Ruth Ben-Ghiat on Trump, Orban, Xi/China and Whether She's Still Optimistic About American Democracy
About this episode
Ruth Ben-Ghiat discusses the current state of American democracy and the threats posed by authoritarian leaders, including Trump and Orban.
Ruth Ben-Ghiat is Professor of History at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, and propaganda. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships; an advisor to Protect Democracy; an MSNBC opinion columnist and television commentator; and publishes Lucid, a newsletter on threats to democracy. Her latest book, Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, looks at how illiberal leaders use propaganda, corruption, violence, and machismo - and how they can be defeated. Ruth's back with us again for a discussion on Trump's second-term autocratic overreach, including his latest brazen act of corruption, the $1.776-billion 'Anti-Weaponization' slush-fund and his IRS immunity 'settlement'. So is Ruth as optimistic as she was back in December? Tune in to see where Ruth currently stands on Trump's threats to democracy; her takeaways from his recent China summit; Viktor Orban's defeat and it's impact on Trump and American politics; and more. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel
More episodes of The Back Room with Andy Ostroy
- Asha Rangappa on the Iran War, Trump's Autocratic Overreach and DOJ/FBI Weaponization, the Administration's Incompetence, and How Democrats Need to Fight Back and Win in November
- Kristy Greenberg on Trump's $1.776 Slush-Fund and IRS Immunity Deal, Blanche, Bondi, Comey, Epstein...and the KNICKS!
- Jonathan Jordan on his Terrific New Book IKE AND WINSTON: World War, Cold War, and an Extraordinary Friendship
- Andrew Weissmann on his New Book Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump’s Deceit and Save America
- Nate Soares Explains How and Why AI May Ultimately Kill Us All
- Jonathan Vigliotti on his New Book Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild L.A.
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Back Room with Andy Ostroy podcast page.