s incompetence saving us from his illiberalism?
May 23, 2017
01:36:51
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Yascha Mounk, a Lecturer on Government at Harvard University, discusses the weakening consensus on democratic governance, Trump's illiberal instincts, the rise of right-wing populism, and the threat to American institutions. Mounk's international perspective and personal story of becoming an American citizen add depth to the conversation.
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Quick takeaways
Right-wing populism is driven by a combination of economic stagnation and fear of demographic transformation.
Multi-ethnic democracies face challenges during the transition from homogeneous to diverse societies, fostering cultural clashes and resentment.
The stability of liberal democracies is not guaranteed, as rising right-wing populism challenges democratic norms and values.
American identity relies on the embrace of multi-ethnic democracy, highlighting the need for shared values and aspirations.
Deep dives
The Rise of Right-wing Populism
Right-wing populism is not solely driven by economics or changing demographics, but rather a combination of both factors. Economic stagnation and lack of economic growth can lead to a feeling of decline, especially among the lower middle class and middle-class populations. This decline, coupled with rapid demographic transformation, can bring about feelings of resentment and fear among certain communities. The fear of losing cultural identity and economic opportunities can create a sense of zero-sum politics, where people believe that gains for one group mean losses for another. The interplay between economic and demographic factors is complex and varies in different contexts.
Challenges of Multi-ethnic Democracies
Multi-ethnic democracies face unique challenges as they transition from homogeneous nations to more diverse societies. The transition can lead to cultural clashes and resentment, particularly in communities that are experiencing rapid demographic changes. The fear of losing cultural identity and the perception that resources are being allocated unequally can drive people towards right-wing populist movements. However, it's important to note that not all communities experiencing demographic shifts display the same levels of resentment, and the interplay between economic fears and changing demographics complicates the narrative further.
The Complexity of Democracy and Stability
The stability of liberal democracies is not guaranteed, and it can be influenced by a variety of factors such as economic stagnation and changing demographics. The assumption that democracy is a one-way street can be challenged in the face of rising populism and declining support for democratic norms. Economic fears, loss of cultural identity, and perceptions of unequal distribution of resources can contribute to the rise of right-wing populism. Understanding the intersectionality of these factors is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by multi-ethnic democracies.
American Identity and Integration
American identity is unique in its embrace of multi-ethnic democracy, despite ongoing challenges. The United States has been historically successful in integrating immigrants and people of diverse backgrounds, although progress is still needed. The narrative of a nation built by immigrants and the aspirations for equal multi-ethnic democracy offer hope for a more inclusive society. It is important to preserve the idea that being American does not have to be defined solely by race, religion, or ethnicity, but through shared values and aspirations.
The Importance of Researching Recycling Programs
One important point discussed in the podcast is the need for individuals to conduct research on their city's recycling program. While many people have good intentions when it comes to recycling, it is not always as simple as it seems. For example, plastic bags can be recycled, but they can cause problems when mixed with other recyclables, leading to a batch of recyclables ending up in landfills. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what items your local recycling program accepts and create a plan for disposing of items that cannot be recycled.
The Threat of Illiberalism and Democratic Backsliding
The podcast dives into the concept of illiberalism and democratic backsliding, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. It is argued that Trump has displayed authoritarian instincts and has praised authoritarian leaders in other parts of the world. The concern is that these instincts could pose a threat to American institutions. The podcast explores the experiences of countries like Poland and Hungary, where democratic institutions have eroded under illiberal leaders. While Trump may not have a coherent plan to undermine American institutions, his actions and rhetoric have raised concerns about the future of democracy in the United States.
The Role of Institutions in Countering Illiberalism
The podcast discusses the role of institutions in countering illiberalism and upholding democratic norms. It highlights the effectiveness of the courts in challenging some of Trump's controversial executive orders and how the political system has supported these challenges. Additionally, the bureaucracy and intelligence services have played a role in providing checks and balances. However, the podcast also expresses concerns about the Republican Party's ability to set boundaries on their nominating process, which has allowed unqualified and potentially illiberal candidates to rise. This weakness in party institutions could pose a future risk to democracy.
Yascha Mounk is a Lecturer on Government at Harvard University, a Fellow in the Political Reform Program at New America, and host of the podcast, The Good Fight. He’s also the author of some of the scariest political science research I’ve seen in a long time.What Mounk found is that the consensus we thought existed on behalf of democracy and democratic norms is weakening. The percentage of Americans who think it’s important to live in a democracy has been plummeting in recent decades. The percentage of Americans who say they would support a military coup is worrying high. This is the context in which Donald Trump — a politician with clearly illiberal instincts — won the presidency. And this may help explain why he won the presidency: the political consensus elites thought he violated may not actually be a consensus anymore. The good news, which Mounk and I talk about in this podcast, is that Trump may have authoritarian instincts, but he doesn’t appear to have plans, and he definitely doesn’t appear to have the discipline to stick to his plans. We also discuss Trump’s bizarre first few months in office, as well as the challenges democracies face across the western world, and whether diverse societies make pluralist liberal democracies harder to sustain. Mounk is scary smart, he’s got an international perspective most commentators on American politics lack, and his story about becoming an American citizen after growing up Jewish in Germany is worth the price of admission on its own (that would be true even if this podcast wasn’t free). Enjoy!Books:“The Subjection of Women," by John Stuart Mill"A House for Mr. Biswas," by V. S. Naipaul“The Leopard," by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
