

Jonathan Rauch
Journalist and author known for writing about politics and public affairs, contributor to The Atlantic who wrote the article 'Yes, It's Fascism' discussed in this episode.
Top 10 podcasts with Jonathan Rauch
Ranked by the Snipd community

186 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 21min
#456 — American Fascism
Jonathan Rauch, journalist and author who wrote the piece 'Yes, It's Fascism.' He explains why he adopted the term and outlines 18 traits he sees in American politics. They discuss norm demolition as a deliberate strategy. They examine the glamorization of state violence and how clownish theatrics can mask dangerous ambitions.

121 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 37min
EP 287 Jonathan Rauch on the Epistemic Crisis
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, dives into the pressing issue of the epistemic crisis. He discusses Plato's Theaetetus and how manipulation shapes our understanding of truth in politics. Rauch advocates for the Constitution of Knowledge to nurture a reality-based community, highlighting the significance of free speech for minority voices. He also examines the impacts of social media on misinformation and the necessity for structured debate to uphold truth in our polarized society.

58 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 43min
#350 — Sharing Reality
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of 'The Constitution of Knowledge,' joins independent journalist Josh Szeps for a deep dive into the challenges facing our reality-based community. They discuss how societal fragmentation and media evolution impact truth dissemination. The conversation touches on the decline of moral intelligence, the role of independent journalism, and the urgent need for diverse viewpoints. They also highlight the dangers posed by misinformation and the ethical dilemmas in today’s sensationalized media landscape.

42 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 12min
Elon Musk’s Fork in the Road
Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins the discussion. He delves into the relationship between evangelical communities and politics, exploring the emergence of a 'Church of Fear.' The conversation also touches on the implications of AI advancements, specifically China's DeepSeek technology, and its impact on competition in the market. Additionally, the chaos surrounding federal funding freezes under the Trump administration is critically analyzed, highlighting its effects on vital programs.

37 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 30min
The Faith Deficit: Does America Need a Spiritual Backbone?
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and writer for The Atlantic, tackles the decline of Christianity and its implications for American democracy. He critiques both weak Christianity and the rise of a fear-driven evangelicalism that strays from core Christian values. Rauch emphasizes the need for a cooperative effort between secular and Christian communities to address this crisis. He argues that understanding the importance of healthy religious institutions is vital for preserving liberal democracy, advocating for a return to foundational teachings that promote freedom and moral integrity.

35 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 53min
An Atheist on What He Got Wrong About Christianity’s Decline
Jonathan Rauch, an openly gay atheist and author at the Brookings Institution, shares his unique perspective on Christianity's decline. He and Russell Moore discuss the surprising friendship they've formed, despite their differing beliefs. Topics include the impact of fear in American churches, the decline of church membership, and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality in faith. They explore the critical role of forbearance in liberal democracy and reflect on Rauch’s new book, while touching on mortality, morality, and personal connections with influential Christian figures.

33 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
Cross and Country
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and best-selling author, discusses his book Cross Purposes, which argues that democracy thrives on strong Christian institutions. He probes the decline of religious affiliation and its ties to hyper-partisanship and loneliness in America. Rauch emphasizes the need for a balance between Christianity and secular thought, exploring how diverse identities can stabilize society. He also highlights the civic engagement strategies of the LDS Church as a model for promoting democratic values.

28 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 20min
What If Our Democracy Can’t Survive Without Christianity?
David French, an opinion columnist and lifelong evangelical, discusses the intersection of Christianity and American democracy with Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow and author. They explore how core Christian values can bolster democratic ideals while critiquing the troubling partnership of evangelicals with political power. The dialogue touches on 'thick Christianity' and its role in civic engagement, as well as how believers and atheists might find common ground in a politically charged landscape.

27 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 36min
Jonathan Rauch On The F-Word
Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at Brookings and Atlantic contributor, offers sharp analysis on rising authoritarian currents. He explains why he labels parts of Trumpism as fascism. Short takes cover norm-breaking as a power tactic, the glorification of violence, dehumanizing rhetoric toward immigrants, masked paramilitary units, and the collapse of traditional gatekeepers.

25 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 53min
The Fight for Truth
Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, joins the conversation to explore how societies discern truth in an era rife with disinformation. He highlights the dangers posed by misinformation and authoritarian tactics that exploit confusion. The discussion underscores the importance of a reality-based community and a constitutional framework for promoting truth. Rauch argues that despite the overwhelming spread of falsehoods, reality ultimately prevails if we defend knowledge and free speech.


