Steven Hahn, an author known for his expertise on illiberalism, and Manisha Sinha, a specialist in the Second American Republic’s history, shed light on America's complex political landscape. They discuss the historical roots of illiberalism, particularly during the Reconstruction era, and highlight the crucial activism of African Americans in shaping civil rights. The conversation also delves into the nuanced relationships between women's suffrage, racial inclusion, and the implications of anti-Chinese sentiment as part of America's ongoing struggle for democracy and equality.