As America approaches its 250th anniversary, deep polarization and partisan battles are threatening the very idea of patriotism. John Avlon and Ted Johnson break down how American pride has been weaponized, why civic education has crumbled, and how citizens can reclaim a more inclusive, aspirational patriotism. They explore the urgent need for national service, real civic engagement, and a renewed commitment to American  ideals before it's too late to fix the damage.

Trump is openly challenging America's constitutional order. John Avlon and Michael Waldman dive deep into Trump's alarming defiance of court rulings, threats to civil liberties, and potential abuse of emergency powers. Is American democracy at a breaking point?

Former NJ Governor and Goldman Sachs CEO Jon Corzine joins host John Avlon to unpack the devastating consequences of Trump’s chaotic trade policies. From the collapse of trust in U.S. markets to the looming threat of losing the dollar as the world’s reserve currency, this episode dives deep into the economic, geopolitical, and institutional risks facing America. Corzine draws on his unique expertise to explore what happens when partisanship undermines the rule of law, and whether there’s a way to fix it.

Kori Schake from the American Enterprise Institute discusses how Trump's administration is damaging U.S. alliances and national security through protectionism and erratic diplomacy. Exploring tariffs, NATO tensions, China's global influence through TikTok, and the erosion of democratic norms, Schake outlines the urgent need for patriotic civic action to restore America's role in the world.

What happens when universities stop defending debate—and politicians start punishing dissent? John Avlon interviews Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind. They unpack the escalating war over free speech—from college campuses to the courtroom—and explore how institutions meant to protect liberty are now leading the charge to suppress it.

Larry Diamond joins John Avlon to sound the alarm on the growing threat of authoritarianism in America. From legal intimidation to undermining democratic institutions, they break down Trump’s “authoritarian project” and what we can do to resist it—through civil action, unity, and courage.

Democracy Without America?

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/democracy-without-america-trump-larry-diamond

This Is What the Courts Can Do if Trump Defies Them

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/opinion/what-if-trump-defies-courts.html

First They Came for Columbia

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/3/14/enos-levitsky-harvard-columbia-trump/

John Avlon talks to Thomas Chatterton Williams on how to tackle one of the biggest challenges in American politics: Can Democrats move beyond identity politics and embrace a unifying vision of liberal democracy?

John Avlon and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to discuss the Trump administration’s alarming realignment towards Russia. From halting military aid to Ukraine to inviting Putin back into the G7, McFaul breaks down the stunning policy shifts that threaten America's democratic alliances.

John Avlon sits down with fiscal policy expert Maya MacGuineas to dissect the growing national debt, deficit, and the political dysfunction surrounding fiscal responsibility in Washington. They explore why skyrocketing debt should concern every American—not just economists and policymakers—and discuss practical, bipartisan solutions to restore fiscal balance.

Climate activists have long advocated for consuming less energy and shrinking our carbon footprint. But a growing ecomodernist movement argues that we need more energy for prosperity, security—and to help combat climate change as well. Philanthropist Rachel Pritzker joins John to discuss the renewed interest in nuclear power, the bipartisan support for more energy infrastructure, and reorienting away from environmental orthodoxies.

Rachel Pritzker joins John Avlon.