This is Democracy

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.

Isabel Cademartori, a German Bundestag member, discusses European democracy, shifts in election campaigns, rise of extreme right youth support in Europe, and finding hope in challenging times. The episode highlights resilience in democracy, citizen engagement, and global coexistence.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. John W. Hall to discuss the D-Day landing during World War II, and what lessons can be learned from its legacy. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "In Leipzig on D-Day." John W. Hall is a professor and holder of the Ambrose-Hesseltine Chair in U.S. Military History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He served fifteen years as an active-duty infantry officer in the U.S. Army. He also served as a historian to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the author of Uncommon Defense: Indian Allies in the Black Hawk War and numerous essays on American warfare.

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Marc-William Palen to discuss the history of free trade and associated hopes for international peace. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "A World at Sail" Marc-William Palen is a historian at the University of Exeter. His new book, Pax Economica: Left-Wing Visions of a Free Trade World (Princeton University Press), was published in early 2024 and has been named among the year's "best books" by the New Yorker. His other publications include The '"Conspiracy" of Free Trade: The Anglo-American Struggle over Empire and Economic Globalisation, 1846-1896 (Cambridge University Press, 2016). His work has also appeared in Le Monde, Time Magazine, the Washington Post, the Australian, and the New York Times.

Sheena Chestnut Greitens, an expert on China's political landscape, discusses the complexities of US-China relations, Xi Jinping's security focus, Taiwan's future, and the evolving dynamics between the two nations. The conversation highlights the historical connections, cultural clashes, and strategic implications in the global arena.

On this episode of This Is Democracy, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the ongoing university protests across the nation, specifically focusing on the demonstrations at Yale and UT Austin and their impacts on the surrounding environment. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, "For Lisa."