Zack, Jenn, and Jen Kirby discuss the assault on the US Capitol by a pro-Trump insurrection that has shaken America to its core. They look at the intelligence and law enforcement failures that allowed a mob to so easily seize one of the pillars of American government despite the US having spent billions on national security since 9/11. In the second half of the show, they talk about the damage the siege has done to America’s image abroad and what that means for the future of global politics and democracy.

References:

Threats spread online before the assault on the US Capitol

Buzzfeed’s report on the right-wing online organizing 

What we know about the security failures

The Washington Post’s report on the role of the National Guard

A coup expert on Wednesday’s events

How world leaders are reacting

ITV’s report on the Capitol insurrection

The Atlantic’s Anne Applebaum on the diminished power of America’s democratic example

Hosts:

Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), senior correspondent, Vox

Jennifer Williams (@jenn_ruth), senior foreign editor, Vox

Jen Kirby (@j_kirby1), foreign reporter, Vox

Consider contributing to Vox:

If you value Worldly’s work, please consider making a contribution to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts

More to explore:

Subscribe for free to Today, Explained, Vox’s daily podcast to help you understand the news, hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

About Vox:

Vox is a news network that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines.

Follow Us:

Vox.com 

Newsletter: Vox Sentences

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices