In this engaging discussion, Jason Stanley, a philosopher and expert on authoritarianism, explores how Plato's insights on democracy reflect modern politics. Stephen Maher, a Canadian political reporter, connects historical parallels from Canada's 1891 election to today's national identity crises. Rick Perlstein, a historian, analyzes Herman Melville's literary works, drawing lessons on human empathy, immigration, and the dangers of demagoguery. Together, they reveal how literature and history inform our understanding of the current political landscape.