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On this Independence Day edition of the AEI Events Podcast, listen to Yascha Mounk discuss his book “The People Versus Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It” (Harvard University Press, 2018).
In his lecture, Dr. Mounk examined the growing success of populist movements worldwide. He outlined three conditions that have kept democracy stable in the post–World War II era: steady increases in living standards, largely mono-ethnic and monocultural societies, and strong public opinion gatekeepers that tempered political debate. He argued that stagnant real wages, cultural change, and social media have all contributed to populism’s rise in Europe and the United States.
Following the lecture, AEI’s Norman J. Ornstein, Jonah Goldberg, and Stan Veuger joined Dr. Mounk for a panel discussion. Dr. Ornstein focused on the broad political problems facing the US, including Congress’ unwillingness to check the other branches, political tribalization, and the declining norms of politics. Mr. Goldberg pushed back against Dr. Mounk’s materialist explanation for the rise in populism, arguing that increased movement in the US has broken down civil society, exacerbated status-class anxiety, and weakened people’s sense of social belonging. Dr. Mounk responded that economic development has been uneven, and many talented individuals leave their communities for better opportunities elsewhere. Dr. Veuger pushed back on the rise of populism in Eastern Europe despite increasing living standards.
This event took place on April 5, 2018.
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