This podcast features a conversation between Yascha Mounk and Francis Fukuyama discussing global political instability. The discussion begins with the surprising collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, analyzing its fragility despite years of apparent stability and the implications for the region. It then shifts to the political and economic crises in France and Germany, highlighting the vulnerabilities of both countries' models. Finally, the conversation touches upon the disconnect between economic prosperity and populist anger in the US, particularly concerning healthcare. A key takeaway is Fukuyama's assertion that authoritarian regimes, even institutionalized ones, are surprisingly fragile due to their inherent illegitimacy and reliance on force, as illustrated by Assad's fall.
