This is Democracy

This is Democracy – Episode 218: Midterm Elections

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Geoffrey Kabaservice to discuss the Midterm Elections. Zachary sets the scene with his poem entitl...

This is Democracy – Episode 217: Anti-Semitism

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Peter Beinart to discuss the history of anti-semitism in The United States and around the world. Zachar...

This is Democracy – Episode 216: Iran Protests

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the ongoing protests in Iran with Professor Nahid Siamdoust. Zachary recites his poem "Worth Waiting For." ...

This is Democracy – Episode 215: Ukraine War

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Michael Kimmage about how the Ukraine War has developed over the course of the year, and how they predict ...

This is Democracy – Episode 214: Civil War by Other Means, Part II

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi Suri holds the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a professor in the U...

This is Democracy – Episode 213: Civil War By Other Means

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Zachary takes a turn at hosting and interviews Jeremi about his new book, Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight f...

This is Democracy – Episode 212: International Sanctions and Banking

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with guest Sarah Kaiser-Cross about banks and financial institutions and how they interact with different countries...

This is Democracy – Episode 211: Realism and Foreign Policy

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk to Dr. Jonathan Kirshner to discuss realism and foreign policy. Zachary sets the scene for the discussion with hi...

This is Democracy – Episode 210: Can History Bring Us Together?

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Jill Lepore about her new book, These Truths: A History of the United States, and why an acknowledgement and u...

This is Democracy – Episode 209: Abortion and Women’s Health

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Jasbir Singh to discuss the changing landscape of abortion access in the United States. Zachary set...

This is Democracy – Episode 208: The Third Reconstruction

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Peniel Joseph to discuss his new book, The Third Reconstruction, and his interpretations of American h...

This is Democracy – Episode 207: Gorbachev

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the significance and legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev and his political career with professor, author, and political scie...

This is Democracy – Episode 206: Leadership

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by American historian Mark Updegrove. They discuss Mark's recent book, Incomparable Grace: JFK in the Preside...

This is Democracy – Episode 205: Attorneys General

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Arizona candidate for state attorney general, Kris Mayes. They discuss how state attorney generals fulfill...

This is Democracy – Episode 204: China

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Hal Brands and Michael Beckley to discuss China's rise as a military power, lessons from the Cold War, and...

This is Democracy – Episode 203: Policing and Race in America

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor Vida Johnson to discuss policing in America and the types of checks and balances required by a j...

This is Democracy – Episode 202: Inflation

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Adam Tooze to discuss the rise in inflation and the broader economic concepts that contribute to it. ...

This is Democracy – Episode 201: Marie Yovanovitch and U.S. Relations with Ukraine

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch to discuss the ways in which U.S. policy has evolved in the region surroundin...

This is Democracy – Episode 200 Special

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary reach their 200th episode of This is Democracy and reflect on the state of Democracy in America, as well as what they ha...

This is Democracy – Episode 199: Death Row, Wrongful Convictions, and the Courts

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by attorney Gail Johnson to discuss the ways in which the avenues for wrongful convictions are closing in the...

This is Democracy – Episode 198: Hungary and the Future of European Security

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and guest Lorinc Redei discuss the power of Hungary as a member of the European Union and NATO, and the role it plays between large e...

This is Democracy – Episode 197: Real Reform

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Steven Olikara to discuss political reform in light of the recent tragedy that occurred on May 24th, 2022,...

This is Democracy – Episode 196: Buffalo Shooting

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Peniel Joseph to discuss the recent tragedy that occurred on May 14th, 2022, in Buffalo, New York. ...

This is Democracy – Episode 195: War in Ukraine

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Michael Kimmage to discuss the recent developments and current state of the war in Ukraine. Zachary set...

This is Democracy – Episode 194: Abortion and the Supreme Court

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor Steve I. Vladeck as they discuss the ramifications of the recently leaked supreme court draft de...

This is Democracy – Episode 193: Transgender Rights and Inclusion

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Author and Activist Jo Ivester to discuss transgender rights, the transgender community in the United Stat...

This is Democracy – Episode 192: Syria and Ukraine

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Emily Whalen and discuss the history and current situation of the civil war in Syria, Russia's involvement...

This is Democracy – Episode 191: War Crimes

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Historian Dr. Elizabeth Borgwardt to discuss the recent Russian war crimes in Ukraine, what war crimes are...

This is Democracy – Episode 190: Secrecy, Deception, and Presidential Leadership

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary meet with Dr. Kenneth Osgood to discuss the issues related to deception, secrecy, and the doctoring of evidence by presi...

This is Democracy – Episode 189: Reforming American Democracy

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Will Hurd to discuss his new book and his insights into our democracy today. Zachary sets the scene with h...

This is Democracy – Episode 188: Ukraine

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Michael Kimmage to discuss the Ukraine conflict. Zachary sets the scene with his poem: "For Mariupol" D...

This is Democracy – Episode 187: Anti-Oligarchy Constitution

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professors Joesph Fishkin and William Forbath, authors of The Anti-Oligarchy Constitution, to discuss the ...

This is Democracy – Episode 186: NATO

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary discuss the history of the NATO with Bryan Frizzelle, and its importance to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Zachary sets the scen...

This is Democracy – Episode 185: Ukraine Invasion by Russia

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor of History and expert on Russian and Ukrainian policy, Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the Russia...

This is Democracy – Episode 184: Artificial Intelligence and Democracy

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the future and potential of Artificial Intelligence and our Democracy with Aurna Mukherjee. Zachary sets the sc...

This is Democracy – Episode 183: Latin American Democracy Activism

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary discuss youth political activism in Latin America with Dr. Andrés González. Dr. Andrés González is a political scientist bas...

This is Democracy – Episode 182: Teaching During COVID

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Jason Flowers, a high school teacher, to discuss how teaching has changed during COVID. Zachary sets th...

This is Democracy – Episode 181: Sexual Assault

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Hanna Senko and Major Pro Tem Alison Alter to discuss sexual assault. Zachary sets the scene with his p...

This is Democracy – Episode 180: Biden’s First Year

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi, Zachary, and Paul Stekler discuss their feelings about Biden's first year, and what the future holds for his office. Zachary sets ...

This is Democracy – Episode 179: Ukraine Crisis

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and guest Nataliya Gumenyuk discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the current position of Ukraine in the global political land...

This is Democracy – Episode 178: Give Young People the Vote

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and guest Dr. Samuel J. Abrams, argue that the United States should lower the voting age requirement to 16 years old. Zachary sets...

This is Democracy Episode 177 – 2021 Finale

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary sit down and reflect what they learned from this year, from the January 6th insurrection to the new Omicron Variant, and how we can...

This is Democracy – Episode 176: German Democracy and Lessons for the US

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and Dr. Garret J. Martin discuss the recent German election of chancellor Olaf Scholz last November. What could Germany's new, center...

This is Democracy – Episode 175: Russia, Ukraine, and the United States

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today on This is Democracy, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Michael Kimmage about the current crisis between Russia and the Ukraine and how it will i...

This is Democracy – Episode 174: Immigration Policy Inside the United States

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Sarah Coleman about the history of United States immigration policy in the 20th century and onwards....

This is Democracy – Episode 173: COP26 and Environmental Political Economy

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Andrew Waxman to discuss the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26). Zachary s...

This is Democracy – Episode 172: Anti-Semitism

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Renee Lafair and Dr. Alison Alter to discuss Anit-Semitism and other forms of hate in response to th...

This is Democracy – Episode 171: Work and Labor in America Today

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Nelson Lichtenstein to discuss the history of work and labor organization in the United States. ...

This is Democracy – Episode 170: Biology of Democracy

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guest Dr. Mark Moffett about human biology and how it affects the development of societies. Z...

This is Democracy: Episode 169 – Vietnam War Legacies

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guest Dr. Mark Atwood Lawrence about the Vietnam War and its continuing legacies in American soc...

This is Democracy: Episode 168 – Abortion Restrictions in Texas

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guests Dyana Limon-Mercado, and Sarah Wheat about how women are responding to the latest abortio...

This is Democracy: Episode 167 – Climate Change and the Pandemic

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guest, Dr. Sheila Olmstead about climate change, the environment, and how the pandemic has exace...

This is Democracy: Episode 166 – NATO Alliance

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guests, Dr. James Goldgeier and Dr. Joshua Shifrinson, about NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organiz...

This is Democracy: Episode 165 – German Elections

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with special guest, Jeffrey Rathke, about the upcoming elections in Germany and what implications they could ...

This is Democracy: Episode 164 – Better Thinking for Democracy

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, Jeremi and Zachary have the opportunity to talk with special guests Steven Nadler and Lawrence Sharpiro. They discuss their exciti...

This is Democracy: Episode 163 – Shadow Docket and Abortion

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with special guest, Professor Stephen Vladeck, discuss the Shadow Docket in response to the recent controversial Texas Law that la...

This is Democracy: Episode 162 – Refugees in Afghanistan and Across the Globe

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with special guest, Prof. B. Venkat Mani, discuss the refugee crisis in reaction to recent events in Afghanistan Zachary sets t...

This is Democracy: Episode 161 – Census

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with special guest, Steven Pedigo, discuss the results of the recently published U.S. Census and what it means for society. Zac...

This is Democracy – Episode 160: Mental Health and COVID

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with their guest Steve Sonnenberg, discuss the topic of mental health during the global pandemic. Zachary sets the scene with h...

This is Democracy – Episode 159: Renting Crisis in American Cities

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with their guest Shoshana Krieger discuss the challenges in finding affordable rent in big cities. Zachary sets the scene with ...

This is Democracy – Episode 158: Pandemic Persistence

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Dr. Christopher McKnight Nichols, draw upon perceptions of historical pandemics to learn how our nation can move beyond...

This is Democracy – Episode 157: Cuba and Democracy in the Caribbean

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Alan McPherson, discuss what we can learn from the long history of democratic efforts in Cuba, and how many of them wer...

This is Democracy – Episode 156: The Olympics

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and guests Drs. Robert Edelman and David McDonald discuss the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, and the politics attached to the international...

This is Democracy – Episode 155: Voter Intimidation

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Wendy Davis and Eric Cervini about their perspective on voter intimidation, and their lived experience with th...

This is Democracy – Episode 154: Ukraine

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with their guest, Nataliya Gumenyuk about the challenges, struggles, and opportunity for democracy in the Ukraine....

This is Democracy – Episode 153: Democracy Activism

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Dr. Allison Gill about democracy activism and her efforts in exposing lies and keeping people updated in ongo...

This is Democracy – Episode 152: European Union

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Dr. Lorinc Redei about the change that has occured within the European Union. Zachary sets the scene with...

This is Democracy – Episode 151: Voting and State Governments

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Dr. Robinson Woodward-Burns about the role of state governments in making larger constitutional and political...

This is Democracy – Episode 150: Graduating in 2021

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Natalie Suri about her experiences as a high school student during the COVID-19 pandemic, graduating during a ...

This is Democracy – Episode 149: Breaking Barriers in American Society

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Lieutenant Colonel Christina Hopper about her military career and the history of women and minorities se...

This is Democracy – Episode 148: Cybersecurity

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary with their guest Professor Robert Chesney discuss the threats, concerns trepidation and potential opportunities behind cybersecurit...

This is Democracy – Episode 147: American Borderlands

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Dr. Samuel Truett discuss their understanding of the controversies surrounding the US-Mexico border. ...

This is Democracy – Episode 146: U.S.-China Relations

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, Jeremi and Zachary, with Dr. Charles Edel, discuss the history of U.S-China foreign policy, to frame how the youth of America should ...

This is Democracy – Episode 145: New Deal: History and Legacies for Today

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with Eric Rauchway, discuss the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, and how modern policies in today's government echo it....

This is Democracy – Episode 144: Afghanistan War

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary along with their guest, Aaron O'Connell discuss America's longest war, the Afghanistan War, and the implications within our propose...

This is Democracy – Episode 143: Black Resistance to Slavery in Early America and its Legacies

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary turn to expert Dr. Daina Ramey Berry to discuss the history and legacy of slave revolts and maroon societies in the United States, ...

This is Democracy – Episode 142: Infrastructure and Public Works

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary turn to expert Dr. Jason Scott Smith to discuss the history of America's investment in public works, the Biden administration's pro...

This is Democracy – Episode 141: “The Eyes of Texas”

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and Dr. Richard Reddick discuss the racist past, and current controversy, of UT's most popular song, "The Eyes of Texas". The lyri...

This is Democracy – Episode 140: Asian American History and Exclusion

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, after the racially-motivated attacks in Atlanta, Georgia, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Professor Madeline Hsu about Asian American History ...

This is Democracy – Episode 139: Economic Stimulus

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Julian Zelizer discuss what is at the forefront of our news and draw on the history of economic stimulus packages and h...

This is Democracy – Episode 138: The Filibuster

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with Dr. Sean Theriault discuss congressional politics and question whether the U.S. Senate should continue to have a rule for a F...

This is Democracy – Episode 137: Energy Catastrophe in Texas

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with Dr. Varun Rai, discuss the role of state and national government in energy management, as well as what improvements could be ...

This is Democracy – Episode 136: Liberal Education

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with Prof. Jonathan Marks, discuss the approach of liberal education through a conservative lens, and how the status quo can hinde...

This is Democracy – Episode 135: Big Data and Policing

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this Episode Jeremi and Zachary along with - discuss how large quantities of data are used in surveillance and how they may be used to heighten ine...

This is Democracy – Episode 134: Scientific Literacy and Democracy

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with Dr. Brent Iverson, discuss the role of science in government and society, as well as how education and scientific literacy wi...

This is Democracy – Episode 133: Russian Democracy Protests and US Policy

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary discuss the ongoing political protests in Russia, and Biden's response to Putin, with Dr. Michael Kimmage. Dr. Michael Kimmage i...

This is Democracy – Episode 132: Presidential Inaugurations

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Jeremi and Zachary discuss President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration and the effects his speech may have on the current divisions in the United S...

This is Democracy – Episode 131: Insurrection: White Supremacist Riots from Charlottesville (2017) to the Capitol (2021)

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today Jeremi and Zachary reflect on the recent events leading up to the U.S. Capitol riots and discuss its impact amidst a democracy in crisis with sp...

This is Democracy – Episode 130: We Survived 2020!

21 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today Jeremi and Zachary reflect on what they have learned this year from the many discussions with the guests they've had on the podcast, what 2020 h...

This is Democracy – Episode 129: Vaccinations

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Professor David M. Oshinsky discuss the history of vaccinations in American society and how it applies to the cu...

This is Democracy – Episode 128: The Republican Party

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Dr. Geoffrey Kabaservice discuss the mid-twentieth century history of the Republican party and what that can inf...

This is Democracy – Episode 127: Hopes for Democracy in Atlanta

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Dr. Shirley Thompson talk about the historical evolution of Atlanta, Georgia. Zachary sets the scene with his...

This is Democracy – Episode 126: Participatory Democracy from the Sixties to Today

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary, with guest Dr. Vaneesa Cook, discuss the Port Huron Statement, and the shifting ideals of democracy in America. Zachary sets th...

This is Democracy – Episode 125: Right-Wing Militias

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Augusta Dell’Omo about right wing extremism and right wing militias in American society. Zachary sets the scene wit...

This is Democracy – Episode 124: Deportations

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Ruth Hargrove about deportations of asylum seekers coming into the U.S. Zachary sets the scene with his poem titled, ...

This is Democracy – Episode 123: New Voters

06 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Jillian Smith and Eli Alter about what it's like for first-time voters during the presidential election and what role vo...

This is Democracy – Episode 122: Media Coverage of Elections

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Professor Paul Stekler about the way media has covered the U.S. 2020 Election as well as prior election seasons and how ...

This is Democracy – Episode 121: Historical Memory and National Trauma

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Dr. Susan Neiman about the role of historical memory in addressing past injustices. Zachary sets the scene with his p...

This is Democracy – Episode 120: Dissent and National Security

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi and Zachary discuss the role of dissent, specifically whistleblowers, in US national security and defense, with Hannah Gurman and Kaeten Mistry...

This is Democracy – Episode 119: Counterterrorism and Torture

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremi, Zachary, and guest Ali Soufan, discuss the effectiveness of the FBI's interrogation techniques from before and after the war in Iraq. Zacha...