The January 6 commission is a reminder that a peaceful transfer of power is not guaranteed and that democracy is in trouble. But do many understand what democracy really is? In his book Democracy Rules, German historian and political scientist argues three things are crucial for its survival: political parties over populism, a free media and a healthy level of uncertainty. 



QUOTES:



“I think what's paradoxical about the situation in the U.S., but to some degree it's also true of other democracies, is that high degrees of polarization actually coexist with very weak and hollowed out political parties.”



“Democracy allows us to deal with conflict, ideally also in a productive way. And uncertainty is important because if uncertainty disappears from a public system, you can be pretty sure that you are well on the way to an autocratic system.”





The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths - @rudyardg.  



Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/



To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.  



To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership

Members receive access to our 10+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.


This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/



Senior Producer: Kelly Linehan

Editor: Adam Karch

The January 6 commission is a reminder that a peaceful transfer of power is not guaranteed and that democracy is in trouble. But do many understand what democracy really is? In his book Democracy Rules, German historian and political scientist argues three things are crucial for its survival: political parties over populism, a free media and a healthy level of uncertainty. 
 
QUOTES:
 
“I think what's paradoxical about the situation in the U.S., but to some degree it's also true of other democracies, is that high degrees of polarization actually coexist with very weak and hollowed out political parties.”
 
“Democracy allows us to deal with conflict, ideally also in a productive way. And uncertainty is important because if uncertainty disappears from a public system, you can be pretty sure that you are well on the way to an autocratic system.”
 
The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths - <a href="https://twitter.com/rudyardg">@rudyardg</a>.  
 
Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/">https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/</a>
 
To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.  
 
To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at <a href="https://munkdebates.com/membership">https://munkdebates.com/membership</a>
Members receive access to our 10+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events.
 This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - <a href="https://munkdebates.com/">https://munkdebates.com/</a>
 
Senior Producer: Kelly Linehan
Editor: Adam Karch

The Munk Debates podcast is an extension of the main stage events - in subject, speaker selection, tone and format. It will introduce the iconic brand - and its engaging debates about significant issues of our time. Audiences will hear strong and passionate arguments from both sides of an issue so they will have enough information to make up their own minds about where they stand.

The Munk Debates podcast is an extension of the main stage events - in subject, speaker selection, tone and format. It will introduce the iconic brand - and its engaging debates about significant issues of our time. Audiences will hear strong and passionate arguments from both sides of an issue so they will have enough information to make up their own minds about where they stand.

The Munk Debates Podcast

The Munk Debates Podcast is dedicated to convening civil and substantive debates and dialogues on the big issues of the day. Each debate features two compelling thinkers debating a topic driving the public conversation. Each dialogue features world-renowned thinkers offering unique insight into the issues affecting us most. The podcast is an extension of the charitable Munk Debates' commitment to pushing back against the political polarization and restoring the art of public debate in our time. For more information about the Munk Debates visit www.munkdebates.com/podcast

The Munk Debates Podcast is dedicated to convening civil and substantive debates and dialogues on the big issues of the day. Each debate features two compelling thinkers debating a topic driving the public conversation. Each dialogue features world-renowned thinkers offering unique insight into the issues affecting us most. The podcast is an extension of the charitable Munk Debates' commitment to pushing back against the political polarization and restoring the art of public debate in our time. For more information about the Munk Debates visit www.munkdebates.com/podcast

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