Democracy Paradox

A Social Sciences podcast by Justin Kempf

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Is it possible for a democracy to govern undemocratically? Can the people elect an undemocratic leader? Is it possible for democracy to bring about authoritarianism? And if so, what does this say about democracy? My name is Justin Kempf. Every week I talk to the brightest minds on subjects like international relations, political theory, and history to explore democracy from every conceivable angle. Topics like civil resistance, authoritarian successor parties, and the autocratic middle class challenge our ideas about democracy. Join me as we unravel new topics every week.

Recent Episodes

Javier Pérez Sandoval Reveals Democracy’s Hidden Vulnerability: The Hollowing of the State
Published: February 4, 2026
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Kate Baldwin Explains Why Christianity Fights for Democracy in Africa
Published: January 21, 2026
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Natalie Wenzell Letsa Describes the Autocratic Voter
Published: January 7, 2026
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Russell Muirhead Warns Ungoverning Threatens Democracy
Published: December 24, 2025
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Luis Schiumerini on Incumbency Bias
Published: December 10, 2025
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Adam Przeworski Asks Who Decides What is Democratic
Published: November 26, 2025
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Killian Clarke Warns Counterrevolution is a Threat to Nascent Democracies
Published: November 12, 2025
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Amel Ahmed Says the Regime Question Has Returned
Published: October 29, 2025
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Tom Carothers Says We Misunderstand Democratic Backsliding
Published: October 15, 2025
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Javier Corrales on Intentional Polarization
Published: October 1, 2025
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