American democracy’s violent disruption

This episode was recorded on Friday, January 8, 2021, two days after the day that many of the things we’ve talked about on this show came to a head — political and epistemic polarization, delgitimation of the opposition, degradation of democratic norms, racial inequity, and many other factors. Democracy Works hosts Michael Berkman, Chris Beem, […]

This episode was recorded on Friday, January 8, 2021, two days after the day that many of the things we’ve talked about on this show came to a head — political and epistemic polarization, delgitimation of the opposition, degradation of democratic norms, racial inequity, and many other factors.

Democracy Works hosts Michael Berkman, Chris Beem, and Candis Watts Smith reflect on what happened and what’s next for American democracy. They also discus whether it’s possible to learn from this moment and what guideposts they’ll be looking for to determine whether all the talk about protecting and restoring democracy we’ve heard since the attack will translate into action.

Statement from Michael Berkman and Chris Beem on January 6, 2021 attack

Andrew Sullivan on democracy’s double-edged sword

What really motivates Trump supporters

Daniel Ziblatt on “How Democracies Die”