Authoritarianism
Discover key takeaways from 24 podcast episodes about this topic.

Trump Wants to Invent a Fake Reality (w/ Anne Applebaum) | The Bulwark Podcast
Anne Applebaum details how Hungary's Viktor Orban employs 'post-reality' politics and disinformation to maintain power, a model increasingly adopted by the American far-right, while critiquing Trump's chaotic foreign policy and the breakdown of international relations.

From Unconditional Surrender to…Whatever This Is (David French & Rep. Subramanyam) | Bulwark Podcast
This episode dissects the chaotic and strategically flawed US-Iran conflict under Trump, highlighting the degradation of military integrity, the weaponization of the DOJ, and the broader erosion of democratic norms.

"Sigh of Relief": U.S. & Iran Agree to 2-Week Ceasefire, But Israel Keeps Bombing Lebanon
A two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, has brought a temporary halt to hostilities and reopened the Strait of Hormuz, but its fragility is underscored by ongoing Israeli attacks in Lebanon and severe economic and social devastation within Iran.

Jiang Xueqin Finally Breaks His Silence With PBD | PBD #772
Geopolitical strategist Jiang Xueqin details his prediction of a US-Iran war and America's potential loss, alongside a stark analysis of China's societal and economic challenges.

The MAGA Dominos Are Falling (w/ Bill Kristol) | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect the Trump administration's erratic and unhinged foreign policy regarding Iran, the moral and political implications of his war threats, and the growing calls for his impeachment from across the political spectrum.

Trump is Remaking National Security to Enforce His Agenda (w/ Tom Joscelyn)
Tom Joscelyn and Bill Crystal dissect how the Trump administration is systematically politicizing and weaponizing national security agencies, from the Pentagon to the FBI, to enforce a specific ideological agenda against perceived domestic opposition.

Trump Panics As The World Leaved Him Behind | Heather ‘Digby’ Parton | TMR
Donald Trump's shift from an 'America First' non-interventionist stance to aggressive military action in Iran, coupled with his administration's dismantling of social programs and embrace of authoritarian models, signals a dangerous and incoherent foreign and domestic policy trajectory.

holy f**king sh*t
Donald Trump's administration is undergoing a significant shake-up, marked by high-profile firings and internal power struggles, signaling a shift in his approach to cabinet loyalty and effectiveness.

Trump's Firing Spree; Wealthy Obstacles To Zohran's Budget Proposal w/ Heather 'Digby' Parton
This episode exposes the dangerous trajectory of Trump's foreign policy, including an escalating war with Iran and politically motivated military firings, alongside a local New York City budget battle revealing the influence of ultra-wealthy politicians.

Trump PANICS as F-15 SHOT DOWN IN WAR!!
A US F-15E was reportedly shot down over Iran, triggering a search and rescue mission, while Donald Trump's social media posts and proposed budget increases draw sharp criticism from the host amid international reactions and economic data.

Bondi THROWN to the WOLVES on Epstein SUBPOENA?!?!
Pam Bondi's firing as Attorney General is framed as a direct consequence of her perceived failure to adequately cover up the Epstein files and her general incompetence, highlighting ongoing efforts to compel her testimony and expose systemic failures.

Trump’s Alternate Reality War Speech | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Susan Glasser dissect Donald Trump's 'alternate reality' war speech, exposing its lack of a coherent plan, the administration's dysfunction, and the severe global consequences of his 'magical thinking' approach to foreign policy.

Something isn’t right in the inner circle
David Pakman dissects the Democratic primary landscape for 2028, the psychological underpinnings of authoritarian support, Trump's erratic decision-making, and the ongoing efforts to undermine election integrity.

LIVE: MAGA gets UNCOVERED in BRUTAL DAY at Supreme Court
This episode uncovers how Donald Trump's actions, from Supreme Court appearances to executive orders and military politicization, are allegedly part of a calculated strategy to dismantle democratic norms and consolidate power, often aligning with Russian interests.

Even Megyn Kelly Calls Trump’s Presidency a “Five-Alarm Fire” (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect the escalating Iran conflict, the DHS shutdown, and the severe economic repercussions, framing the Trump administration's actions as a 'five-alarm fire' due to congressional inaction and presidential disengagement.

Trump REGIME MEDIA Strategy EXPOSED as WAR RUINS HIM l The Weekend Show
This episode dissects how Fox News operates as a state-regime media outlet, actively shaping public perception by covering up Trump's controversies and manipulating war narratives to serve his political agenda.

No Kings: What We—and You—Saw at the Rallies (w/ Jim Swift) | Bulwark on Sunday
The hosts share their firsthand observations from the recent 'No Kings' rallies, revealing a surprisingly sober, community-driven, and strategically organized public pushback against authoritarianism.

"No Kings" protest outside Minnesota’s State Capitol against Donald Trump
Thousands gathered at Minnesota's State Capitol for the "No Kings" protest, declaring defiance against authoritarianism, ICE actions, and economic inequality, inspired by Minnesota's local resistance model.

LIVE: NO KINGS PROTESTS AGAINST TRUMP MAKE HISTORY
Minnesota's 'No Kings 3' rally mobilized thousands against Trump's administration, showcasing local resistance as a national model against authoritarianism, ICE actions, and economic inequality.

NO KINGS DAY 3.0: BIGGER & MADDER! Joy Reid, Don Lemon & Jim Acosta Are Back!
Don Lemon, Joy Reid, and Jim Acosta host a live broadcast from the 'No Kings 3.0' protests across the globe, criticizing mainstream media's silence and rallying for sustained civic action against perceived authoritarianism and political corruption.

News conference ahead of a "No Kings" protest in New York against Donald Trump
Leaders and activists in New York unite under the banner of 'No Kings' to protest against the Trump administration's policies, emphasizing collective action and democratic principles over authoritarian rule.

No Kings Might Be Bigger than Anyone Expected
The 'No Kings' movement has mobilized millions across thousands of protests, aiming to prevent authoritarian power consolidation through organized non-violent resistance and sustained community engagement.

Troops Being Dragged Into Iran, How It Will Cripple the US & the Real Goal of Israel’s Violence
Tucker Carlson and Jim Webb argue that the US is being drawn into an unnecessary and disastrous war with Iran, driven by Israeli interests and leading to domestic decay and a loss of American moral authority.

Trump STUNNED as MILLIONS PROTEST HIM...AGAIN!! | PoliticsGirl
This episode argues that mass, non-violent protests are a strategic imperative to combat authoritarianism, rebuild democracy, and counter political cynicism, emphasizing community building and personal recruitment as key tactics.