So many expectations burden democracy. There are conflicting expectations of representation. Some expect democracy to represent different viewpoints or ideologies while others expect a representation of diverse groups sorted by geography, gender, race, or other characteristics. There are expectations of merit. Leaders are expected to embody personal character, virtue, and most of all, leadership. But... Continue Reading →
Xiaoyu Pu on China’s Global Identities Podcast #23
Xiaoyu Pu joins the Democracy Paradox to explain how China's multiple global identities shape its foreign policy. This is the 23rd episode of the Democracy Paradox podcast and the second part of "Liberalism, Capitalism, Communism" about the Global Ascendance of China. China's Multiple Identities China is a nation of contradictions. It is a developing... Continue Reading →
John Dewey – Democracy and Education
My life has been a rebellion against traditional education. I have zig zagged between periods where I was overwhelmed by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world and others where I simply wanted to study forever. University was never the right place for me because its assignments never aligned with my goals.... Continue Reading →
John Ikenberry on Liberalism Podcast #22
John Ikenberry joins the Democracy Paradox to explain liberal internationalism. This is the 22nd episode of the Democracy Paradox podcast and the first part of "Liberalism, Capitalism, Communism" about the Global Ascendance of China. A World Safe for Democracy Democracy is often imagined at its purest at a micro level. Town hall meetings... Continue Reading →
Mark R. Beissinger – Nationalist Mobilization and the Collapse of the Soviet State
My most impressive professor at Truman State University was Dr. John Ishiyama. He was a professor of political science but his specialization was Post Soviet Politics. He was widely regarded as our most accomplished political scientist not simply for his knowledge of the region, but his familiarity with political science methodology. Indeed, he did not... Continue Reading →
Amy Erica Smith on Brazil Podcast #21
Amy Erica Smith joins the Democracy Paradox to explain how religion influences politics in Brazil. This is the 21st episode of the Democracy Paradox podcast. It kicks off the second season with an emphasis on world affairs. Amy Erica Smith on Brazilian Democracy Political Scientist Seymour Martin Lipset wrote, “A person who knows... Continue Reading →
Tom Ginsburg – Judicial Review in New Democracies
American politics has a long tradition of resolution through adjudication. There is a fear the 2020 Presidential Election will be resolved in the courts rather than the voting booth. The appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court left “the left” on edge before the election formally began. There is a fear the Presidential... Continue Reading →
William Howell and Terry Moe Podcast #20
William Howell and Terry Moe join the Democracy Paradox to discuss the missed opportunities of the American Presidency. This is the 20th episode of the Democracy Paradox podcast. It offers a reflection on the role of the President days before the 2020 Election in the United States. William Howell and Terry Moe... Continue Reading →