Summary
Sam Harris interviews George Packer about the state of American democracy, its vulnerabilities to authoritarianism, and the cultural and political dynamics shaping the 2020s and beyond. The discussion covers the erosion of democratic norms, institutional independence, partisan polarization, and potential future threats to elections and governance.
Overview of guests
George Packer is an award-winning author and staff writer at The Atlantic, known for works such as The Unwinding and The Assassins’ Gate. He has also written novels, plays, and edited editions of George Orwell’s essays.
Key topics discussed
- The erosion of democratic institutions in the United States.
- The independence of the Justice Department and its implications.
- Congressional dysfunction and the weaponization of the military.
- Trump’s alleged unprecedented levels of corruption.
- Public recognition of democratic collapse and the role of hypocrisy in politics.
- Hyperpartisanship and the loss of shared reality.
- The potential threats to the 2026 midterm elections.
- White nationalism on the right and criticisms of wokeness and identity politics on the left.
- Economic inequality and the role of wealth as a catalyst for political change.
- The influence of social media on public discourse and political life.
- Other related themes in the post-Trump Republican landscape and the broader American political trajectory.
“America’s Zombie Democracy” – Packer’s framing of how democratic norms may be eroding under contemporary political conditions.
Additional notes
George Packer’s background and credibility are highlighted, including his accolades (National Book Award for The Unwinding, Hitchens Prize, LA Times Book Prize for biography) and his role as a commentator on American political life. His latest novel is The Emergency. Website: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374614720/theemergency/
Author’s résumé (one sentence, 120–200 characters)
George Packer, acclaimed author and Atlantic staff writer, analyzes America’s democratic fragility, partisan divides, and potential threats to future elections.
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