What 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes would say about American democracy today

This episode of Ideas from the Trenches explores the political theory of Thomas Hobbes through the lens of anxiety, particularly in the context of contemporary democracies. It features Vertica, a PhD student, who argues that anxiety is a crucial but often overlooked factor in understanding political behavior. The podcast includes interviews with political theorists and psychologists who discuss how anxiety influences voters, political messaging, and the potential for authoritarianism. The discussion covers Hobbes' views on human nature, the role of fear and anxiety in society, and the challenges democracies face in addressing the underlying causes of anxiety to prevent political instability.