"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E123: Trump & The Game of Populism w/ Samo Burja


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Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the limitations of populist politics, the difficulty populists face in effecting change despite electoral wins, and the influence of digital democracy on modern governance.



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Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg provide analysis of the news and case studies of Live Players, as well as key institutions and technologies that make up the global power landscape.

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LINKS:

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X / TWITTER:

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

  • Populists win elections but struggle to govern effectively against entrenched bureaucracies.
  • Modern populism confronts administrative states, unlike historical populism that opposed monarchies.
  • The administrative state was ironically strengthened by early 20th century populist movements.
  • Case studies (Hungary, Brexit) show winning elections doesn't guarantee successful implementation.
  • Trump faces resistance from within the Republican Party, limiting his appointment power.
  • Elon Musk and X.com provide Trump stronger tools than he had in 2016.
  • Left populism offers direct benefits while right populism promises protection from threats.
  • Samo suggests tech elites could pool money to counter traditional Republican donors' influence.
  • Future Democratic success may come from candidates combining progressive policies with family-oriented messaging.
  • Populism emerged through internet's bypass of traditional media gatekeepers.
  • Western democracies need a new balance between populist movements and administrative institutions.
  • ...more
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    "Upstream" with Erik TorenbergBy Erik Torenberg

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