Autocracy in America

Renée DiResta, a scholar specializing in online information campaigns, shares her insights on the politicization of justice in the U.S. She recounts her personal experience battling false accusations accepted by courts without proper investigation. The conversation touches on the troubling parallels between authoritarian regimes and current American legal practices, especially regarding misinformation tied to elections. DiResta emphasizes the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on public trust and the fragility of judicial independence in democratic societies.

Stephen Richer, an election official from Arizona, and Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, engage in a compelling discussion on the insidious spread of conspiracy theories affecting democracy. They delve into personal experiences with political absurdities and the erosion of truth, revealing how unfounded claims can corrode trust in electoral processes. The conversation highlights the psychological toll on public officials and the pressures to conform within party lines, drawing alarming parallels to authoritarian regimes.

There are authoritarian tactics already at work in the United States. To root them out, you have to know where to look.Autocracy in America is produced by The Atlantic and made possible with support from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, an academic and public forum dedicated to strengthening global democracy through powerful civic engagement and informed, inclusive dialogue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices