Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, titled “What Topples Democracies,” the host explores the stories of individuals who have experienced the downfall of democracy and the challenges faced by multicultural democracies. The episode features discussions on the musical “Here Lies Love,” the personal journey of journalist Jose Antonio Vargas as an undocumented immigrant, and the risks of civil war and authoritarianism in liberal democracies. The episode also delves into the importance of citizen participation and recognizing early signs of democracy’s decline.
Main Takeaways
The Power of Art and History: “Here Lies Love”
- The musical “Here Lies Love” tells the story of Ferdinand Marcos, a corrupt dictator, and his wife Imelda Marcos, through disco music and dance.
- Marcos, initially democratically elected, maintained power through violence and oppression, leading to the downfall of democracy in the Philippines.
- The show serves as a metaphor for the people power revolution in the mid-80s, emphasizing the concept of democracy belonging to the people.
The Immigrant Experience: Jose Antonio Vargas
- Jose Antonio Vargas, the producer, shares his personal connection to the show, as he hasn’t been able to return to the Philippines for 30 years.
- Vargas, who immigrated to the US at 12, reflects on the immigrant experience and the hope for a better life in America.
- Despite being undocumented, Jose excelled in high school, participating in various activities.
- A venture capitalist helped Jose attend college despite his undocumented status.
- Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented immigrant, was supported by a scholarship fund and a superintendent who didn’t require immigration status for the scholarship.
- Despite his undocumented status, Jose went to college, became a journalist, and won a Pulitzer Prize.
- Jose lived in fear of being discovered, even lying about his citizenship to get jobs.
- At the age of 30, he decided to reveal his undocumented status in an article for the New York Times magazine.
- Jose’s story sheds light on the plight of 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US.
- Jose’s hope is to bring attention to the legal limbo faced by undocumented immigrants.
The Risks to Democracy: Civil Wars and Authoritarianism
- Barbara Walter, a political science professor at the University of California San Diego, is an expert in civil wars and has been studying the topic for decades.
- Civil wars are the most prevalent form of violence in the world and have been increasing consistently since 1946.
- The US’s democracy has been downgraded three times since 2016, due to issues such as Russian meddling, White House refusal to comply with requests by Congress, and President Trump’s refusal to accept his loss in the 2020 election.
- The United States would have been considered at high risk of political instability and violence in late 2020 and early 2021, just before the January 6th insurrection.
- Civil war risks tend to grow slowly over time, with underlying changes occurring before they become apparent to most people.
- Demographic change is a key factor driving the current political tensions in the United States, as the country transitions to a majority non-white population.
- The rise of militias in the United States has been driven primarily by white men who perceive a threat to America’s identity.
- A modern civil war in the United States would likely be more decentralized and involve violence targeted at civilians and opposition leaders.
- Regulating social media and increasing citizen participation in democracy are key steps to prevent further polarization and violence.
- Increased citizen participation in voting and democracy can significantly impact election outcomes and help maintain a healthy democracy.
Preserving Democracy and Embracing Patriotism
- Yasha Monk, a political scientist, discusses the changing landscape of liberal democracies and the wave of authoritarian leadership around the world.
- Monk highlights the recent win of the Democratic Opposition Party in Poland as a positive example for liberal democracies.
- The rise of extreme political candidates and parties in Poland and other countries poses a threat to democratic principles.
- Authoritarian populists like Donald Trump, Hugo Chavez, and others claim to represent the voice of the country and label opponents as enemies.
- 2024 is a crucial year for democracy, especially in the United States, as Donald Trump is more determined to push back against limits on his power and there are potential international crises.
- The electorate has changed, and knowing the ethnic group of voters is less indicative of their voting preferences than it was in 2016.
- Americans’ feelings towards Trump are not solely based on love for him but also on a dislike for the other side.
- Misconception about a rising demographic majority for Democrats or the left.
- Shift in voter preferences among different racial groups from 2016 to 2020.
- Concerns among Latino voters about education and gender-related topics in schools.
- The Democratic Party has become associated with educated elites, potentially alienating non-college-educated voters.
- Media’s use of sanitized language in describing autocratic plans and the need for a different approach.
- The potential danger of a second Trump term to American democracy, highlighted by the events of January 6, 2021.
- The “beer test” concept in politics and the importance of relatability and respect in candidate-voter interactions.
- The experimental nature of the idea of a nation and the presence of subnational identities and allegiances.
- Yasha Monk, a political science professor, emphasizes the importance of embracing patriotism in a civic sense, rather than an ethnic variant.
- Healthy patriotism involves appreciating and loving the culture of one’s country, including its sights, sounds, smells, cities, landscapes, and people.
- The forward-looking culture of a country like the United States reflects the influence and hallmarks of people from diverse backgrounds, origins, and cultural/religious groups.
- A healthy love for one’s country can connect people, foster forbearance, and enable them to tolerate and stand together to build a better future.
Summary
The Power of Art and History: “Here Lies Love”
The musical “Here Lies Love” is a disco-infused production that tells the story of Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda Marcos. Through music and dance, the show explores how Marcos, initially democratically elected, maintained power through violence and oppression, ultimately leading to the downfall of democracy in the Philippines. The musical serves as a metaphor for the people power revolution in the mid-80s, highlighting the concept of democracy belonging to the people.
The Immigrant Experience: Jose Antonio Vargas
Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented immigrant and journalist, shares his personal journey of coming to the United States at the age of 12. Despite facing the challenges of being undocumented, Vargas excelled in high school and received support from a venture capitalist and a scholarship fund. He went on to attend college, become a journalist, and even win a Pulitzer Prize. Vargas’s story sheds light on the experiences of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US and the legal limbo they face.
The Risks to Democracy: Civil Wars and Authoritarianism
Barbara Walter, a political science professor, discusses the risks of civil wars and authoritarianism in democracies. Civil wars have been increasing since 1946 and are often preceded by underlying changes that go unnoticed by most people. Factors such as demographic change and the rise of militias contribute to political tensions. Walter emphasizes the importance of regulating social media and increasing citizen participation to prevent further polarization and violence. Recognizing early signs of democracy’s decline is crucial to maintaining a healthy democracy.
Preserving Democracy and Embracing Patriotism
Yasha Monk, a political scientist, highlights the challenges faced by liberal democracies and the rise of authoritarian leaders. The recent win of the Democratic Opposition Party in Poland serves as a positive example for preserving democratic principles. However, extreme political candidates and parties pose a threat to democracy. Monk discusses the potential dangers of a second Trump term and the changing electorate in the United States. Embracing patriotism in a civic sense, appreciating the diverse culture of the country, and fostering forbearance are essential for building a better future.
Conclusion
The episode “What Topples Democracies” explores the stories of individuals who have witnessed the downfall of democracy and the challenges faced by multicultural democracies. Through art, personal experiences, and expert insights, the episode sheds light on the risks to democracy, the immigrant experience, and the importance of citizen participation. Recognizing early signs of democracy’s decline and embracing patriotism in a civic sense are crucial for preserving and strengthening democracies around the world.
