Matthew McWilliams

Matthew MacWilliams, a Fellow at the German Marshall Fund and expert on authoritarianism, joins Sam Stein to explore how authoritarian tendencies predict support for Donald Trump. They delve into the psychological roots of this phenomenon, discussing how fear fuels such dispositions and the pivotal role social media plays in spreading Trump’s message. MacWilliams warns of the dangers of America’s drift towards authoritarianism and emphasizes the urgent need to engage younger voters in democratic principles.

Join Peter E. Gordon, a Harvard scholar, along with Molly Worthen and Matthew McWilliams, as they dissect the revival of The Authoritarian Personality. They explore how historical contexts shape today's political climates, dissecting traits of those drawn to authoritarianism. Jonathan Weiler adds insights on identity struggles amid rising populism. The conversation delves into the emotional undercurrents of political beliefs, societal polarization during elections, and the lasting impact of historical studies on modern democratic challenges.