In this episode, host Joe Plenzler sits down with Ian Bassin, executive director of Protect Democracy and former Associate White House Counsel. Together, they examine the current state of American democracy, the international rules-based order, and how democratic institutions are backsliding both globally and domestically.
Bassin outlines the three-stage playbook used by autocrats to subvert elections, breaks down ongoing legal battles protecting voter access, and shares practical, high-impact reforms—such as proportional representation—that could help repair the nation’s political landscape.
Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights
The Global Democratic Recession: The United States has dropped in ratings by major indices (e.g., Freedom House, Economist Intelligence Unit, V-Dem) from a full democracy to a “flawed democracy”.
The “3 Ds” Authoritarian Playbook: Autocrats attempt to dismantle free systems using a predictable pattern: Deceive (spread voter fraud pretexts), Disrupt (interfere in election administration/processes), and Deny (reject election results when defeated).
Local Election Resilience: Despite federal-level degradation, state and local election workers, nonpartisan volunteers, and decentralized voting systems provide critical redundancies that protect election integrity.
Structural Political Reforms: Ending gerrymandering through proportional representation (multi-member districts), codifying executive branch norms into law (such as the Protecting Our Democracy Act), and restoring congressional authority relative to the executive branch.
Civic Renewal: Democratic advances throughout American history have historically emerged from periods of deep political crisis. Re-engaging in local civic life is essential to long-term democratic health.
Episode Outline
Introduction & Global Democracy Ranking
The top-line status of U.S. democracy compared to international benchmarks.
How the 21st-century “democratic recession” ended the post-Cold War expansion of liberal democracy.
The Seven Signs of Competitive Authoritarianism
Politicizing independent institutions, government disinformation, power executive concentration, quashing dissent, scapegoating, violence, and election corruption.
Historical Cycles: War, Peace, and Democratic Incentives
Why democracy is an intentional, often difficult exception to historical norms rather than a default state.
How complacency during periods of prolonged peace can erode commitment to democratic guardrails.
How Democratic Erosion Impacts Everyday Life
The weaponization of the Department of Justice and the erosion of equal justice under the law.
The danger of unilateral executive decisions over war and economic policy without legislative oversight.
The “Deceive, Disrupt, Deny” Framework
Breaking down the subversion playbook and why independent state administration blocks these efforts.
The role of jury duty and local election administration in fostering civic trust.
Post-Election Threats & Litigation Updates
Legal challenges to unlawful voter intimidation and misuse of federal agencies.
The importance of paper trails, audits, and cure procedures (highlighting California’s voter counting policies).
Solutions & Future Reforms
Replacing single-member, first-past-the-post districts with proportional representation to eliminate gerrymandering.
Passing the Protecting Our Democracy Act to codify executive branch ethics and restore balance between Congress and the White House.
Closing Thoughts & How to Get Involved
Alexis de Tocqueville, everyday democratic habits, and why there is cause for guarded optimism.
Featured Guest Information
Ian Bassin: Executive Director of Protect Democracy and former Associate Counsel to the President of the United States.
Resources & Recommended Links Mentioned
Protect Democracy: protectdemocracy.org
The “3 Ds” Report: Read the full report at protectdemocracy.org/ddd
Weekly Newsletter: Sign up at ifyoucankeepit.org
Voter Resources & Volunteering:
powerofthepolls.org (Local election worker recruitment)
www.VetThe.Vote (Mobilizing military veterans for election administration)
vote411.org & vote.org (Voting rules, deadlines, and state guidelines)
Connect with Ian Bassin: Follow on X (formerly Twitter) @IanBassin
