Can Christian nationalism coexist with American democracy, or is it a threat to the very foundation of our nation? Join us for a compelling discussion on "After America" as we tackle these urgent questions. This episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of Mike Johnson's rise to Speaker of the House and how his Christian nationalist views are shaping the legislative landscape. We discuss the erosion of the separation of church and state, exploring how Johnson's leadership might be steering the country towards authoritarianism.

We unravel the historical intertwining of evangelicalism and conservative politics. From the televangelism boom driven by figures like Pat Robertson and James Dobson to the influential Moral Majority founded by Jerry Falwell, we trace the path that has aligned evangelical Christians with the Republican Party. We delve into the consequences of this alliance, from Reagan's judicial appointments to the overwhelming support for Donald Trump, illustrating how a desire for traditional values has paved the way for more authoritarian leadership.

Finally, we discuss the rise of militant Christian nationalism and its alarming impact on American society. We dissect the process of online radicalization, the normalization of extremist rhetoric, and the unsettling intersection of Christianity and right-wing extremism. We also examine the broader implications, including mass deportations and the undermining of democratic institutions. Don’t miss this episode as we contemplate whether contemporary evangelicals can find harmony with their secular neighbors amidst a politically charged landscape.

Guests: Dr. Bernard Schlager, Dr. David Gushee, Dr. Tara Grove, Dr. Alice Marwick, Dr. Shalu Nigam

Credits:
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

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White supremacist and right-wing militia groups are threatening American democracy. Join us as we unveil the alarming rise and evolution of these extremist ideologies, tracing their roots from historical moments like Ruby Ridge and Waco to modern-day influences bolstered by political figures such as Donald Trump. In this episode, we uncover how political rhetoric has emboldened these groups, posing significant risks leading up to the 2024 election.

Discover how the internet has become a breeding ground for radicalization, connecting extremists and mainstreaming their dangerous ideologies, shedding light on the role of media bubbles and algorithms in empowering these extremists. The discussion highlights how fringe theories like the Great Replacement have gained traction and now influence public policy and political rhetoric within the Republican Party.

Finally, we delve into the disturbing convergence of white supremacist, militia, and Christian nationalist ideologies, emphasizing their preference for authoritarianism and theocracy. This episode underscores the urgent need for action to safeguard American democracy against these growing threats.

Guests: Dr. Ian Haney Lopez, Dr. Kathleen Blee, Dr. James Hawdon, and Jason van Tatenhove

After America Statement on Political Violence in America

Credits:
LBJ Clip on Civil Rights Act - Courtesy of the LBJ Library
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

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A statement on the current state of political violence in the United States from the After America team.

Music:
Infados - Kevin MacLeod

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If American democracy were to collapse, what historical parallels could help us understand what we might be in for? Nazi Germany? Learn how the Nazis swiftly exploited the Reichstag Fire in 1933 to enact the Reichstag Fire Decree, leading to a brutal suppression of political opponents and securing their dominance in the March 5th elections. We explore economic and social turmoil in Weimar Germany that laid the groundwork for Hitler's ascent, drawing poignant comparisons to the fragility of today’s democratic system in the United States, and reveal the strategic maneuvers the Nazis employed to position themselves as the true representatives of Germany, transcending traditional political labels and focusing on national unity and modernization. We discuss the cultural anxieties exacerbated by rapid modernization and urbanization, and how Hitler's propaganda machine capitalized on these fears to foster a return to traditional values, further deepening societal and political divides. And, we explore the unique political skills and empathetic understanding Hitler used to galvanize support, setting a dangerous precedent for charismatic leadership in times of crisis.

But, when we consider the similarities between conditions in Weimar Germany immediately prior to the collapse of democracy to the conditions in the United States, does past mean prelude? Maybe the gradual democratic collapse of the Roman Republic is a better corollary. So, we look into how systems designed to prevent tyranny can inadvertently lead to gridlock and public disenchantment. By examining historical events like Augustus' rise to power and modern phenomena such as gerrymandering and judicial appointments, we emphasize the subtle dangers of gradual democratic backsliding. This episode helps us understand what might lie ahead for American democracy and underscores the urgent need to recognize and address threats to democratic institutions today to prevent repeating the errors of history.

Guests: Dr. Benjamin Hett, Dr. Peter Fritzsche, and Dr. Edward Watts

Music:
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

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What if the very institutions designed to protect American democracy are now its greatest threat? In this episode, we scrutinize why Donald Trump remains a formidable candidate nearly four years later, and how key democratic norms and institutions like the rule of law, free and fair elections, and a free press are being systematically eroded. This sets the stage for the 2024 election, framing it as a critical battle between authoritarianism and democracy.

We also unpack the structural weaknesses that plague American democracy today, focusing on the Senate, the Electoral College, and the House of Representatives. These institutions, originally designed to balance power, now disproportionately benefit Republicans, leading to governance and policy outcomes that undermine public trust. Partisan gerrymandering and the Senate's counter-majoritarian design are scrutinized for perpetuating poor governance and eroding faith in our democratic systems. We also discuss the role of bureaucracy, technocracy, and neutral institutions in safeguarding democracy.

Finally, we delve into the fragility of American democratic norms and the judiciary. Discussing the politicization of judicial appointments and challenges to electoral legitimacy, we explore the consequences for democratic stability. The rise of Christian nationalism, deregulation, and threats to climate initiatives signal troubling trends, especially with the prospect of Donald Trump's return to the presidency.

Guests: Dr. Sara Benesh, Stephen Marche, Dr. David Faris, & Dr. Tom Ginsburg

Sources:
Bush v. Gore Clip - Courtesy of the United States Supreme Court
McConnell Senate Speech on Garland Confirmation - Courtesy of C-SPAN
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

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What happens when the very fabric of American democracy is put to the test? Join us as we confront the alarming state of our nation in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, featuring a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. We begin by dissecting the chaos of January 6th, 2021, when a Trump-incited mob stormed the Capitol, marking a pivotal moment in our history—a moment that saw many Republican members of Congress attempt to overturn the election results, forever altering the party's trajectory toward authoritarianism.

Our journey takes us back to the 1960s, exploring the origins of racially charged rhetoric and the pivotal shifts of the Republican Party. From Barry Goldwater's extremism to Nixon's Southern strategy and Reagan's unifying conservative factions, we unravel how coded language and strategic political moves laid the groundwork for today's divisive landscape. The rise of figures like Newt Gingrich and the influence of Fox News further transformed Republican politics, setting the stage for the Tea Party and the ideological battles that followed Obama's election. And, then Trump.

As we examine the aftermath of the 2020 election and the January 6th attack, we spotlight Trump's baseless voter fraud claims and the disturbing rise of far-right militia groups. With the 2024 election on the horizon, we discuss the precarious state of American democracy and the erosion of democratic norms.

Guests: Dr. Ian Haney Lopez, Dr. David Faris, Dr. David Gushee, & Dr. Edward Watts

Sources:
January 6th Audio Footage – Courtesy of the January 6th House Committee
Nixon/Reagan Call – Courtesy of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum: Tape 013-008
Ronald Reagan 1980 Campaign Ad – Courtesy of the Reagan Foundation
Ronald Reagan Campaign Remarks 1976 – Courtesy of the Reagan Library
Ronald Reagan Remarks at Liberty Park – Courtesy of the Reagan Library
Ronald Reagan Inaugural Address – Courtesy of the Reagan Library
Obama Inaugural Address – Courtesy of President Barack Obama White House Archive
Trump Sworn In – Courtesy of President Donald Trump White House ArchiveKevin McCarthy Statement on Trump – Courtesy of C-Span
Mitch McConnell Statement on Trump – Courtesy of C-Span
Liz Cheney Statement on House Floor – Courtesy of C-Span
Confessions of a Republican – Courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library
Infados - Kevin MacLeod
News Theme · Kevin MacLeod
Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay

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As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?

Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay
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How does economic hardship and cultural marginalization fuel the rise of authoritarianism in America? In this conversation with Dr. Arlie Hochschild, the acclaimed author of "Strangers in Their Own Land," we explore the white working-class community's sense of hopelessness and how it makes them susceptible to figures like Donald Trump, who promise radical solutions. Together, we unravel the emotional and political dynamics driving these communities towards authoritarianism, scrutinizing the threat it poses to our democratic norms and institutions.

From the petrochemical plants of Louisiana to the halls of power, we venture into the lives of white, blue-collar workers to understand their growing alignment with right-wing movements. By diving into their "deep story," we shed light on feelings of being left behind and the resentment that fuels their political choices. This episode uncovers the stark disconnect between urban elites and rural populations, examining how federal policies and evolving sentiments have led to moments of intense political upheaval, such as the January 6th insurrection.

We also dissect the complex relationship between voter behavior and democratic stability. Are moderate voters swaying their officials towards moderation, or is it the other way around?

Tune in to explore how we can bridge the American political divide, address economic concerns, and find innovative solutions to rejuvenate neglected areas, fostering moderation and tolerance in an increasingly polarized nation.

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As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail?

Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay
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Can America’s democracy survive the rising tide of extremism, judicial assertiveness, and political violence? Dr. David Faris kicks off the conversation by dissecting the radical shifts within the Republican Party and their profound implications for political polarization and legislative deadlock. His analysis raises urgent questions about the future of bipartisan cooperation and the erosion of democratic norms in the United States.

Next, Dr. Sarah Benesh delves into the Supreme Court's increasingly influential role in shaping policy on contentious issues from voting rights to reproductive health. Through detailed exploration of landmark cases, she reveals how the court's originalist philosophy exacerbates ideological divides and impacts public perception, offering a crucial perspective on the judiciary's evolving power. Dr. Benesh's examination provides essential context for understanding the court's decisions and their far-reaching consequences.

Lastly, Dr. James Hawdon brings to light the unsettling rise of political violence and its destabilizing effects on democracy. By drawing connections between misinformation, incendiary rhetoric, and events like the January 6th Capitol attack, he underscores the urgent need to counteract these threats. As we head towards the 2024 election, Dr. Hawdon's insights stress the importance of proactive strategies to protect democratic institutions. Tune in for a compelling discussion that offers a sobering yet hopeful look at the forces shaping America's future.

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