This podcast episode features Sam Harris in conversation with Barton Gellman, who delves deeply into the implications of authoritarianism on democracy, particularly reflecting on the experiences gleaned from the Democracy Futures Project. Through a series of thought-provoking simulations, the discussion unveils the precarious nature of democracy in the face of potential abuses of power, with particular attention to the pressing need for resilient democratic norms, the dangers of fabricated narratives like the George Soros conspiracy theory, and the alarming prospect of an increasingly authoritarian Trump presidency. Gellman underscores the importance of vigilance and active resistance against the erosion of democratic institutions, advocating for a proactive stance among citizens to safeguard democracy.
