Ben Rhodes on Democracy, Authoritarianism, and Global Trends

In this episode of Freedom Over Fascism, host Stephanie Wilson and guest co-interviewer Kami Kovan engage in a comprehensive discussion with Ben Rhodes, former aide to Barack Obama, on the state of democracy and global politics. Rhodes shares insights from his experience and books, highlighting the authoritarian playbook exemplified by leaders like Viktor Orban. He emphasizes the global rise of transactional and strongman politics, illustrating how these trends are reshaping international relations. Rhodes also discusses recent elections in countries like Canada and Australia, expressing cautious optimism about their implications. He points out the disruptive impact of Trump's policies on global alliances and the necessity for the U.S. to reimagine its role in the world. Additionally, Rhodes touches on the power of podcasts in fostering authentic conversations and the importance of fairness, diversity, and new international frameworks in future policymaking.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:54 Event Introduction by Jenna Spinelli 02:20 Panelist Introductions 04:55 Opening Remarks and Audience Engagement 05:57 Discussion on Global Democracy 06:38 Authoritarian Playbooks and Global Trends 12:18 Recent Elections and Their Implications 16:42 Trump's Impact on International Relations 21:05 Reimagining the Future 25:18 Global Backlash and National Security 31:23 Restoring Trust and Moving Forward 33:35 The Power of Diversity in America 34:46 Middle East Politics and US Sanctions on Syria 39:38 Trump's Foreign Policy and Ideological Strains 45:20 The Magic and Influence of Podcasts 51:09 Connecting Beyond Politics 58:31 Concluding Thoughts and Advice for Podcasters