Democracy Paradox

A Social Sciences podcast by Justin Kempf

4.9 • 34 ratings

Want connect with Justin Kempf and email directly about potential partnerships?

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

Jeffrey Kopstein Explains Why Polarization Turns Violent
Published: July 8, 2026
Listen
Pepper Culpepper Says Good Populism Can Save Democracy
Published: June 24, 2026
Listen
Dan Slater Says Authoritarian Ideologies Still Matter
Published: June 10, 2026
Listen
Guillermo Trejo on Accountability, Impunity, and the Fate of New Democracies
Published: May 27, 2026
Listen
Kenneth Roberts Says the Left Pays a Steep Price for Breaking with Democracy
Published: May 13, 2026
Listen
Sheri Berman Says the Democratic Recession Was Not a Surprise
Published: April 29, 2026
Listen
Christopher Walker Revisits Sharp Power
Published: April 15, 2026
Listen
Hugo Drochon Says Elites Are Inevitable
Published: April 1, 2026
Listen
Milan Svolik Asks: Do Voters Really Support Democracy?
Published: March 18, 2026
Listen
Minxin Pei Warns China Has Descended into Totalitarianism
Published: March 4, 2026
Listen

Listen to All Episodes From Democracy Paradox