Ian Bassin

Ian Bassin, co-founder of Protect Democracy and former Associate White House Counsel, dives into the tactics of Trump’s authoritarianism. He shares insights on failures of institutional actors in resisting democratic backsliding. The discussion unveils how Trump’s post-2020 strategies strengthened his base and foreshadows the dangers of his methods. Notably, they explore the interplay of tech, culture, and economics in rising populism, emphasizing that preserving free elections is crucial for thwarting autocratic consolidation.

Ian Bassin, a lawyer and writer dedicated to democracy, discusses the critical fight against authoritarianism. He outlines the seven steps of the authoritarian playbook, showing how complacency can erode democratic principles. From recounting historical moments to highlighting the bravery of individuals like Ruby Freeman, Bassin emphasizes the significance of individual choices in protecting democracy. He urges active engagement and vigilance, reminding us that our daily decisions play a vital role in fostering a free society.

Ian Bassin, Co-founder and Executive Director of Protect Democracy, dives into the vital issues facing American democracy. He discusses the impending threats of a second Trump term and how to defend against them. The conversation highlights mistakes Democrats made last election and emphasizes the urgent need for effective responses. Bassin also draws global parallels between Trump’s tactics and those of authoritarian leaders, stressing the importance of protecting impartial governance in a polarized political landscape.

Ian Bassin, co-founder of Protect Democracy and former White House counsel, explains how democracy is retreating fast and why lawyers are changing tactics. He discusses the authoritarian playbook, courts acting as occasional speed bumps while others shift right, threats framed as deceive, disrupt, deny, and why mass participation and organizing are the ultimate safeguard.

Elora Mukherjee, director of Columbia Law School's Immigrants' Rights Clinic who litigates asylum and represents detained immigrants. Ian Bassin, founder of Protect Democracy who defends democratic institutions and fights election threats. They debate Watson v. RNC and risks to mail‑in and early voting. They unpack asylum metering, the fight over birthright citizenship, and conditions at the Dilley detention center.

Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Ian Bassin of Protect Democracy to discuss the stakes of this moment for American democracy. They explore Protect Democracy's work in protecting election workers, addressing disinformation through lawsuits, and the dangers of authoritarianism. They highlight the need for regulations on new forms of communication and emphasize the importance of individuals in strengthening democracy.

Ian Bassin, MacArthur 'genius grant' recipient, discusses threats to American democracy and the importance of Protect Democracy's work. Topics include Sidney Powell's plea deal, fighting disinformation, protecting election workers, and efforts to prevent election crises.

Ian Bassin, co-founder of Protect Democracy and former Obama White House lawyer, discusses America’s rapid democratic backsliding. He talks about shifting from litigation to coalition-building, how courts are acting as speed bumps or accelerants, threats framed as “deceive, disrupt, deny,” and tactics like ICE deployments and the SAVE Act. The conversation stresses mass participation and public organizing as the ultimate safeguard.

Ian Bassin, a democracy watchdog and former Justice Department official; Tara Palmieri, investigative journalist who has covered the Epstein case; Dani Bensky, survivor and advocate. They unpack the DOJ’s massive Epstein files release with unredacted names and photos. Conversations cover re-traumatization from exposed materials, reporting on redaction failures, and how powerful networks protected abuse.

In this discussion, journalist Anne Applebaum, former ambassador Michael McFaul, legal expert Ian Bassin, and ex-DHS official Jason Hauser analyze President Trump's erratic communications regarding Greenland. Applebaum highlights his alarming detachment from diplomacy, while McFaul warns of European responses to perceived U.S. instability. The panel also delves into immigration enforcement tactics under DHS, critiquing their impact on communities and calling for reform, as well as examining constitutional checks on presidential power.