Tom Pepinsky

Tom Pepinsky, Cornell professor and Brookings fellow who studies democratic backsliding and populism, joins to unpack fascist traits and threats. He contrasts fascism with populism. He maps hierarchy, nationalism, spectacle, and organized coercion. He discusses who embodies these tendencies in contemporary politics and outlines civic steps to bolster pluralism and democracy.

Tom Pepinsky, a political scientist from Cornell and an expert on authoritarianism, dives into the threats posed by potential autocrats like Trump. He discusses the subtle signs of democracy eroding, drawing parallels with countries such as Hungary and Malaysia. Pepinsky also highlights how authoritarian tactics impact education and local governance. With a mix of serious analysis and humor, he reflects on the absurdities of Trump's rhetoric, showcasing the necessity for vigilance against shifts towards authoritarian rule.