Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Stanford University's Larry Diamond
Aug 7, 2019
Larry Diamond, a Stanford professor and democracy expert, delves into his new book, exploring the alarming rise of authoritarianism and its implications for global democracy. He discusses the impact of Russian interference and the long-term threat posed by China's authoritarian regime. Diamond argues for reforms like ranked-choice voting to combat polarization and revitalize American democracy. He warns of declining investment in R&D, urging for innovation to maintain competitiveness against rising global powers.
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Democracy's Rise and Fall
- After the Soviet Union's fall, democracy initially spread rapidly.
- This was fueled partly by rising digital communication tools.
Technology's Double-Edged Sword
- Authoritarian regimes learned to use digital tools for surveillance and repression.
- This has significantly contributed to the decline of freedom globally.
Rise of Right-Wing Populism
- The Sweden Democrats, an anti-immigrant party, are now Sweden's third-largest.
- Similar right-wing populist parties are gaining traction across Europe.
