Episode 5.13: The Erosion of Democracy: Dr. Robin S. Brooks on Democratic Backsliding

Interviewer: MATTHEW ROTH. In theory, the US Constitution established a system by which the three branches of government keep each other in check. Political scientist and constitutional scholar COREY BRETTSCHNEIDER argues that, in fact, it has more often been citizen pressure – not the courts or the legislature – that has rescued us from the anti-democratic exercise of presidential power. In his discussion with historian Matthew Roth, he describes how the core democratic principles of the Constitution, beginning with the opening phrase of the preamble, have inspired citizens to oppose autocratic presidents from John Adams to Richard Nixon and to push against the disastrously exclusionary racial politics of James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and Woodrow Wilson. In doing so, they have often interpreted the constitution in ways that put them at odds with learned members of the judiciary. Brettschneider suggests that we might learn from their examples to recover fully from the first (and now second) Trump administration. Brettschneider is author of the new book, The Presidents and the People: Five Leaders Who Threatened Democracy and the Citizens Who Fought to Defend It. *Note: This podcast was recorded in October of 2024, prior to the most recent presidential election.

Interviewer: RAFAEL KHACHATURIAN. In this episode, Professors MARC MEREDITH and MICHAEL MORSE from the University of Pennsylvania unpack Pennsylvania's pivotal role in the upcoming U.S. election. They explore Pennsylvania’s unique political geography, its electoral laws, and the critical implications of mail-in ballots. The discussion dives into the evolving demographics and the shift in political messaging from both parties since 2016, particularly around issues resonating with Pennsylvania voters, from economic concerns to the broader narrative of defending democracy. They also examined how education and class nuances influence party support, and consider how early returns on Election Day might shape the perception and outcome of the election.

Interviewer: MATTHEW BERKMAN. Penn Professor (emeritus) IAN LUSTICK, who has been teaching on the Israel-Palestine conflict at Penn since 1991, returns to the podcast to share his thoughts on the ongoing crisis.

In this episode, MIRANDA SKLAROFF is in conversation with PETER FRASE, editorial board member of Jacobin magazine and author of Four Futures: Life After Capitalism. Frase presents a case for socialism as a superior alternative to liberal democracy, delving into the critical differences between socialists and social democrats. The discussion also explores the stagnation of electoral socialism in the U.S. since the 2016 election, the reasons behind social democrats' loss of momentum, and the potential pathways to a socialist future

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.