In this fascinating discussion, Daniel Ziblatt, a Harvard political scientist and co-author of bestselling books like *How Democracies Die*, examines how big money disrupts democratic processes. He highlights the alarming rise of corporate influence and its role in pushing voters toward extremes, undermining civil liberties and economic growth. Ziblatt questions whether democracy can truly thrive when undemocratic leaders are elected. He offers insights on how to realign governmental interests back to serving the people and confronting the decline of democracy globally.

Die Themen dieser Folge umfassen die Funktionsweise der EU-Wahlen, die unzureichende Klimaschutzpolitik, Bidens Gaza-Plan, das Trump-Urteil und die Auswirkungen, sowie die Abschiebe-Debatte. Simon Wolfgang Fuchs spricht über den Gaza-Krieg, während Daniel Ziblatt Trumps Verurteilung diskutiert.

Daniel Ziblatt, Eaton Professor of Government at Harvard University and director of the Transformations of Democracy group at Berlin's Social Science Center, discusses American Democracy, the Republican Party, and the Tyranny of the Minority. Key topics include American democracy's counter-majoritarian quirks, warning signs and proposed solutions for challenges to democracy, potential reforms to democratize the United States, rise of Trump within the Republican Party, diversity and power dynamics within the party, and the unexpected nature of democratization reforms and the importance of broad coalitions.

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, comparativist political scientists and co-authors of 'How Democracies Die,' dive into the threats faced by modern democracies. They analyze the fragility of democratic institutions using historical examples from Chile and Venezuela, highlighting warning signs of potential authoritarianism. The conversation touches on the rise of populism, the dangers of extreme polarization, and the importance of political forbearance. They stress the need for vigilance to navigate today’s political landscape.

In deze aflevering bespreken Daniel Ziblatt, een Harvard-professor die zich richt op de Amerikaanse democratie, en VS-correspondent Björn Soenens de kritieke staat van de democratie in de VS. Ze analyseren de invloed van Donald Trump en de rol van extremisme en sociale media. De sprekers wijzen op de bedreigingen voor democratische waarden door autoritaire leiders, de gevolgen van nieuwe stemwetgeving in Georgia en de complexiteit van het Amerikaanse verkiezingssysteem, inclusief gerrymandering. Hoe staan we ervoor met de democratie?

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, authors of 'Tyranny of the Minority,' discuss American institutions and the distortion of majority governance, polarizing effect of race on the electorate, and the need for institutional reform and a more diverse Republican Party.

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, both Harvard professors and co-authors of "How Democracies Die," dive into the concerning state of American democracy. They argue that voters aren't solely responsible for protecting democracy; it’s the role of elites and institutions. The duo highlights the troubling trend of democratic backsliding, emphasizing that this crisis predates Trump. They stress the need to confront hard questions about political behavior and the Electoral College, warning that without reform, the democratic landscape will continue to deteriorate.

Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, Harvard political scientists and authors of "How Democracies Die," discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. They assert that it's not the voters' job to defend democracy, as they often prioritize personal concerns over abstract principles. Exploring the implications of Trump’s presidency, they highlight the dangers of minority-supported leaders and advocate for institutional reform to combat democratic backsliding. Both scholars emphasize that civic engagement and elite accountability are crucial to safeguarding democratic norms.

Harvard professor Daniel Ziblatt discusses the dangerous alliance between conservative elites and authoritarian movements, highlighting Trump's promise of tax cuts for support and anti-immigrant sentiments. The episode explores historical parallels, the impact on democracy, and the risks for corporate leaders aligning with Trump's lawless agenda.

The podcast discusses the role of conservative parties in democracies like the UK and Germany, contrasting them with the US. It explores the need for institutional reform to strengthen democracy and highlights the importance of civil society mobilization in preserving democratic values.