Democracy Paradox

Justin Kempf

Topics: Government · Politics · Social Sciences

No. 115 in GovernmentNew

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.

Latest episodeFrancis Fukuyama Reflects on the End of History and His LegacyOctober 28, 2026 · 48 min

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Latest episodes

1. Francis Fukuyama Reflects on the End of History and His LegacyOctober 28, 2026 · 48 min
2. Michael McFaul Says Powerful Autocracies as a Lasting ThreatOctober 14, 2026 · 46 min
3. Ian Shapiro Says the Left's "Preemptive Capitulation" to Neoliberalism Paved the Way for PopulismSeptember 30, 2026 · 49 min
4. Noam Lupu Says Support for Democracy Is Growing in the Americas, But Not Necessarily Liberal DemocracySeptember 16, 2026 · 45 min
5. Alexander Cooley and Alexander Dukalskis Fear Autocracies Are Hijacking the International OrderSeptember 2, 2026 · 50 min
6. Suzanne Mettler Says the Rural-Urban Divide Threatens American DemocracyAugust 19, 2026 · 49 min
7. Rachel Beatty Riedl Says Economic Inequality Is Fueling Democratic BackslidingAugust 5, 2026 · 47 min
8. Kim Lane Scheppele on Hungary's Narrow Path Back to DemocracyJuly 22, 2026 · 52 min
9. Jeffrey Kopstein Explains Why Polarization Turns ViolentJuly 8, 2026 · 46 min
10. Pepper Culpepper Says Good Populism Can Save DemocracyJune 24, 2026 · 49 min

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