
Shikha Dalmia
Founder of the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism and publisher of "The UnPopulist." She is known for her journey from socialist India to the American libertarian movement and her critiques of libertarian responses to Donald Trump.
Top 5 podcasts with Shikha Dalmia
Ranked by the Snipd community

47 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 56min
America Will Need a Reconstruction Project After Trump: A Conversation with Shikha Dalmia and Andy Craig
Shikha Dalmia, a public commentator focused on democratic integrity, and Andy Craig, editor of the Reconstruction Agenda project, dive into the crucial need for America to rebuild after Trump's presidency. They discuss how civic resistance and historical reforms can guide future efforts. The conversation touches on the risks of executive overreach, the importance of accountability, and the need for bipartisan reforms to prevent future authoritarianism. They also highlight the push for a comprehensive reconstruction plan ready for when political chances arise.

11 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 3h 8min
Ep 403: Shikha Dalmia Is the Unpopulist
Shikha Dalmia, a columnist with a focus on populism and modern authoritarianism, dives deep into the rising tide of populism and its global implications. She discusses the transformation within the Republican Party under Trump, and highlights the parallels between populist movements in India and the U.S. Dalmia emphasizes the erosion of liberal values in today’s political climate, the fragmentation of media narratives, and the urgent need for electoral reform to safeguard democracy. With insights from her own experiences, she sheds light on the challenges of modern identity and journalism.

Dec 3, 2023 • 32min
How Not to Reform the "Deep State": The UnPopulist Editor's Roundtable
A roundtable discussion on the administrative state and Trump's plans to reform it. They explore the problems with the current form of the administrative state, the issues with broad and vague legislation, and the potential bias and lack of accountability. The discussion also delves into Trump's approach to the administrative state, the cultural battle over government institutions, and the risks of using classical liberal ideas to reshape the administrative state towards far-right ends.
Jan 14, 2026 • 54min
Defending Liberal Democracies Against Authoritarianism with Shikha Dalmia of The UnPopulist
Shikha Dalmia, Editor of The UnPopulist and a prominent voice against authoritarianism, dives deep into her journey from India to journalism and her influence on liberal thought. She discusses the surprising rise of Hindu nationalism in India, drawing parallels with Trump's appeal in the U.S. Dalmia shares her split from libertarian circles, critiques left populism, and advocates for a cross-ideological liberal coalition. She emphasizes the need for institutional safeguards against future authoritarianism and offers insightful advice for Democratic politicians.

Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 6min
Shikha Dalmia on Leaving Libertarianism
In a fascinating conversation, Shikha Dalmia, founder of the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism, shares her transition from a socialist upbringing in India to embrace libertarian ideals in America. She critiques how libertarianism struggled to confront the rise of Trump and discusses the populist sentiments shaping today's political landscape. Dalmia also tackles the tensions between socialism and market principles in combating poverty and reflects on the complexities faced by liberals in current political discourse. Her insights are both thought-provoking and challenging.


