The Admiral

The Admiral

From Autocracy in America by The Atlantic

September 26, 2025 · 43 min · Season 2 · Episode 13

About this episode

Garry Kasparov discusses the role of the American military in democracy with Admiral Bill McRaven.

Despite growing up in the Soviet Union, host Garry Kasparov admired American values—believing America was one of the good guys. But is that still the case? In the final episode of the second season of Autocracy in America, Garry is joined by Admiral Bill McRaven, perhaps best known as the military commander who oversaw the SEAL Team Six raid that killed Osama Bin Laden in 2011. Recently, he’s been speaking out about the changing nature of the military’s historically apolitical role in American democracy. Together, Garry and Bill discuss the history of the American military, and what role it should play in protecting democracy. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/listener.Garry chairs the Renew Democracy Initiative, publisher of The Next Move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Garry Kasparov

Guest: Admiral Bill McRaven

Topics covered

  • military
  • democracy
  • American values
  • politics
  • Soviet Union
  • apolitical role

Keywords

  • military
  • democracy
  • Garry Kasparov
  • Bill McRaven
  • American values
  • Soviet Union
  • SEAL Team Six
  • Osama Bin Laden

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Atlantic, Renew Democracy Initiative, The Next Move

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