Just how worried should we be about the future of American democracy? This is the question at the center of a two-part series from Vox Conversations and host Zack Beauchamp.For part two, Zack talks with political scientist Lee Drutman, author of Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop. They discuss the history of the two-party system in American politics, and examine a number of possible structural reforms that could work to get the U.S. out of the morass it's in, looking to several other countries' democracies for inspiration.And, if you missed it, check out part one in this series, a lively debate between Zack and the New York Times's Ross Douthat, on just how close we are to political violence, authoritarianism, and democratic breakdown.Host: Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), Senior Correspondent, VoxGuest: Lee Drutman (@leedrutman), senior fellow, New AmericaReferences:  "How does this end?" by Zack Beauchamp (Vox; Jan. 3) Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America (Oxford; 2020) "Democracy in America? Partisanship, Polarization, and the Robustness of Support for Democracy in the United States" by Matthew H. Graham and Milan W. Svolik (American Political Science Review, 114 (2); May 2020) "One way to reform the House of Representatives? Expand it" by Lee Drutman and Yuval Levin (Washington Post; Dec. 9, 2021) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Bonier, a senior advisor at Target Smart specialized in voter turnout, and Lee Drutman, a senior fellow at New America focused on political reform, dive into the recent decline in voter participation. They discuss the growing disillusionment with major candidates, particularly regarding issues like healthcare. The duo highlights voter apathy driven by local concerns and emphasizes the pressing need for reform in the two-party system. Their insights shed light on the rise of independents and reforms like fusion voting to energize the electorate.

Rick Pildes, Professor of Constitutional Law, debates with political scientist Lee Drutman on the causes and consequences of political polarization and fragmentation. They explore the challenges faced by Western democracies in forming stable coalitions and delivering effective governance. They also discuss the toxic and tribal nature of political culture in the US compared to the UK's system, along with the impact of voting systems, diversity, and the primary system on political polarization and fragmentation in America.