Adam Przeworski Asks Who Decides What is Democratic

from Democracy Paradox · host Justin Kempf

The biggest disappointment is that democracies do not reduce social and economic inequality.Adam PrzeworskiIn this episode, host Justin Kempf talks with political scientist Adam Przeworski about what truly defines democracy today. Przeworski explains why he sees no global democratic crisis, defends a minimalist view centered on free and fair elections, and reflects on why democracies struggle to reduce inequality. He also discusses why citizens sometimes tolerate democratic erosion and how modern autocracies maintain support, offering a clear and concise perspective on democracy’s strengths and limits. Alejandro González Ruiz, cohost of the Kellogg Institute's Global Stage podcast, joins to help introduce the episode.The Democracy Paradox is made in partnership with the Kellogg Institute of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Read the full transcript here.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:20Minimal Democracy and Democratic Crisis - 9:44Economic Inequality and Democracy - 22:37Autocracy and Popular Support - 31:42Democratic Backsliding - 36:09LinksLearn more about Adam Przeworski.Learn more about his book Crises of Democracy (Cambridge University Press, 2019).Learn more about Alejandro González Ruiz.Learn more about the Kellogg Institute.Apes of the State created all MusicSupport the show

What this episode covers

NOW PLAYING

0:00 50:44

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Democracy Now! 2026-06-19 Friday

Jun 19, 2026 ·59m

Democracy Now! 2026-06-18 Thursday

Jun 18, 2026 ·59m

Trailer: Tocqueville Road Trip

Jun 17, 2026 ·3m

Democracy Now! 2026-06-17 Wednesday

Jun 17, 2026 ·59m

Democracy Now! 2026-06-16 Tuesday

Jun 16, 2026 ·59m

The Murder of Gabbiee Swainson (Episode 229)

Jun 16, 2026 ·48m

Similar Podcasts

Supreme Court Justices Supme All advertisements are placed at the beginning of each episode, ensuring you experience Supreme Court Justices without interruptions. No mid-episode advertising cuts, no breaks in our judicial coverage. Just press play, and let the Supreme Court analysis unfold uninterrupted.When the gavel strikes and Supreme Court justices take the bench, history unfolds. Supreme Court Justices is where the Supreme Court of America becomes essential conversation, where America Supreme Court decisions shape society, and where every ruling—from latest Supreme Court decisions to historic judgments by first Supreme Court justices—receives the analysis it deserves. This is where Supreme Court of U.S. authority meets constitutional interpretation, where justice on the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of U.S. tradition converge.We explore everything that makes the Supreme Court vital to democracy. From breaking Supreme Court today judgment coverage to analyzing Supreme Court latest Civic Media Spotlight Civic Media Civic Media is a pro-democracy radio network serving local communities in Wisconsin. Hear a sample of our best programming from the past week from across our statewide network. Listen Live: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Saturday Sunday Breaking the Sound Barrier by Amy Goodman Democracy Now! Goodman and Moynihan report each week on the people and places caught in the middle, the ones most directly affected by policy debates, war and social issues. The column breaks through the glib clichés, dogmatic language and overall static that has permeated mainstream media coverage. Goodman and Moynihan’s unrestrained commentary from the front lines resonates with a generation that has an uncanny ability to spot the inauthentic in any discourse. The energy and passion for the truth found in this column inspires and rouses readers young Goodman and Moynihan report each week on the people and places caught in the middle, the ones most directly affected by policy debates, war and social issues. The column breaks through the glib clichés, dogmatic language and overall static that has permeated mainstream media coverage. Goodman and Moynihan’s unrestrained commentary from the front lines resonates with a generation that has an uncanny ability to spot the inauthentic in any discourse. The Open to Debate Open to Debate America is more divided than ever—but it doesn’t have to be. Open to Debate offers an antidote to the chaos. We bring multiple perspectives together for real, nonpartisan debates. Debates that are structured, respectful, clever, provocative, and driven by the facts. Open to Debate is on a mission to restore balance to the public square through expert moderation, good-faith arguments, and reasoned analysis. We examine the issues of the day with the world’s most influential thinkers spanning science, technology, politics, culture, and global affairs. It’s time to build a stronger, more united democracy with the civil exchange of ideas. Be open-minded. Be curious. Be ready to listen. Join us in being Open to Debate. (Formerly Intelligence Squared U.S.)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Democracy Paradox?

This episode is 50 minutes long.

When was this Democracy Paradox episode published?

This episode was published on November 26, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Democracy Paradox episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!