Tag Archives: democracy
Nexus
Why are humans so good at acquiring information and power but not wisdom? In Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari explores how human information networks enable large numbers of people to cooperate over great distances and how those networks often prioritize order over truth and wisdom. AI could make matters even worse. Continue reading
On Freedom
Americans often think of freedom in the negative sense, as freedom from. Timothy Snyder argues that positive freedom, freedom to, is more important. On Freedom is a deep exploration of the nature of freedom that challenges conventional thinking. Very important and worthwhile in our era of freedom under threat. Continue reading
Autocracy in America
I recently started listening to a new podcast called Autocracy in America that I want to recommend. It’s a five-part series that looks at authoritarian tactics already in use here in the United States. Continue reading
Autocracy, Inc.
Anne Applebaum says our image of autocratic dictators as cartoon villains who exercise total control over their people is outdated. In Autocracy, Inc. she reveals how autocracies are run by sophisticated military, financial, and information networks that support each other without having any common ideology except holding on to power. Continue reading
The Strongman Fantasy
Lots of people like the idea of “strong” leaders, leaders who are decisive, who aren’t afraid to “blow things up” including even democracy itself. But as historian Timothy Snyder writes in a recent article, the idea of the strongman leader is a dangerous fantasy. Continue reading
Democracy in a Hotter Time
Democracy in a Hotter Time is a collection of essays about the relationship between climate change and democracy. The contributors do a good job diagnosing democracy’s problems dealing with the “long emergency” of climate change, but few propose practical solutions. I was disappointed by this book. Continue reading
The Road to Unfreedom
I read widely and I follow news and politics closely, but in recent years I’ve often felt utterly baffled by world events. It’s like I’m trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. I manage … Continue reading
On Tyranny
I’ve lived my whole life in democratic countries. I’ve never experienced what it’s like to live under a dictatorship, thankfully. But these days, I’m worried. Democracy here in the US and around the world seems more fragile that it used … Continue reading
Why We’re Polarized
Ezra Klein says polarization is the “master story” that explains why US politics is so toxic and dysfunctional these days. His book Why We’re Polarized aims to help us make sense of it all. I don’t know how I missed … Continue reading
Surviving Autocracy: Can American democracy survive Trump’s autocratic transformation?
Most people in the US today have never lived under a dictatorship. Maybe we’ve heard stories from our parents or grandparents who immigrated from such places, but we don’t have personal experience with autocratic rulers. This is truly one of … Continue reading
Unsolicited Feedback 