Episode 4: Boiled Frogs Check the Autocracy Temp

What if you could lose your democracy and not even realize it?

This week, we dive into the siren call of authoritarianism—and why so many experts believe the United States may already be living under a version of it. We take a deep dive into the theory of competitive authoritarianism and explore the slippery spectrum between liberal democracy and autocracy. Is there a bright red line that, when crossed, will tell us we’re no longer living in a democracy? Is there a form of authoritarianism that uses democratic institutions to legitimize its power grabs? And what happens when even those resisting authoritarianism start embracing authoritarian tools?

Plus, we unpack why the “Is Trump losing?” question might be the wrong one—and how the real danger isn’t just who’s in charge, but how much we’re willing to give up when we think the ends justify the means.

Mentioned:

“Elections Without Democracy: The Rise of Competitive Authoritarianism” by Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way (2002)

How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

Bright Line Watch survey of political scientists: NPR Coverage

Steven Levitksy: The Path to American Authoritarianism for Foreign Affairs

Andrew Marantz: Is It Happening Here? for the New Yorker

Zach Beauchamp: Trump Is Losing for Vox

Marci Shore, Timothy Snuder, and Jason Stanley: We Study Fascism at Yale, and We’re Leaving the US for the New York Times

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