This is Democracy

This week, Jeremi and Zachary speak with Steven Simon about the renewed tensions over Iran's nuclear program, recent military actions by Israel and the U.S., and their implications for global politics. Simon provides historical context and strategic analysis, touching on the complexities of diplomacy and regional power dynamics.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "The Stars".

Steven Simon is a senior research fellow at th...

In the 300th episode of This Is Democracy, Jeremi and Zachary look back on seven years of podcasting, reflecting on their conversations with scholars, activists, and students about democracy, human rights, and civic engagement. Zachary reads from his first poem for the podcast, "In A Quieter Time", and reflects on how his writing has evolved over the years. The episode emphasizes the need for nuanced, non-partisan discussions on de...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are speaking with Professor Bryan D. Jones to explore the history and evolution of southern politics. They delve into the persistent divisions and conflicts within southern politics over the last century and a half, and analyze how these dynamics shape contemporary issues of democracy, race, justice, and power.

Zachary opens with his poem titled "At Mr. Evers' Home".

Bryan D. Jones holds the  J....

In this episode, Jeremi and Zachary Suri are joined by Professor Alan McPherson, an expert on US foreign relations who introduces his new book 'The Breach: Iran-Contra and the Assault on American Democracy.' Together, they discuss how this Iran-Contra scandal altered public trust in the American government and set troubling precedents for future administrations.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem titled "Same Old Lies".

Al...

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of political imprisonment, torture, threats of r*pe, and human rights abuses. Viewer discretion is advised.

Jeremi and Zachary speak with Kurdish journalist Nedim Türfent, who spent over 2,400 days in a Turkish prison after releasing footage of state forces mistreating Kurdish workers. He was denied a fair trial, convicted on coerced testimony, and silenced for speaking truth. I...

This week, the discussion delves into the complex and deeply rooted suffering in the Middle East, focusing on the history of conflict, memory, trauma, and grief between Israelis and Palestinians. Jeremi and Zachary Suri are joined by acclaimed author Lawrence Wright, who has spent decades studying and documenting the region. Wright discusses his latest novel, 'The Human Scale,' which examines the motivations and personal stories be...

Jeremi and Zachary have a conversation with Dr. Mark Pomar on the historical impact of Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty's critical role of radio communications during the Cold War, and the challenges they face today including the recent threats to their operation.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "Radio Liberty".

Mark Pomar is a Senior Fellow at the Clements Center for National Security at...

Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Jeffrey Toobin to discuss the critical relationship between the U.S. judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, and the executive branch. Discussion centers around the contentious and politically charged topic of presidential pardoning power. The episode covers historical instances, such as Lincoln's and Johnson's post-Civil War pardons, Gerald Ford's pardon of Nixon, and more recent uses of the par...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Michael Vorenberg about the difficulties of ending wars in democracies. Their discussion includes various perspectives on when the Civil War truly ended, the challenges of war termination, Lincoln's approach toward reconciliation, and the lasting impacts of unresolved conflicts.

Zachary sets the scene with the poem "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman.

Michael Vorenberg is an assoc...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Donald Downs delve into the importance of free speech in democratic societies. They explore its historical significance, current threats, and what individuals can do to protect it. Their discussion includes insights on social media censorship, free speech on college campuses, and the legal perspectives surrounding free speech in government service.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "Od...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary talk with Dr. Maha Nassar about her insights on the Palestinian experience, identity, and history. They delve into the complexities of Palestinian and Israeli narratives, and emphasize the importance of open conversations, listening with empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "On The Other Side."

Dr. Maha Nassar is an associate professor in the Scho...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary discuss the transformation of mainstream media and journalism over the past few decades with Martin Di Caro.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "If Anyone Is Listening."

Award-winning journalist Martin Di Caro is the host of "History As It Happens," a podcast for people who want to think historically about current events. Based in Washington, D.C., Martin launched "History As It Happens" in 20...

Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Dr. Sarah Coleman to discuss President Donald Trump's immigration executive orders that have occurred within his first few days in office. Zachary opens with his poem, "Return to Lady Liberty".

Sarah Coleman is a professor of 20th century American History at Texas State University. Her research is focused on immigration, race, and rights in the United States. She is a former advisor to President ...

This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Austin, Texas city council member Dr. Alison Alter, who offers her insights from her eight-year tenure on the council. The discussion covers the significant impact local government has on daily life, the challenges of public service, and the importance of citizen involvement in local politics.

Zachary opens the episode with a personal poem dedicated to Dr. Alter, who is also his mother...

Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Meg Reiss to discuss what kinds of protections the United States should initiate through tariff measures on open trade. The discussion covers the complexities of the supply chain security and the dangers of open trade.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "On the Border."

Dr. Meg Reiss received her Ph.D. from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. She was the national security advisor to Senat...

Jeremi and Zachary sit down with Dr. Michael Kimmage to discuss the state of the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers the complexities of the ongoing conflict, the geopolitical ramifications, and the humanitarian impact on the local populace.

Zachary sets the scene with his poem, "The Village."

Dr. Michael Kimmage is a professor of history at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is also a fellow at the Ger...

Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Professor Mary Ellen Curtain to discuss the life and legacy of Barbara Jordan, a pioneering legislator, civil rights activist, and the first African American woman elected to Congress from the South. Curtain's new book, 'She Changed the Nation: Barbara Jordan's Life and Legacy in Black Politics,' explores Jordan's impact on American politics, from her rise in the Texas State Senate to her defining m...