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Offline with Jon Favreau
What Post-Democracy America Looks Like
Feb 16, 2025
Dr. Steven Levitsky, a political scientist from Harvard and author of 'How Democracies Die,' discusses the looming threat of competitive authoritarianism in the U.S. during a potential second Trump term. He explains how this form of governance differs from traditional dictatorship and why it's gaining traction. The conversation also touches on media freedom challenges, including lawsuits against journalists, and how social media influences political narratives. The host duo adds a humorous twist as they dive into the implications of AI in government and their personal digital detox journey.
01:24:08
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the rise of competitive authoritarianism in the U.S., where democracy exists superficially but operates under heavy manipulation.
- The transition from Trump 1.0 to Trump 2.0 signifies a more strategic and ideologically-driven governance capable of suppressing dissent.
Deep dives
The Unique Nature of Competitive Authoritarianism
Competitive authoritarianism represents a hybrid political system where democratic processes exist but are undermined by state abuses. In this model, elections occur, and opposition movements are allowed to operate, yet systematic manipulation tilts the playing field heavily in favor of the ruling party. This framework has been identified in countries like Hungary and Turkey, and the discussion highlights the abnormality of encountering such a system within the United States. The presence of established democratic structures gives way to an environment where governance appears democratic, but the reality is one of constrained opposition and distorted accountability.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode