Democracy Paradox

Justin Kempf
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May 14, 2024 • 52min

When Democracy Breaks: Ancient Athens with Josiah Ober and Federica Carugati

What strikes me about that period is that democracy was not inevitable.Federica CarugatiMade in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and InnovationGet your copy of When Democracy Breaks or read it open access.Access Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduProudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Josiah Ober is a Professor of Political Science and Classics at Stanford University. Federica Carugati is a Lecturer in History and Political Economy at King's College London. They are the coauthors of the chapter “Democratic Collapse and Recovery in Ancient Athens (413-403 BCE)” in a new book called When Democracy Breaks: Studies in Democratic Erosion and Collapse, From Ancient Athens to the Present Day.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Democratization - 3:28Breakdown - 17:36Rebirth - 36:48Final Lessons - 47:51Key LinksWhen Democracy Breaks: Studies in Democratic Erosion and Collapse, From Ancient Athens to the Present Day edited by Archon Fung, David Moss, and Odd Arne Westad"Democratic Collapse and Recovery in Ancient Athens (413-403 BCE)" by Federica Carugati and Josiah OberAsh Center for Democratic Governance and InnovationDemocracy Paradox PodcastDoes Democracy Rely on a Civic Bargain? Josiah Ober Makes the CaseDavid Stasavage on Early Democracy and its DeclineMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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May 7, 2024 • 50min

Alexander Keyssar on Why We Still Have the Electoral College

I think that if you got rid of the Electoral College, in the short run, there would be losers. But it hasn't always been the same group and it hasn't always been the same party.Alexander KeyssarMade in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and InnovationMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduProudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Alexander Keyssar is the Matthew W. Stirling Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy at Harvard University and the author of the book Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Origin of the Electoral College - 3:05Proportional or District Electoral Votes - 17:37Race and Civil Rights - 27:02Why No Reform - 41:44Key LinksWhy Do We Still Have the Electoral College? by Alexander KeyssarWatch Electoral College Symposium: What’s to be Done?Follow Alexander Keyssar on X @AlexKeyssarDemocracy Paradox PodcastHeather Cox Richardson on History, Conservatism, and the Awakening of American DemocracyDaniel Ziblatt on American Democracy, the Republican Party, and the Tyranny of the MinorityMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Apr 30, 2024 • 50min

Robert Kagan on the Threat of Antiliberalism

You actually have to fight in every generation, if you want to preserve liberalism. It's not just going to preserve itself. It's not just the end of history. It isn't just the final resting place of humanity - not by any stretch of the imagination. It's a continual struggle.Robert KaganAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduProudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Robert Kagan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a columnist for The Washington Post. He is the author of many books including most recently The Ghost at the Feast: America and the Collapse of World Order, 1900-1941 and Rebellion: How Antiliberalism Is Tearing America Apart--Again.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Traditions of Liberalism and Antiliberalism - 3:04Antiliberalism as an Idea - 8:35Tension Within Ourselves - 21:25Future of Liberalism and Antiliberalism - 37:42Key LinksRebellion: How Antiliberalism Is Tearing America Apart--Again by Robert KaganThe Ghost at the Feast: America and the Collapse of World Order, 1900-1941 by Robert KaganFollow Robert Kagan at the Brookings InstitutionDemocracy Paradox PodcastRobert Kagan Looks to American History to Explain Foreign Policy TodayHeather Cox Richardson on History, Conservatism, and the Awakening of American DemocracyMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Apr 23, 2024 • 33min

Rep Mikie Sherrill on Whether the Bipartisan Consensus on Foreign Policy Will Hold and on Threats to American Democracy

People in Congress are leaders in their communities and people in some parts of this country are, in my opinion, being led astray.Rep. Mikie SherrillThis episode was made in partnership with the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of DemocracyAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduProudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Representative Mikie Sherrill represents the 11th Congressional District of New Jersey. She sits on the Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness, Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy, a Master’s degree in Global History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Law degree from Georgetown University.  She is a military veteran with almost ten years of active duty service.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Personal Background - 3:48Polarization and Foreign Policy - 13:50China - 23:36American Democracy - 28:41Key LinksLearn more about Rep. Mikie Sherrill on her Congressional pageFollow Rep. Mikie Sherrill on X @RepSherrill or @MikieSherrillRep. Mikie Sherrill's Campaign PageDemocracy Paradox PodcastGrading Biden’s Foreign Policy with Alexander WardCan America Fight Back Against the Authoritarian Economic Statecraft of China? Bethany Allen Believes We CanMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Apr 16, 2024 • 56min

Saskia Brechenmacher on Promoting Gender Equality Through Democracy Assistance Aid

What does it mean to empower women politically in a context in which the dominant party is engaged in democratic backsliding or other forms of illiberal and exclusionary politics? Would you still want more women to be part of that party?Saskia BrechenmacherAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduMade in partnership with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Saskia Brechenmacher is a fellow in Carnegie’s Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program. Recently, she coauthored a new book with Katherine Mann called Aiding Empowerment: Democracy Promotion and Gender Equality in Politics.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Democracy Promotion and Gender Equality - 3:13Gender Quotas - 12:38Challenges - 28:12New Ideas and Issues - 44:53Key LinksAiding Empowerment: Democracy Promotion and Gender Equality in Politics by Saskia Brechenmacher and Katherine MannLearn more about Saskia Brechenmacher at the Carnegie EndowmentFollow Saskia Brechenmacher on X @SaskiaBrechDemocracy Paradox PodcastMarc Plattner Has Quite a Bit to Say About DemocracyLarry Diamond on Supporting Democracy in the World and at HomeMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Apr 9, 2024 • 47min

Democracy in a Postmodern Era with Bruce Ackerman

We have to reconstruct the foundations of our democracy, building on the past, not repudiating everything we're building on it.Bruce AckermanAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduSponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Bruce Ackerman is the Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale. He is well known as a legal scholar and a political philosopher. His most recent book is The Postmodern Predicament: Existential Challenges of the Twenty-First Century.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Modernity - 2:37Postmodernism - 15:26Deliberation Day - 36:08Rethinking Modernity - 43:28Key LinksThe Postmodern Predicament: Existential Challenges of the Twenty-First Century by Bruce AckermanLearn more about Bruce Ackerman on WikipediaFollow Bruce Ackerman on X @backermanyaleDemocracy Paradox PodcastYascha Mounk Warns Against a Misguided New IdeologyZizi Papacharissi Dreams of What Comes After DemocracyMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Apr 2, 2024 • 52min

Adam Casey on How Military Aid Can Stabilize and Destabilize Foreign Autocrats

We thought we were strengthening the militaries in the Cold War. In fact, the political effects of those strengthened militaries ended up leading to a longer-term deterioration and instability.Adam CaseyAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduSponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Adam E. Casey is an analyst in the United States government. He wrote Up in Arms: How Military Aid Stabilizes―and Destabilizes―Foreign Autocrats while he was a research fellow at the Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies at the University of Michigan. All the content in the book and this interview reflects the views of the author and does not reflect the position of any US government agency or department, nor does it assert or imply US government authentication of information or endorsement of the author's views.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Why Military Aid Destabilizes Some Autocrats - 4:23The Soviet Approach to Military Aid - 21:50Revolutionary Governments - 29:09Modernization - 35:57Key LinksUp in Arms: How Military Aid Stabilizes―and Destabilizes―Foreign Autocrats by Adam Casey"The Origins of Military Supremacy in Dictatorships," by Dan Slater Lucan A. Way Jean Lachapelle and Adam E. Casey in Journal of Democracy.Follow Adam Casey on X @adam_e_caseyDemocracy Paradox PodcastAfter a Coup, Can the Constitutional Order Be Repaired? Adem Abebe on Rebuilding Constitutions in West AfricaNaunihal Singh on the Myth of the Coup ContagionMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Mar 26, 2024 • 49min

Disinformation is a Threat to Democracy Says Barbara McQuade

We have to care more about truth than tribe. We have to care more about each other than about profit.Barbara McQuadeThis episode was made in partnership with the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of DemocracyAccess Episodes Ad-Free on PatreonMake a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.eduSponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.orgA full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Barbara McQuade is a professor from practice at the University of Michigan Law School. She is also a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and a co-host of the podcast #SistersInLaw. Her new book Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Propaganda Today - 3:05Disinformation and Polarization - 19:57Free Speech - 24:29Attack from Within - 37:14Key LinksAttack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuadeLearn more about Barbara McQuadeFollow Barbara McQuade on X @BarbMcQuadeDemocracy Paradox PodcastPeter Pomerantsev on Winning an Information WarSamuel Woolley on Bots, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital PropagandaMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracySupport the show
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Mar 19, 2024 • 53min

Grading Biden's Foreign Policy with Alexander Ward

Alexander Ward, an expert in American foreign policy, discusses grading Biden's foreign policy, including the challenges faced in handling crises like Ukraine. The podcast delves into the Biden administration's stance on foreign policy, analyzing their responses to events like Afghanistan withdrawal and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The assessment highlights successes and failures, ultimately giving the administration a 'C' grade for lacking foresight and facing implementation challenges.
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50 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 48min

Peter Pomerantsev on Winning an Information War

Exploring propaganda methods in modern information warfare, Peter Pomerantsev discusses historical tactics and the challenges facing democratic forces. Delving into communication strategies, he highlights the complexities of influencing beliefs and the importance of understanding echo chambers. The podcast delves into the moral dilemmas of information warfare and the impact of Russian propaganda methods, emphasizing the significance of strategic communication.

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