238 episodes

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.

Democracy Paradox Democracy Paradox

    • Government
    • 4.7 • 74 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    When Democracy Breaks: Scott Mainwaring on Argentina

    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 MainwaringMade 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 sponso...

    • 52 min
    When Democracy Breaks: 1930s Japan with Louise Young

    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 YoungMade 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...

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

    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 a...

    • 51 min
    Alexander Keyssar on Why We Still Have the Electoral College

    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. Le...

    • 50 min
    Robert Kagan on the Threat of Antiliberalism

    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...

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

    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...

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
74 Ratings

74 Ratings

daniela fran ,

Insightful every time

Insightful conversations every week. A great resource for political scientists.

Abq Michael ,

Mixed at best

I find these podcasts to be perpetually confusing. Of the three I’ve listened to, I abandoned 2 in disgust and held one to the end.

I think my issue is that the host has a perspective on some key words or ideas that are far afield of how Americans like me take them.

A big one is in how he and some of his guests use the words liberal, liberty and conservative. To him, the root meaning is all about 18th century philosophy (which is how the British use it) while to me it’s about 21st century life. One is all about blind rationalism (without humanity). The other is about humanism, society and our better nature.

Our American term Bleeding Heart Liberal, which refers to Jesus’ heart impassioned with love for humanity (i.e., the Sacred heart of Jesus).

It is that love for humanity that is largely absent here leaving many of the conversations sounding more like drunk libertarian screeds than anything esle.

Andieo1997 ,

Brilliant!

This is the perfect choice for anyone interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges associated with democracy! Each episode is both informative and enjoyable.

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