Episode 6.3: Indian Democracy Between Elections: A Conversation with Professor Lisa Mitchell

Interviewer: JOSHUA ROSE. In her book, Hailing the State: Indian Democracy Between Elections, Professor LISA MITCHELL explores the various methods of collective action used by people in India to hold elected officials and government administrators accountable. Moving beyond an exclusive focus on electoral processes, Mitchell argues that to understand democracy — both in India and beyond — we must also pay attention to what occurs between elections.

Interviewer: MATTHEW BERKMAN. Anti-corruption activist JOSH STANFIELD returns to the AMC podcast. This discussion centers on the significant impact of data centers in Virginia, which currently hosts the largest data center market in the world. These massive facilities, crucial for the growing prevalence of AI and other technologies, bring economic benefits but also pose several serious challenges -- including noise pollution, infringement on natural and historic sites, and increasing the already considerable influence of tech corporations on local politics.

AUDREY JAQUISS sits down with Penn Professor ERIC ORTS to explore the future of environmental regulation and politics in light of recent Supreme Court decisions. In the last two years, the Court has significantly curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to protect wetlands and regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. This year, the Court's decision to overturn the longstanding Chevron Deference Doctrine has further endangered numerous environmental regulations. Orts discusses what these rulings mean for the future of environmental policy and the implications for the ongoing battle against climate change.

TANJA PETROVIĆ, principal research associate at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, discusses her recent book Utopia in Uniform: Affective Afterlives of the Yugoslav People's Army. Moderated by RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN.

ANNE NORTON, Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, discusses her book Wild Democracy: Anarchy, Courage, and Ruling the Law with moderator and Penn alumnus JOSHUA ROSE.

DR. ROBIN S. BROOKS, career diplomat and former Special Advisor to the Vice President for Europe, Russia, Multilateral Affairs, and Democracy, delves into the intricacies of democracy. The discussion explores the pivotal role of elections and the alarming phenomenon of democratic backsliding, particularly evident in ex-Soviet States. Dr. Brooks sheds light on the influence of American foreign policy in the region and dissects the corrosive impact of corruption on democratic institutions. The term "democratic backsliding" is analyzed, pondering whether it signifies a shift towards new forms of authoritarianism. Additionally, the challenges facing the American liberal democratic system are explored, exacerbated by partisan politics and the global surge of populism. Moderated by RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN.

This episode focuses on the recent passage of a foreign aid package by the House of Representatives, which includes aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The delay in passing the bill raised concerns about America's reliability in fulfilling its international commitments. The episode explores how partisan divides are reshaping views on foreign policy, with conservatives showing skepticism toward Ukraine but strong support for Israel, and some on the left adopting a critical stance toward Israel while backing Ukraine. Despite these divisions, bipartisan consensus prevailed in Congress, highlighted by overwhelming support for the aid packages. Representative MIKIE SHERRILL of New Jersey shares insights into the evolving landscape of foreign policy and the importance of bipartisan cooperation in shaping America's role abroad. In partnership with Democracy Paradox.

AUDREY JAQUISS interviews RHIANA GUNN-WRIGHT, Climate Policy Director of the Roosevelt Institute. They delve into discussions on the intersection of climate policy with issues such as white supremacy, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and economic concerns. Gunn-Wright explores the importance of universality in climate policy and strategies for navigating reactionary political landscapes. 

Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, discusses her new book Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America. Barbara argues disinformation is a threat to democracy. However, the larger threat is not from foreign adversaries, but those within the country who use disinformation for political gain. Still, the even larger attack comes from within ourselves. She argues we need a moral reckoning to preserve democracy in an era where disinformation and misinformation is so widespread. Justin Kempf, host of the Democracy Paradox, interviews Barbara in a wide-ranging conversation about propaganda, social media, and democracy in the 21st century.  Episode in partnership with Democracy Paradox.    

JONATHAN BLITZER, staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses his recent book Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis. According to Blitzer, immigration policy happens at the intersection of international relations and domestic politics. In this episode, he uses personal stories to help explain his points. JUSTIN KEMPF, host of the Democracy Paradox, interviews Blitzer about immigration, Central America, and the many people affected. Episode in partnership with Democracy Paradox.