Bulwark Takes

Our Democracy Is Actually Dying

6 snips
May 11, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Daniel Ziblatt, a Harvard professor and co-author of *How Democracies Die*, joins political analyst Bill Kristol to dissect alarming trends threatening democracy during Trump’s second term. They discuss the erosion of democratic institutions, the dangerous shift towards loyalty over rule of law, and the troubling use of executive orders. Drawing parallels with historical authoritarian regimes, they emphasize the urgent need for resistance and highlight how civic leaders can inspire citizen engagement to protect democracy.
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INSIGHT

Rapid Institutional Capture

  • The rapid capture of democratic institutions is worse than expected in Trump's second term.
  • This phase can be seen as the "fifth year" continuation of Trump's project, not just the initial 100 days.
INSIGHT

Patrimonialism Threatens Democracy

  • Filling state positions with loyalists enables weaponizing the state against democracy.
  • Patrimonialism can make the state effective in carrying out personal agendas, threatening rule of law.
INSIGHT

Levers of Authoritarian Power

  • Control of coercive state apparatus is crucial for authoritarian power.
  • Trump's administration shows a strategic focus on these power centers, unlike his first term.
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