Ian Bassin: How Can Putting Democracy First Protect It?

TL;DR

Ian Bassin argues that protecting democracy requires a broad, united anti-authoritarian coalition that puts democratic principles ahead of policy differences. He describes a dire political climate marked by threats against local officials, while comparing democracy’s defenders to firefighters preparing for shifting winds. He also sees hope in a growing movement to reassert foundational American democratic principles. Read on for the threats, causes, and proposed response.

Transcript

foreign work podcast I'm Charlie Sykes well about a week ago Ian bassen is the director of the protect democracy uh organization who associate the White House counsel during the Obama Administration wrote a piece for the bulwark arguing that democracy cannot survive the fracturing of the democratic Coalition when anti-authoritarian coalitions Splin... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 Democracy is facing a dire moment due to the fracturing of the democratic coalition and the rise of autocratic forces.
• 😥 Threats and intimidation against local election officials and school board members indicate a turning point in the state of democracy.
• 🧑‍🏭 The combination of social, political, and institutional factors poses a significant challenge to democratic systems.
• 🗯️ The shift towards populist and authoritarian governance undermines the rule of law, individual rights, and the separation of powers.
• 🧭 A united effort is needed to protect democracy, which includes passing comprehensive election and institutional reforms.
• 🤗 The failure to address the challenges posed by autocrats may lead to a loss of faith in democracy and open the door to strongman leaders.
• 🇺🇸 Late recognition of the democracy crisis is a cause for concern, but the United States has a history of mobilizing resources to solve problems once they are acknowledged.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Ian Bassin say democracy can be protected?

Bassin says the movement defending democracy must be as broad and united as possible. Anti-authoritarian groups need to put democracy first despite policy differences and be prepared to act when political conditions shift.

Q: Why does Ian Bassin describe democracy as being in a dire moment?

He points to a fractured democratic coalition, rising autocratic forces, and threats against people serving in local democratic institutions. The discussion warns that authoritarian leaders can exploit division to centralize power and erode checks and balances.

Q: What happens when anti-authoritarian coalitions splinter?

Bassin’s warning is that authoritarians take over when anti-authoritarian coalitions fracture. Maintaining unity is therefore presented as essential to preserving democratic institutions and principles.

Q: What example illustrates threats against local democratic officials?

The discussion highlights Brevard, Florida school board member Jennifer Jenkins. She described being followed by car, told to beg for mercy, facing armed intimidation near her home, and dealing with false DCF claims involving her daughter.

Q: How does Jennifer Jenkins distinguish protest from intimidation?

Jenkins says she does not oppose people speaking at meetings or exercising First Amendment rights outside her home on public property. She rejects conduct intended to create fear, including credible threats of violence, following her car, and brandishing weapons to her neighbors.

Q: What does Ian Bassin’s wildfire analogy mean?

Bassin compares the crisis engulfing democracy to wildfires whose winds can temporarily prevent firefighters from doing their jobs. His point is that defenders should build a well-equipped, broad coalition now so democracy can prevail when conditions change.

Q: What broader forces does Bassin connect to democratic instability?

He describes a societal volcano driven by foundational disruptions, including globalization, new information economies, changing labor markets, climate change, migration, conflict, and war. These pressures can destabilize societies and contribute to the wider democratic crisis.

Q: Why is Ian Bassin still optimistic about democracy?

He sees a growing movement across the country seeking to reassert and defend the foundational principles of American democracy. The discussion also notes that the United States has historically mobilized resources to solve problems once they are recognized.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ian Bassen, director of Protect Democracy, warns that democracy is in a dire moment, but there is hope in the growing movement that aims to preserve American democratic principles.

• School board meetings and local elections are seeing increased pressure and threats, indicating the turning ugly of democracy.

• The rise of populism and authoritarianism poses a significant threat to democracy, with leaders centralizing power, eroding checks and balances, and manipulating the will of the people.