Autocracy

David Pepper explains how states across the country have been forcing through unpopular policies and how a Trump 2.0 would put their actions on steroids. David's latest piece with Gevin Reynolds is here: bit.ly/3WMy32P

In these final days before the election, Trump has doubled down on his authoritarian, fascist rhetoric. To help us make sense of the chaos leading up to the big day, Rick welcomes historian and political analyst Heather Cox Richardson for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of American democracy. Together, they delve into the stark contrasts between democracy and authoritarianism, the Republican Party’s transformation under Trump, and the growing influence of tech billionaires pushing anti-democratic agendas. With the 2024 election upon us, they examine the stakes, the shifts in voter sentiment, and the potential for new political coalitions to reshape our reality.

America is at a crossroads, starring potential autocracy dead in the face. As the election inches closer, we are forced to consider the implications of autocrats and their impact on society. In today's episode Rick is joined by acclaimed author Anne Applebaum to discuss her new book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World." Anne shares insights into the modern autocratic landscape, detailing how today's dictators prioritize power and wealth over ideology and support each other to maintain control. The conversation covers the troubling rise of authoritarianism globally and its implications for the United States, the role of technology in repression and manipulation, and the potential consequences of a second Trump administration on international democracy and alliances. Anne's book, "Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World," available now.

Pulitzer Prize winning historian and author Anne Applebaum joined Rick, Stuart, and Joe to discuss how autocracies around the globe are working together to undermine the democratic world. Her new book released today, "Autocracy, Inc." is an immediate best-seller. Anne explains why she's calling on America and democracies around the world to fundamentally reorient their policies to fight a new kind of threat - while there is still time.

David Pepper explains how states across the country have been forcing through unpopular policies and how a Trump 2.0 would put their actions on steroids. David's latest piece with Gevin Reynolds is here: bit.ly/3WMy32P

An intense, important, eye-opening episode with David Pepper in the house. What are the tactics of those destroying democracy from the state level on up? Join David, Stuart, and Joe for the strategy that gets us to the future we want and deserve.

Ruth Ben Ghiat explains how Pinochet's Chile is a warning for us today.

The GOP's autocrats are normalizing fear, silence, and violence in American politics, eroding democracy and threatening the political class.

When the world needs American leadership the most, the GOP House is in shambles (serious, Gym Jordan for Speaker?), our military undermined by Republicans, and our foreign service is threadbare, and ego-driven conspiracy theorists like RFK, Jr. are mounting 3rd party bids. Fortunately, President Biden is the most experienced president in foreign policy in decades. Is it enough to fight the damage Trump and his autocratic movement are trying to inflict on global stability? Reed, Rick, Stuart, and Joe

It's another major test of a functioning democracy: A hugely consequential change to Ohio's Constitution will succeed or fail next week. David Pepper joins Joe and Alex to run down what's happening in the special election.

Host Sarah Ashton-Cirillo is joined by foreign policy expert Jessica Berlin. Berlin provides fascinating perspective on the various calculations and miscalculations by not only Russia, but the US and its NATO partners. She explains that our 30 years of “perceived stability” allowed us to forget the language of violence used by dictators use to gain and hold power.

The Right keeps moving the bar (or the Overton Window) on what defines going too far - a classic fascist tactic. Can any challenger take Trump out and does it even matter? Rick, Reed, Stuart, and Joe on this and more on the latest Strategy Session.

What happens on campus reflects and often anticipates democratic decline.

Biden's visit to Kyiv and his bold rallying of NATO and European allies this week was a high point in post-Cold War American foreign policy. He understood the stakes, the risks, the rhetoric, and the optics of the moment.

From an abandoned building near the front line, journalist-turned-war-medic Sarah Ashton Cirillo writes of another group of heroes in Ukraine's fight for freedom: Members of the free press.

Time and again, we’ve witnessed McCarthy enable and appease Trump. McCarthy understands, even if Republicans want to pretend otherwise, that Trump remains the ultimate powerbroker in the GOP.

Warning from Trygve Olson: Trump thinks and acts like an autocrat and still has the power structure to become one.

Candidates accepting election losses – and the willingness of their supporters to consent to be governed - determines the fate of the Great American Experiment of Democracy.

Democracy had a good day on November 8. It will need many more to beat back the authoritarian-loving GOP.

Russia attacked America's democratic process in 2016. In 2022, they invaded Ukraine. Ukraine is winning. Is America?