
The Context
"The Context" is a podcast about democracy—its past, present and future—brought to you by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
History ripples and changes. From decisions at the dinner table to declarations from the Rose Garden; moments build upon one another informing our past, illuminating our present, inventing our future. History makes meaning, especially when it comes to the state of our democracy, and context is everything.
The Context is a new podcast about the history, trends, and ideas shaping democracy in the United States and around the world. In each episode, host Alex Lovit will interview someone who has seen it all—scholars, politicians, journalists and public servants—to get their take on how we got to where we are and what they’ve seen through their experience not only watching the news unfold but sometimes even being the news itself. Reckoning with racism, a crisis of democracy, the right role of government in our daily lives—every question has its reason; every answer has its context.
Tune in every other week wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe to The Context to get the latest episodes.
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation works to inspire and connect individuals and organizations to advance thriving and inclusive democracies around the globe. We believe all people belong and have the right to engage in and shape a democracy that serves them.
Latest episodes

Jan 30, 2024 • 48min
Steven Levitsky: Institutional Reform Won’t Save Democracy in 2024. What Will?

Jan 22, 2024 • 1min
Trailer: Welcome to The Context
Welcome to The Context. A podcast from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation about what it takes for democracy to thrive
You may have heard that democracy is in crisis. In the United States, citizens are alienated from their government, corruption threatens to undermine representation, and many are losing faith in our institutions altogether. There are also some bright spots. Recent elections have seen the largest, most diverse electorate in American history. On “The Context,” a new podcast from the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, we’ll explore the complex story of our democracy – its failures and successes, missteps, and triumphs. American democracy has always been flawed, excluding some voices and prioritizing others. But even a flawed system can be used as a tool for pro-democratic reform – in fact, that’s the story of American history. On “The Context,” host Alex Lovit, senior program officer and historian, will interview leaders in the field to confront the real problems challenging democracy today – but also celebrate its strengths and its successes.