PODCAST · education
This is Democracy
by This is Democracy
The future of democracy is uncertain, but we are committed to its urgent renewal today. This podcast will draw on historical knowledge to inspire a contemporary democratic renaissance. The past offers hope for the present and the future, if only we can escape the negativity of our current moment — and each show will offer a serious way to do that! This podcast will bring together thoughtful voices from different generations to help make sense of current challenges and propose positive steps forward. Our goal is to advance democratic change, one show at a time. Dr. Jeremi Suri, a renown scholar of democracy, will host the podcast and moderate discussions.
Episodes
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This is Democracy – Episode 330: Jewish Politics Since the 19th Century
This week, Zachary and Jeremi meet with Yale historian David Sorkin discussing his book, The Emancipationists: 19th Century Jews’ Campaign for Citizenship. David Sorkin is the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Modern Jewish History at Yale University. He is the author of numerous books, including The...
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This is Democracy – Episode 328: Imperialist Realism
Zachary and Jeremi are back this week to speak with University of Washington professor Daniel Bessner about his essay collection Imperialist Realism. They discuss shifting public attitudes across age cohorts, limits of U.S. power in East Asia and changing warfare, and connect these themes to the...
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This is Democracy – Episode 327: Local Journalism
Jeremi and Zachary return from summer break to discuss local journalism. Zachary draws from his experience working as a local reporter in Milwaukee over the summer to highlight the challenges that small, local stations and publications face in reaching wide audiences today, and what opportunities...
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This is Democracy – Episode 326: Ukraine Update
Jeremi and Zachary sit down with historian and former U.S. State Department official Michael Kimmage to take stock of where things stand in the fourth year of the war in Ukraine. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America, and the director of the Kennan...
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This is Democracy – Episode 325: Monuments and History
Jeremi and Zachary speak with historian Vaneesa Cook about her book “Empire and Liberty,” using the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building to examine how monuments have reflected debates over U.S. liberty, empire, immigration, protest, and public memory from the late 19th century through...
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This is Democracy – Episode 324: Universities Today
In today's episode, Jeremi and Zachary discuss how U.S. universities are changing, delving into shifts in campus political culture, administrative growth around DEI, viewpoint diversity and ideological siloing. They also discuss the financial and policy pressures such as federal research funding...
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This is Democracy – Episode 323: “Christian Nation”?
This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Dr. Daniel Hummel to address the claim of the US as a "Christian Nation" by many of its citizens, and how this notion relates to our democracy. Dr. Daniel Hummel is the director of the Lumen Center in Madison, WI, and a research fellow in the History...
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This is Democracy – Episode 322 – Israel: Past and Present
This week, Jeremi and Zachary interview Brown University historian Dr. Omer Bartov about his book, Israel: What Went Wrong?, written after October 7 amid his efforts to understand Israeli society, media narratives, and the war in Gaza informed by his visits to Israel in 2024. Dr. Omer Bartov is…
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This is Democracy – Episode 321: Hungarian Elections
This week, Zachary and Jeremi speak with UT Austin professor Lorinc Redei about Hungary’s recent election, in which longtime prime minister Viktor Orbán was defeated by opposition leader Péter Magyar, and what may come next. Lorinc Redei is the assistant dean for undergraduate education and an...
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This is Democracy – Episode 320: Is the U.S. Constitution Broken?
This week, Jeremi and Zachary host historian Mark Peterson to discuss his book, The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution: A Thousand-Year History, and to rethink the Constitution as a long-evolving relationship among people, government institutions, land, and written instruments…
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This is Democracy- Episode 319: U.S. Decision Making on Iran
This week, Zachary and Jeremi interview Atlantic writer and Johns Hopkins professor emeritus Eliot Cohen about his article “One War Two Mistakes” and how to think about the current U.S. war with Iran. Eliot Cohen is a contributing writer at The Atlantic. He is a professor emeritus at Johns…
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This is Democracy – Episode 318: War In Iran
This week, Zachary and Jeremi have a conversation with Dr. Michael Dennis about the current war with Iran and the United States and Israel with a focus on the historical perspective. Michael Dennis is an Associate Professor of Practice at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Dr. Dennis...
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This is Democracy – Episode 317: Vigilantism and Violence in American Society
Jeremi and Zachary speak with historian Heather Ann Thompson about her book "Fear and Fury," using the 1984 Bernie Goetz subway case to explore how Reagan-era, rising inequality, and a newly powerful conservative media reshaped public attitudes about crime, race, and self-defense. They connect…
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This is Democracy – Episode 316: Minneapolis
Zachary Suri and Jeremi Suri invite Professor David Aiona Chang on to discuss the ongoing standoff between anti-ICE protesters and DHS officials in Minneapolis, exploring the historical roots, community solidarity, and broader implications for immigration policy and local resistance. Zachary sets...
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This is Democracy – Episode 315: Venezuela Intervention
This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the implications of US intervention in Venezuela with Professor Kurt Weyland, examining the Monroe Doctrine's historical context, the interplay of realist and idealist motives, and the uncertain future of Venezuelan politics. Dr. Kurt Weyland is the Mike Hogg...
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This is Democracy – Episode 314: Reflections on 2025, Lessons for 2026
Jeremi and Zachary discuss key lessons and impressions from 2025 to kick off the new year of 2026. Zachary opens the episode with an excerpt from George Orwell's essay, "Can Socialists Be Happy?"
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This is Democracy – Episode 313: Civics and History Education
This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Professor Steven Mintz on the critical role of civics and history education in contemporary society. The discussion covers why civics education is crucial for understanding foundational facts of American history, the contentious nature of how history is...
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This is Democracy – Episode 312: Ukraine Negotiations
This week, Zachary and Jeremi revisit the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, discussing recent developments and potential diplomatic solutions. They are joined by Michael Kimmage, Professor of History at the Catholic University of America, who offers insights into the complex political…
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This is Democracy – Episode 311: US-Latin American Relations
This week Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor Renata Keller from the University of Nevada Reno, whose work focuses on the Cuban Missile Crisis and its enduring impact in Latin America. They explore public reactions in Latin America during the crisis, analyze the diverging opinions within…
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This is Democracy – Episode 310: Have we Outgrown the Constitution?
This week, Zachary and Jeremi discuss the complexities and challenges surrounding the adaptability of the American Constitution with Professor Steven Skowronek. They delve into topics such as constitutional amendments, the role and evolution of the Supreme Court, and the potential need for a new...
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This is Democracy – Episode 309: Government Shutdowns
This week, Jeremi and Zachary invite John Lawrence, a former senior staff member with extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, to discuss the recent government shutdown. The conversation delves into the causes and impacts of these shutdowns, the role of partisanship, and...
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This is Democracy – Episode 308: Greenland and the Arctic
This week, Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Mikkel Runge Olesen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, to discuss Greenland and its growing significance in global politics. Dr. Olesen offers a comprehensive overview of Greenland's history, its political...
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This is Democracy – Episode 307: Deliberative Democracy
Jeremi and Zachary have a conversation with Gryffin Wilkens-Plumley about his work designing assemblies of independent citizen governance. They have an in-depth discussion of deliberative democracy, a practice that is about citizen's individual participation, reasoning, and sense of duty to vote...
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This is Democracy – Episode 306: Federal Science Funding
This week, we have Prof. John Beckett Wallingford to discuss the current landscape of federal science funding, and the importance of science in American industry and society. We set the scene with a reading of The Polio Vaccine, Chatham, Virginia, 1964, by Claudia Emerson. John Beckett…
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This is Democracy – Episode 305: New School Year
This week, Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Jack Loveridge, Vice President of the El Paso Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees, to discuss the start of the new school year, with a particular focus on American schools' challenges and opportunities at this moment. Dr. Loveridge...
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This is Democracy – Episode 304: Russia-Ukraine War Update
This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with returning guest Michael Kimmage, about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the evolution of the conflict over the past three and a half years. Zachary sets the tone by re-reading the poem from the first episode about the conflict in Ukraine…
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This is Democracy — Episode 303: U.S. Military
This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Colonel Nathaniel Lauterbach about the significant changes in the US military over the past 20 years, and their implications for US foreign policy and civil-military relations. Jeremi sets the scene with some words from a lecture from George Kennan, an...
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This is Democracy — Episode 302: Freedom Season 1963
This week, Zachary hosts a conversation with Jeremi and Dr. Peniel Joseph about his new book, Freedom Season, which describes the pivotal significance of 1963 in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting key events such as the Birmingham protests, the March on Washington, the Birmingham church...
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This is Democracy — Episode 301: War in Iran
This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Steven Simon about the renewed tensions over Iran's nuclear program, recent military actions by Israel and the U.S., and their implications for global politics. Simon provides historical context and strategic analysis, touching on the complexities of...
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This is Democracy — 300th Episode!
In the 300th episode of This Is Democracy, Jeremi and Zachary look back on seven years of podcasting, reflecting on their conversations with scholars, activists, and students about democracy, human rights, and civic engagement. Zachary reads from his first poem for the podcast, "In A Quieter…
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This is Democracy – Episode 299: Southern Politics: Past and Present
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are speaking with Professor Bryan D. Jones to explore the history and evolution of southern politics. They delve into the persistent divisions and conflicts within southern politics over the last century and a half, and analyze how these dynamics shape contemporary...
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This is Democracy – Episode 298: Iran-Contra and its Legacies
In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary Suri are joined by Professor Alan McPherson, an expert on US foreign relations who introduces his new book 'The Breach: Iran-Contra and the Assault on American Democracy.' Together, they discuss how this Iran-Contra scandal altered public trust in the American...
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This is Democracy – Episode 297: Free Speech and Repression in Turkey
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of political imprisonment, torture, threats of r*pe, and human rights abuses. Viewer discretion is advised. Jeremi and Zachary speak with Kurdish journalist Nedim Türfent, who spent over 2,400 days in a Turkish prison after releasing footage of...
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This is Democracy – Episode 296: Israel-Palestine
This week, the discussion delves into the complex and deeply rooted suffering in the Middle East, focusing on the history of conflict, memory, trauma, and grief between Israelis and Palestinians. Jeremi and Zachary Suri are joined by acclaimed author Lawrence Wright, who has spent decades…
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This is Democracy – Episode 295: Broadcasting Democracy
Jeremi and Zachary have a conversation with Dr. Mark Pomar on the historical impact of Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty's critical role of radio communications during the Cold War, and the challenges they face today including the recent threats to their operation. Zachary…
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This is Democracy – Episode 294: The Courts and the President
Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Jeffrey Toobin to discuss the critical relationship between the U.S. judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, and the executive branch. Discussion centers around the contentious and politically charged topic of presidential pardoning power. The episode covers...
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This is Democracy – Episode 293: Ending Wars
This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Michael Vorenberg about the difficulties of ending wars in democracies. Their discussion includes various perspectives on when the Civil War truly ended, the challenges of war termination, Lincoln's approach toward reconciliation, and the lasting impacts of...
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This is Democracy – Episode 292: Free Speech
This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Donald Downs delve into the importance of free speech in democratic societies. They explore its historical significance, current threats, and what individuals can do to protect it. Their discussion includes insights on social media censorship, free speech…
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This is Democracy – Episode 291: Palestinian History and Identity
This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Maha Nassar about her insights on the Palestinian experience, identity, and history. They delve into the complexities of Palestinian and Israeli narratives, and emphasize the importance of open conversations, listening with empathy, and understanding...
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This is Democracy – Episode 290: News Media
This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the transformation of mainstream media and journalism over the past few decades with Martin Di Caro. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "If Anyone Is Listening." Award-winning journalist Martin Di Caro is the host of "History As It Happens," a podcast for...
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This is Democracy – Episode 289: Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders
Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Sarah Coleman to discuss President Donald Trump's immigration executive orders that have occurred within his first few days in office. Zachary opens with his poem, "Return to Lady Liberty". Sarah Coleman is a professor of 20th century American History at Texas...
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This is Democracy – Episode 288: City Leadership
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Austin, Texas city council member Dr. Alison Alter, who offers her insights from her eight-year tenure on the council. The discussion covers the significant impact local government has on daily life, the challenges of public service, and the importance…
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This is Democracy – Episode 287: Year-in-Review
This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss significant events and favorite episodes of 2024, reflecting on a year marked by political, social, and environmental challenges, and consider reasons for optimism and hope in 2025.
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This is Democracy – Episode 286: Syria
Mai Barazi was born in Syria, where she lived half of her life before moving to the United States. She received her Master’s degree in public leadership from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin. Mai has worked extensively on international refugee and resettlement issues. She has...
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This is Democracy – Episode 285: Tariffs, Trade, and Supply Chains
Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Meg Reiss to discuss what kinds of protections the United States should initiate through tariff measures on open trade. The discussion covers the complexities of the supply chain security and the dangers of open trade. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "On...
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This is Democracy – Episode 284: Ukraine War
Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers the complexities of the ongoing conflict, the geopolitical ramifications, and the humanitarian impact on the local populace. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "The Village."...
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This is Democracy – Episode 283: Barbara Jordan
Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor Mary Ellen Curtain to discuss the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan, a pioneering legislator, civil rights activist, and the first African American woman elected to Congress from the South. Curtain's new book, 'She Changed the Nation: Barbara Jordan's…
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This is Democracy – Episode 282: Elections 2024
This week, Jeremi and Zachary delve into the reactions, and broader ramifications, of the 2024 US election. The discussion focuses on community responses, with particular attention to young people and their engagement. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "Election Day".
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This is Democracy – Episode 281: Lebanon Wars
This week, Jeremi and Zachary have a discussion with Dr. Emily Whalen about Lebanon’s complex history and its current conflict. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "A Prophecy". Dr. Emily Whalen is a non-resident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Her first...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The future of democracy is uncertain, but we are committed to its urgent renewal today. This podcast will draw on historical knowledge to inspire a contemporary democratic renaissance. The past offers hope for the present and the future, if only we can escape the negativity of our current moment — and each show will offer a serious way to do that! This podcast will bring together thoughtful voices from different generations to help make sense of current challenges and propose positive steps forward. Our goal is to advance democratic change, one show at a time. Dr. Jeremi Suri, a renown scholar of democracy, will host the podcast and moderate discussions.
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This is Democracy
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does This is Democracy have?
This is Democracy currently has 330 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is This is Democracy about?
The future of democracy is uncertain, but we are committed to its urgent renewal today. This podcast will draw on historical knowledge to inspire a contemporary democratic renaissance. The past offers hope for the present and the future, if only we can escape the negativity of our current moment —...
How often does This is Democracy release new episodes?
This is Democracy publishes regularly with 330 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to This is Democracy?
You can listen to This is Democracy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts This is Democracy?
This is Democracy is created and hosted by This is Democracy.
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