A warning for business leaders: Aspiring autocrats tank economies

Jeff Berman interviews political scientist and author Barbara F Walter about the state of American democracy and the role of business leaders in safeguarding stability. Walter discusses her research, which indicates the U.S. is no longer the world's longest-standing democracy and has fallen into a risky "partial democracy" zone. She emphasizes the economic and political instability associated with this state, and urges business leaders to recognize the seriousness and immediacy of the threat. Walter provides examples of how business communities in Brazil and South Africa influenced political outcomes, and stresses that collective action and planning are crucial for preserving democracy and economic stability, as autocratic shifts ultimately harm all businesses.