Democracy Paradox

Justin Kempf

Is it possible for a democracy to govern undemocratically? Can the people elect an undemocratic leader? Is it possible for democracy to bring about authoritarianism? And if so, what does this say about democracy? My name is Justin Kempf. Every week I talk to the brightest minds on subjects like international relations, political theory, and history to explore democracy from every conceivable angle. Topics like civil resistance, authoritarian successor parties, and the autocratic middle class challenge our ideas about democracy. Join me as we unravel new topics every week.

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Oct 29, 2025 · 49 min
Amel Ahmed Says the Regime Question Has Returned
The regime question at its core is about how we should govern ourselves... This is an enduring question that is essential to democratic politics. Amel Ahmed This episode begins with host Justin Kempf and Javier Pérez Sandoval setting the stage for a deep dive into the “regime question,” highlighting its significance in democratic theory and contemporary politics. Their introductory discussion explores foundational divides in political systems and frames the questions that will be pursued, particularly the tensions between institutional arrangements and party cleavages. The heart of the episode follows as Kempf interviews Amel Ahmed, who draws on her comparative research to examine historical battles over parliamentary power, suffrage, and executive authority in the United Kingdom, United States, and Germany. Ahmed connects these cases to present-day concerns about legislative dysfunction and polarization, demonstrating that ongoing contestation over the rules of democracy is both persistent and essential to democratic governance. The Democracy Paradox is made in partnership with the Kellogg Institute of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Read the full transcript here. Amel Ahmed is an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the author of the book The Regime Question: Foundations of Democratic Governance in Europe and the United States. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 What is the Regime Question - 8:42 Electoral Authoritarianism - 25:05 Resolving the Regime Question - 36:03 Implications for Democracy - 44:47 Links Learn more about Javier Pérez Sandoval Learn more about Amel Ahmed Learn more about her book, The Regime Question: Foundations of Democratic Governance in Europe and the United States Learn more about the Kellogg Institute Support the show
Oct 15, 2025 · 52 min
Tom Carothers Says We Misunderstand Democratic Backsliding
After an introductory conversation with Kellogg Faculty Fellow Marc Jacob, Democracy Paradox host Justin Kempf explores the dynamics of global democracy with renowned expert Thomas Carothers. Carothers, the director of the Carnegie Endowment's Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program, shares his deep knowledge and firsthand experiences in democracy promotion, focusing on the importance of coalition-building, inclusive leadership, and long-term commitment in sustaining democratic movements. Drawing from case studies in Latin America, particularly Chile and Brazil, he provides thoughtful reflections on the challenges and successes of political activism. This conversation offers insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists dedicated to advancing resilient democratic institutions worldwide. The Democracy Paradox is made in partnership with the Kellogg Institute of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Read the full transcript here. Tom Carothers is the Director of the Democracy Conflict and Governance Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He's the author of numerous books and articles. Some of his most recent articles and reports include “Misunderstanding Democratic Backsliding,” “Lessons about Backsliding and Resistance,” and “Understanding and Responding to Global Democratic Backsliding.” Chapters Introduction with Marc Jacob - 0:20 Explanations for Backsliding - 8:40 Role of Institutions - 24:28 Polarization - 37:31 Democratic Hardball - 39:24 Links: Learn more about Marc Jacob. Learn more about Thomas Carothers. Learn more about the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more about the Kellogg Institute. Support the show
Oct 1, 2025 · 50 min
Javier Corrales on Intentional Polarization
Javier Corrales, professor of political science at Amherst College, discusses his recent research on democratic backsliding and intentional polarization. The discussion explores how leaders employ extremist policies and ideological rhetoric to consolidate executive power, drawing comparisons between Venezuela, the United States, and other global contexts. An introductory conversation with Kellogg Visiting Fellow Henry Moncrieff offers a nuanced look at opposition strategies and the complex factors shaping democratic resilience and decline. Read the transcript here. The Democracy Paradox is made in partnership with the Kellogg Institute of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Javier Corrales is Dwight W. Morrow 1895 professor of Political Science at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He is the author of the book Autocracy Rising: How Venezuela Transitioned to Authoritarianism as well as numerous scholarly articles. His most recent article (coauthored with Ricardo José Salas Díaz) is "Intentional Polarization: How Policy Extremism and Ideological Overuse Promote Democratic Backsliding" published in Democratization. Chapters Introduction with Henry Moncrieff 0:20 Leaders Drive Polarization 5:48 Radicalization 15:43 Opposition Response 26:32 Role of the Public - 37:29 Learn more about Javier Corrales. Learn more about Henry Moncrieff. Learn more about the Kellogg Institute. Support the show
Sep 17, 2025 · 40 min
Susan Stokes on Democratic Backsliders
In this episode, Justin interviews Susan Stokes, the Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and Director of the Chicago Center on Democracy. They discuss her new book The Backsliders, which explains how economic inequality and political polarization create conditions that allow leaders to undermine democratic institutions. She explores the roles of populism, voter behavior, and institutional erosion in democratic backsliding worldwide. Read the transcript here. The Democracy Paradox is made in partnership with the Kellogg Institute at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Chapters Introduction - 0:20 Leadership - 3:51 Economic Inequality - 6:35 Polarization - 19:35 Populism - 27:27 Key Links Learn more about Susan Stokes. Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine their Own Democracies Victoria Murillo - The Social Underpinnings of Political Discontent in Latin America - September 23rd, 12:30pm - 2:00pm Central Time. If you can't make it, click here to watch the video! Check out this year's visiting fellows to the Kellogg Institute here. Support the show
Jun 11, 2024 · 52 min
The Last Episode. Elizabeth Saunders on How Democracies Wage War and Make Peace
We've often compared democratic national security and autocratic security making in terms of autocratic elites and democratic voters. My argument is not that all democracies are the same, but I do think we ought to be thinking about autocratic elites and democratic elites and voters. Elizabeth Saunders Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Elizabeth Saunders is a Professor of Political Science at Columbia University as well as a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She is also an editor of The Good Authority Blog formerly known as The Monkey Cage Blog. Her most recent book is The Insiders’ Game: How Elites Make War and Peace. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 How Foreign Policy Works - 3:30 Politics at the Water's Edge - 18:13 Parties and Foreign Policy - 27:09 Contemporary Politics - 41:28 Key Links The Insiders’ Game: How Elites Make War and Peace by Elizabeth Saunders Good Authority Blog Learn more about Elizabeth Saunders Democracy Paradox Podcast Rep Mikie Sherrill on Whether the Bipartisan Consensus on Foreign Policy Will Hold and on Threats to American Democracy Grading Biden’s Foreign Policy with Alexander Ward More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at democracyparadoxblog@gmail.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Jun 4, 2024 · 53 min
When Democracy Breaks: Final Thoughts with Archon Fung, David Moss and Arne Westad
I think we've seen democracies can be unstable. Autocracies are even more unstable. David Moss Made in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Get your copy of When Democracy Breaks or read it open access. Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Archon Fung is the Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government at the Harvard Kennedy School. He is also the Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. David Moss is the Paul Whiton Cherington Professor at Harvard Business School. He is also founder and president of the Tobin Project and the Case Method Institute for Education and Democracy. Arne Westad is the Elihu Professor of History and Global Affairs at Yale University. They are the editors of When Democracy Breaks: Studies in Democratic Erosion and Collapse, From Ancient Athens to the Present Day. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Thinking about Democratic Breakdown - 3:51 What is Democracy - 19:26 Democratic Recovery - 26:36 Resilience and Fragility - 45:15 Key Links When 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 "Introduction: When Democracy Breaks" by Archon Fung, David Moss, and Odd Arne Westad Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Democracy Paradox Podcast When Democracy Breaks: Scott Mainwaring on Argentina When Democracy Breaks: 1930s Japan with Louise Young More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
May 28, 2024 · 52 min
When Democracy Breaks: Scott Mainwaring on Argentina
March 24th, 1976 is the coup and it unleashes wild celebrations in establishment Argentina and almost no opposition.... Of course, this unleashed the most ruthless dictatorship in Argentina's history and in recent South American history as well. Scott Mainwaring Made in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Get your copy of When Democracy Breaks or read it open access. Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Scott Mainwaring is the Eugene and Helen Conley Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2010. His most recent book is Democracy in Hard Places (coedited with Tarek Masoud). In April 2019, PS: Political Science and Politics listed him as one of the 50 most cited political scientists in the world. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Democratization in 1973 - 3:41 Democratic Erosion - 18:30 Breakdown - 39:08 Argentina Today - 43:18 Key Links When 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 Breakdown in Argentina, 1976" by Scott Mainwaring Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Democracy Paradox Podcast Scott Mainwaring on Argentina and a Final Reflection on Democracy in Hard Places When Democracy Breaks: 1930s Japan with Louise Young More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
May 21, 2024 · 45 min
When Democracy Breaks: 1930s Japan with Louise Young
There's a fog of democratic breakdown where really you cannot see the actual impact of your choices or your actions until after the fact. Louise Young Made in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Get your copy of When Democracy Breaks or read it open access. Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Louise Young is a professor of history at the University of Wisonsin-Madison. She is the author of the chapter “The Breakdown of Democracy in 1930s Japan.” It is part of the volume When Democracy Breaks: Studies in Democratic Erosion and Collapse, From Ancient Athens to the Present Day. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Democratization - 2:52 What Made it Different - 11:41 Democratic Breakdown - 20:14 Resisting Democratic Erosion - 37:15 Key Links When 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 "The Breakdown in Democracy in 1930s Japan" by Louise Young Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Democracy Paradox Podcast When Democracy Breaks: Ancient Athens with Josiah Ober and Federica Carugati Dan Slater on Indonesia More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
May 14, 2024 · 51 min
When Democracy Breaks: Ancient Athens with Josiah Ober and Federica Carugati
What strikes me about that period is that democracy was not inevitable. Federica Carugati Made in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Get your copy of When Democracy Breaks or read it open access. Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Democratization - 3:28 Breakdown - 17:36 Rebirth - 36:48 Final Lessons - 47:51 Key Links When 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 Ober Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Democracy Paradox Podcast Does Democracy Rely on a Civic Bargain? Josiah Ober Makes the Case David Stasavage on Early Democracy and its Decline More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
May 7, 2024 · 50 min
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 Keyssar Made in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Origin of the Electoral College - 3:05 Proportional or District Electoral Votes - 17:37 Race and Civil Rights - 27:02 Why No Reform - 41:44 Key Links Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College? by Alexander Keyssar Watch Electoral College Symposium: What’s to be Done? Follow Alexander Keyssar on X @AlexKeyssar Democracy Paradox Podcast Heather Cox Richardson on History, Conservatism, and the Awakening of American Democracy Daniel Ziblatt on American Democracy, the Republican Party, and the Tyranny of the Minority More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Apr 30, 2024 · 49 min
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 Kagan Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Traditions of Liberalism and Antiliberalism - 3:04 Antiliberalism as an Idea - 8:35 Tension Within Ourselves - 21:25 Future of Liberalism and Antiliberalism - 37:42 Key Links Rebellion: How Antiliberalism Is Tearing America Apart--Again by Robert Kagan The Ghost at the Feast: America and the Collapse of World Order, 1900-1941 by Robert Kagan Follow Robert Kagan at the Brookings Institution Democracy Paradox Podcast Robert Kagan Looks to American History to Explain Foreign Policy Today Heather Cox Richardson on History, Conservatism, and the Awakening of American Democracy More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Apr 23, 2024 · 32 min
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 Sherrill This episode was made in partnership with the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Proudly sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Personal Background - 3:48 Polarization and Foreign Policy - 13:50 China - 23:36 American Democracy - 28:41 Key Links Learn more about Rep. Mikie Sherrill on her Congressional page Follow Rep. Mikie Sherrill on X @RepSherrill or @MikieSherrill Rep. Mikie Sherrill's Campaign Page Democracy Paradox Podcast Grading Biden’s Foreign Policy with Alexander Ward Can America Fight Back Against the Authoritarian Economic Statecraft of China? Bethany Allen Believes We Can More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Apr 16, 2024 · 56 min
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 Brechenmacher Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Made in partnership with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Democracy Promotion and Gender Equality - 3:13 Gender Quotas - 12:38 Challenges - 28:12 New Ideas and Issues - 44:53 Key Links Aiding Empowerment: Democracy Promotion and Gender Equality in Politics by Saskia Brechenmacher and Katherine Mann Learn more about Saskia Brechenmacher at the Carnegie Endowment Follow Saskia Brechenmacher on X @SaskiaBrech Democracy Paradox Podcast Marc Plattner Has Quite a Bit to Say About Democracy Larry Diamond on Supporting Democracy in the World and at Home More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Apr 9, 2024 · 47 min
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 Ackerman Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Modernity - 2:37 Postmodernism - 15:26 Deliberation Day - 36:08 Rethinking Modernity - 43:28 Key Links The Postmodern Predicament: Existential Challenges of the Twenty-First Century by Bruce Ackerman Learn more about Bruce Ackerman on Wikipedia Follow Bruce Ackerman on X @backermanyale Democracy Paradox Podcast Yascha Mounk Warns Against a Misguided New Ideology Zizi Papacharissi Dreams of What Comes After Democracy More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Apr 2, 2024 · 51 min
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 Casey Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Why Military Aid Destabilizes Some Autocrats - 4:23 The Soviet Approach to Military Aid - 21:50 Revolutionary Governments - 29:09 Modernization - 35:57 Key Links Up 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_casey Democracy Paradox Podcast After a Coup, Can the Constitutional Order Be Repaired? Adem Abebe on Rebuilding Constitutions in West Africa Naunihal Singh on the Myth of the Coup Contagion More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Mar 26, 2024 · 49 min
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 McQuade This episode was made in partnership with the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A 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 Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Propaganda Today - 3:05 Disinformation and Polarization - 19:57 Free Speech - 24:29 Attack from Within - 37:14 Key Links Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuade Learn more about Barbara McQuade Follow Barbara McQuade on X @BarbMcQuade Democracy Paradox Podcast Peter Pomerantsev on Winning an Information War Samuel Woolley on Bots, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Propaganda More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Mar 19, 2024 · 52 min
Grading Biden's Foreign Policy with Alexander Ward
Whoever you vote for, Biden or Trump at this point, you are voting for a radically different vision of American foreign policy. Alexander Ward Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Alexander Ward is a national security reporter at Politico and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also the author of the book The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy after Trump. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 A Foreign Policy for the Middle Class - 2:47 Crises - 20:13 Ukraine - 27:56 The Grade - 40:32 Key Links The Internationalists: The Fight to Restore American Foreign Policy after Trump by Alexander Ward Learn more about Alexander Ward Follow Alexander Ward on X @alexbward Democracy Paradox Podcast Can America Fight Back Against the Authoritarian Economic Statecraft of China? Bethany Allen Believes We Can Larry Diamond on Supporting Democracy in the World and at Home More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Mar 12, 2024 · 48 min
Peter Pomerantsev on Winning an Information War
All this stuff about half of America just won't listen to this. You're just not trying. You're just not trying. I fear in America people don't try to reach people in echo chambers. Peter Pomerantsev Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Peter Pomerantsev is a Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University where he co-directs the Arena Initiative. His past books include Nothing is True and Everything is Possible and This is Not Propaganda. His most recent book is called How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Sefton Delmer - 3:37 Der Chef - 11:34 Communication and Propaganda - 25:27 Winning an Information War - 37:45 Key Links How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler by Peter Pomerantsev This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality by Peter Pomerantsev Follow Peter Pomerantsev on X @peterpomeranzev Democracy Paradox Podcast Samuel Woolley on Bots, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Propaganda Allie Funk of Freedom House Assesses Global Internet Freedom More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Mar 5, 2024 · 46 min
Is Democracy Still in Decline? Yana Gorokhovskaia on the Freedom in the World Report
Without an elected government, without a government that truly represents... a lot of things are imperiled - rights, democracy, freedom, certainly peace. I think that's another kind of challenge as we go into this year of widespread elections. It's not just about preserving democracy. It's also laying the foundation for peace. Yana Gorokhovskaia Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Learn more at https://carnegieendowment.org A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Yana Gorokhovskaia is the Research Director at Freedom House and one of the lead authors of this year’s Freedom in the World report titled, The Mounting Damage of Flawed Elections and Armed Conflict. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Nagorno-Karabakh - 2:15 Gaza and Israel - 7:46 Freedom in Decline - 13:18 Autocratic Elections - 35:43 Key Links Freedom in the World 2024: The Mounting Damage of Flawed Elections and Armed Conflict Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence Follow Freedom House on X @freedomhouse Democracy Paradox Podcast Staffan Lindberg with a Report on Democracy in the World Sarah Repucci from Freedom House with an Update on Freedom in the World More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show
Feb 27, 2024 · 57 min
When We Misread Dictators... Steve Coll on Saddam Hussein and the American Invasion of Iraq
As a writer I had the space to try to humanize him without sanitizing him. That was my mission: to try to see the world from behind his eyes in order to explain his otherwise inexplicable behavior. Steve Coll Access Episodes Ad-Free on Patreon Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox. Proudly sponsored by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. Learn more at https://kellogg.nd.edu Read Justin Kempf's essay "The Revolution Will Be Podcasted." A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com. Steve Coll is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who has served as President and CEO of New America and the Dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is currently a staff writer at The New Yorker. His most recent book is The Achilles’ Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq. Key Highlights Introduction - 0:20 Saddam Hussein - 2:56 Iran-Iraq War - 10:22 WMD - 27:06 2003 American Invasion - 46:03 Key Links The Achilles’ Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq by Steve Coll “How Iraq was Lost” by Robert Kaplan in The New Statesman (Book Review of The Achilles' Trap) Read more from Steve Coll at The New Yorker Democracy Paradox Podcast Robert Kaplan on the Politics of the Past and Future of the Greater Middle East Steven Simon on American Foreign Policy in the Middle East including Iran and the Wars in Iraq More Episodes from the Podcast More Information Apes of the State created all Music Email the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.com Follow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast 100 Books on Democracy Support the show