This week, Jeremy and Zachary sit down with John A. Lawrence to delve into the intricacies of the U.S. Congress. They discuss its historical significance, common misconceptions about its operations, and the inherent challenges in passing legislation. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, “The Speaker”. John A. Lawrence served for thirty-eight years as a […]
This is Democracy – New School Year
This is Democracy – Ukraine War
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled “Bloodstains.” Dr. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is also a fellow at the German Marshall Fund, and chair […]
This is Democracy – Political Conventions
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Jonathan Alter to discuss the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled “When They Go Marching in Chicago” Jonathan Alter is an award-winning author, political analyst, documentary filmmaker, columnist, television producer, and radio host. He is the author of numerous books, including: His […]
This is Democracy – Venezuela Elections
Dr. Kurt Weyland is the Mike Hogg Professor in Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. He has conducted original research in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and Venezuela. Prof. Weyland is the author of seven books, including: The Politics of Market Reform in Fragile Democracies (Princeton, 2002); Making Waves: Democratic Contention in Europe […]
This is Democracy – Supreme Court Reforms
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Sanford Levinson to discuss the current state of the Supreme Court, recent efforts by Joe Biden to propose reforms, and how effective these proposals would be in practice. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, “The Judges.” Sanford Levinson, who holds the W. St. John Garwood […]
This is Democracy – Reforming Democracy
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Michael Ignatieff to discuss the current state of the institutions of democracy, how they are being questioned by some political movements, and how they can be reformed and strengthened. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, “A Constitution of the Soul.” Michael Ignatieff is a historian […]
This is Democracy – Political Violence
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Joanne Freeman to discuss political violence in the American political landscape from a historical perspective, and disperse some of the myths and misconceptions around it. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled “The War of Independence” Joanne Freeman is the Class of 1954 Professor of American […]
This is Democracy – British Elections
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by William James to discuss the recent elections in Britain in the context of Brexit, Keir Starmer, and how they reflect the current state of democracy in Britain and beyond. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitled, “Sonnet for Our Special Friends.” Dr William D. James is […]