304. Question Time: Could Trump try and subvert the US election results?
7Digest
This podcast delves into a range of pressing political issues, examining the potential for election subversion, the rise of authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, and the role of social media in polarization. The hosts discuss the implications of Trump's potential strategies to subvert the election results, including the possibility of Republican electors refusing to certify the election. They also explore the rise of populism and authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, focusing on Georgia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia, and the impact of foreign agents laws, anti-LGBT policies, and the influence of Russian oligarchs on these countries. The podcast further examines the merits and demerits of using real-time fact-checking technology in political debates, drawing parallels to VAR in football. The hosts discuss the potential for such technology to improve the accuracy of political discourse but also the risks of it being used to stifle debate. They also delve into the role of social media in promoting polarization, contrasting Nick Clegg's claim that there is no evidence of a correlation between social media and polarization with research suggesting otherwise. The podcast concludes with a discussion on how to spread positivity and hope in a world that often feels bleak, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in everyday life and the moral argument for democracy as a source of inspiration.
Outlines
The Future of Democracy and Potential Election Subversion
The podcast discusses Trump's potential strategies to subvert the election results, including the possibility of Republican electors refusing to certify the election. The hosts also discuss the implications of this for the future of American democracy and the potential for Russian interference.
Populism and Authoritarianism in Eastern Europe
The podcast explores the rise of populism and authoritarianism in Eastern Europe, focusing on Georgia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. The hosts discuss the impact of foreign agents laws, anti-LGBT policies, and the influence of Russian oligarchs on these countries.
The Most Politically Significant Year of the 21st Century
The hosts debate the most politically significant year of the 21st century, with Rory Stewart arguing for 2016 due to Brexit and Trump's election, while Arnaz de Campbell favors 2014 for the rise of Putin, Modi, and ISIS.
Fact-Checking in Political Debates
The podcast explores the merits and demerits of using real-time fact-checking technology in political debates, drawing parallels to VAR in football. The hosts discuss the potential for such technology to improve the accuracy of political discourse but also the risks of it being used to stifle debate.
Social Media and Polarization
The podcast examines Nick Clegg's claim that there is no evidence of a correlation between social media and polarization, contrasting it with research suggesting otherwise. The hosts discuss the role of algorithms in promoting polarization and the potential for social media platforms to mitigate this.
Spreading Positivity and Hope in a Bleak World
The podcast concludes with a discussion on how to spread positivity and hope in a world that often feels bleak. The hosts emphasize the importance of finding joy in everyday life and the moral argument for democracy as a source of inspiration.
Keywords
Electoral College
The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the United States Constitution, constituted every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president of the United States.
Populism
Populism is a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are not being addressed by the elite. It often involves a charismatic leader who promises to challenge the status quo and restore power to the people.
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by strong central power and limited individual freedoms. It often involves suppression of dissent, control of the media, and a cult of personality around the leader.
Foreign Agents Law
A foreign agents law is a legal framework that requires individuals or organizations to register as foreign agents if they receive funding from foreign governments or entities. These laws are often used to restrict the activities of NGOs and other groups that are critical of the government.
LGBT Rights
LGBT rights refer to the legal and social rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. These rights include the right to marry, adopt children, serve in the military, and live free from discrimination.
Russian Oligarchs
Russian oligarchs are wealthy individuals who gained their fortunes during the privatization of state assets in the 1990s. They often have close ties to the Russian government and are involved in various industries, including energy, finance, and media.
VAR (Video Assistant Referee)
VAR is a technology used in football to assist referees in making decisions by reviewing video footage of incidents. It has been controversial, with some arguing that it slows down the game and takes away from the drama, while others believe it improves the accuracy of officiating.
Social Media Polarization
Social media polarization refers to the increasing division and hostility between people with different political views on social media platforms. This is often fueled by algorithms that promote content that reinforces existing beliefs and filter bubbles that limit exposure to diverse perspectives.
Q&A
What are some of the potential strategies that Trump could use to subvert the election results?
Trump could try to influence Republican electors to refuse to certify the election results, potentially leading to a Republican-dominated Congress deciding the outcome. He could also attempt to interfere with the election process through Russian influence.
How is populism and authoritarianism manifesting in Eastern Europe?
Populist leaders in Georgia, Bulgaria, and Slovakia are enacting foreign agents laws, promoting anti-LGBT policies, and using their power to silence dissent. These actions are often influenced by Russian oligarchs and mirror the tactics of authoritarian regimes.
What are the arguments for and against using real-time fact-checking technology in political debates?
Fact-checking technology could improve the accuracy of political discourse and hold politicians accountable for false statements. However, it could also be used to stifle debate and create a culture of censorship.
How does social media contribute to polarization?
Social media algorithms promote content that reinforces existing beliefs, creating filter bubbles that limit exposure to diverse perspectives. This can lead to increased division and hostility between people with different political views.
What are some of the reasons to be hopeful about the future of democracy?
Despite the rise of populism and authoritarianism, there are still positive developments in many countries, including recent election results in Poland and Australia. The moral argument for democracy, based on equality and human dignity, should also inspire us to fight for its preservation.
Show Notes
Why is there civil unrest in Slovakia and Bulgaria? Are they legitimate tools at Trump’s disposal to subvert an election result? Do we have the technology to fact check debates in real time?
Rory and Alastair answer all these questions and more on this week's Question Time.
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