This is Democracy

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the upcoming academic year and how universities can impact our relationships with democracy and politics. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "A New Season."

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled "Bloodstains." Dr. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is also a fellow at the German Marshall Fund, and chair of the Advisory Council for the Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC. From 2014 to 2017, Kimmage served on the Secretary’s Policy Planning Staff at the U.S. Department of State, where he held the Russia/Ukraine portfolio. He publishes widely on international affairs, U.S.-Russian relations and American diplomatic history. Kimmage is the author of: The Conservative Turn: Lionel Trilling, Whittaker Chambers and the Lessons of Anti-Communism (2009); In History’s Grip: Philip Roth’s Newark Trilogy (2012); and The Abandonment of the West: The History of an Idea in American Foreign Policy (2020). His new book is Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability (2024).

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Jonathan Alter to discuss the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled "When They Go Marching in Chicago" Jonathan Alter is an award-winning author, political analyst, documentary filmmaker, columnist, television producer, and radio host. He is the author of numerous books, including:  His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life; The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies; The Promise: President Obama, Year One; and The Defining Moment: FDR’s Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope.” His new book is: American Reckoning: Inside Trump’s Trial – and My Own.

Dr. Kurt Weyland is the Mike Hogg Professor in Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin.  He has conducted original research in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and Venezuela. Prof. Weyland is the author of seven books, including: The Politics of Market Reform in Fragile Democracies (Princeton, 2002); Making Waves: Democratic Contention in Europe and Latin America(Cambridge, 2014); Assault on Democracy: Communism, Fascism, and Authoritarianism during the Interwar Years (Cambridge, 2021); and Democracy’s Resilience to Populism’s Threat (Cambridge, 2024).

Sanford Levinson, a law expert and holder of the W. St. John Garwood Chair in Law, joins the conversation to explore critical issues surrounding the Supreme Court. They delve into President Biden's proposed reforms, discussing their potential effectiveness in restoring public trust. The podcast highlights the pressing need for reforms like term limits and the challenges of implementing constitutional amendments. Additionally, they critique the current administration's inaction and call for proactive changes to ensure fair representation, illuminating the complex dynamics of presidential power and accountability.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Michael Ignatieff to discuss the current state of the institutions of democracy, how they are being questioned by some political movements, and how they can be reformed and strengthened. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "A Constitution of the Soul." Michael Ignatieff is a historian and the former leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He has served as rector and president of Central European University and is the author, most recently, of On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times. Ignatieff published an important article this summer in the Journal of Democracy, “When Democracy is on the Ballot:” https://muse.jhu.edu/article/930424.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Joanne Freeman to discuss political violence in the American political landscape from a historical perspective, and disperse some of the myths and misconceptions around it. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled "The War of Independence" Joanne Freeman is the Class of 1954 Professor of American History and American Studies at Yale University. She is the author of two groundbreaking books on political violence in America history: Affairs of Honor: National Politics in the New Republic and The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War. Prof. Freeman writes frequently for the New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic. and other publications. She is a regular guest on CNN, MSNBC, and other news networks. Her webcast -- "History Matters (...& so does coffee!)" -- can be joined every Friday morning at 10:00am EST:  Conversations

Expert on British elections, William James, discusses recent UK elections, Brexit impact, Keir Starmer's leadership, UK's foreign policy post-Brexit, UK's relations with US, China, and global alliances. Reflects on British culture, politics, and Anglo-American relationship.

Law professor Steve Vladeck discusses the Supreme Court's impact on society and democracy, reflecting on recent decisions and the consequences of political distrust. Analysis of Chief Justice Roberts' behavior and a ruling on presidential immunity raise concerns about the court's future direction. The evolution of judicial restraint and activism is explored, along with challenges to the court's credibility and potential reforms.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Kenneth Greene to discuss the recent June elections in Mexico, and how they reflect the current state of democracy in Mexico and beyond. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "Across the Moat." Kenneth Greene is Associate Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on democratization, political parties, and voting behavior, as well as Mexico’s politics. He is the author of: Why Dominant Parties Lose: Mexico’s Democratization in Comparative Perspective.