Democracy Paradox
Democracy Paradox
Justin Kempf
Sheri Berman Says the Democratic Recession Was Not a Surprise
50 minutes Posted Apr 29, 2026 at 7:00 am.
Introduction
What We Forgot About Democracy
The Social Foundations of Democracy
Inequality, Insecurity, and Policy
Universities, Cruise Control, and the Purpose of Democracy
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50:51
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Show notes
If democracy wants to regain the upper hand, it has to not only do a better job than the other guys, but in fact, a good job. Sheri Berman This episode features a conversation with political scientist Sheri Berman on why today’s global "democratic recession" was actually predictable. Drawing from her deep historical research, Berman argues that every democratic wave eventually faces an "undertow," especially when the social and economic foundations of stability begin to fail. From the caution...