What is fueling the post-truth era in American politics, and why is it working?

Professor Mathias Risse of the Harvard Kennedy School argues that "gaslighting"—"persuasion through systematic besmirching, belittling, and the inversion of shared norms"—has become a dominant rhetorical force in American politics. Embraced by leaders such as Donald Trump and JD Vance, this disingenuous approach erodes the very fabric of civic life and good-faith exchange—two essential pillars for a functioning democracy.

In this episode, host Kevin Maloney and Professor Risse explore: How does gaslighting work? Why is it so effective? And what are the short- and long-term impacts on the United States?

Access all "Values & Interests" episodes: https://carnegiecouncil.co/values-interests-podcast

More on gaslighting from Professor Risse: https://carnegiecouncil.co/eia-gaslighting-risse

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