Rick Pildes

In a compelling discussion, Rick Pildes, a constitutional law professor at NYU, dives into the intricate relationship between social media and democracy. He compares the current impact of social media to historical media shifts, highlighting its unique capacity to polarize political discourse and disrupt traditional governance. Pildes explores how small-donor campaigns are reshaping political dynamics, while the loss of gatekeepers contributes to a fragmented information landscape. Ultimately, he raises critical questions about the future of democracy in the age of digital communication.

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.