Autocracy in America: Episode Summary – "Politicize ‘Freedom’"
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Host/Author: The Atlantic
Introduction
In the "Politicize ‘Freedom’" episode of Autocracy in America, hosts Ann Applebaum and Jefferson Cowie delve into the multifaceted concept of freedom within the United States, exploring how its politicization threatens democratic institutions. This episode dissects the historical and contemporary uses of "freedom," highlighting its manipulation by authoritarian forces and the ensuing impact on American democracy.
The Duality of Freedom in American History
The episode begins by examining the historically complex nature of "freedom" in America. Ann Applebaum introduces the idea that freedom has always been contested between local and federal authorities, a tension vividly illustrated during the Civil War era.
Key Points:
- Historical Struggles: The Civil War epitomized the struggle over the definition and ownership of freedom, particularly between white settlers and Native Americans (Ann Applebaum, [03:19]).
- Barbour County Case Study: Jefferson Cowie references his book, Freedom's Dominion, to illustrate how differing interpretations of freedom led to violent conflicts in Barbour County, Alabama, where white settlers repeatedly defied federal treaties with Native Americans ([04:09]).
- Reconstruction and Segregation: Post-Civil War Reconstruction saw similar clashes as white residents in Barbour County resisted federal mandates to allow freed slaves to vote, culminating in the horrific election day violence of 1874 ([04:55]).
Notable Quote:
"The biggest fight over that was, of course, the civil war. But I think the entire American history can be seen as a tension between local versus federal realms of authority with regard to this slippery idea of freedom." — Ann Applebaum, [03:43]
Freedom as a Tool for Domination
Moving forward, the discussion shifts to how "freedom" has been strategically used as a rhetorical tool to justify authoritarian actions, particularly during the Civil Rights era.
Key Points:
- George Wallace's Rhetoric: Wallace, a prominent governor from Alabama, leveraged the concept of freedom to oppose federal intervention in segregation ([06:00]). His speeches, filled with mentions of "freedom" and "liberty," masked an agenda of domination and segregation ([07:03]).
- Manipulation of Language: The term "freedom" was employed to create a broad coalition against perceived federal tyranny, encompassing anti-tax advocates, opponents of integrated housing, and those resisting federal oversight ([08:00]).
Notable Quote:
"The answer to the authoritarian urge is not a democratic savior. The answer is going to be lots and lots of people powered movements working together, because that already is the essence of democracy and central to taking back, truly taking back control." — Jefferson Cowie, [21:37]
Freedom in Contemporary Politics
The episode connects historical manipulations of freedom to contemporary political landscapes, illustrating how similar tactics are employed today to undermine democratic norms.
Key Points:
- January 6th Insurrection: The misuse of "freedom" was evident during the January 6th Capitol attack, where figures like Michael Flynn invoked freedom to justify violent actions ([09:39], [10:05]).
- Modern Political Rhetoric: Current politicians, including Harris Wall and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, frequently use "freedom" to rally support, often employing the term repetitively to reinforce their messages ([15:17], [15:25]).
- Partisan Polarization: "Freedom" has become a partisan term, leading to polarized interpretations that hinder unified democratic engagement ([16:11]).
Notable Quote:
"The difference now is they're beginning to capture federal authority. Right. So these people have been anti federal government, are now tasting federal power." — Ann Applebaum, [10:35]
The Erosion of Democratic Institutions
Cowie and Applebaum discuss how the erosion of democratic institutions, through tactics like gerrymandering and uncontested elections, contributes to public apathy and apathy-fueled support for authoritarianism.
Key Points:
- Gerrymandering and Uncontested Races: In states like Texas and Georgia, a significant percentage of elections are uncontested, leading to a lack of accountability and increased political dysfunction ([18:01]).
- Cycle of Apathy and Authoritarianism: Dysfunctional political systems breed public disgust and apathy, which authoritarian leaders exploit to consolidate power ([18:58], [19:15]).
- Global Perspectives: The hosts draw parallels with global instances where apathy has facilitated the rise of autocratic leaders, emphasizing the universal threat to democratic engagement ([19:49]).
Notable Quote:
"It's not about the quirks of this or that presidential candidate. As Cowie makes clear, there's an American autocratic tradition which has always been present, and it could easily come to dominate the federal government." — Jefferson Cowie, [11:32]
Preserving Democracy Through Civic Engagement
The conversation culminates in a call to action, advocating for robust civic engagement and coalition-building as antidotes to authoritarianism.
Key Points:
- Historical Successes: Movements like the suffragettes succeeded by building broad coalitions, uniting disparate groups around common democratic goals ([21:08]).
- Civil Society's Role: Inspired by Tocqueville's observations, the hosts emphasize the importance of local governance and civil society in maintaining democratic freedoms ([22:10]).
- Active Participation: Encouraging active participation in political processes—such as voting, running for office, and engaging in community organizations—is essential for safeguarding democracy ([23:20], [23:28]).
Notable Quote:
"They believe that democracy could succeed not only because of the grand ideals expressed on public monuments or even in the language of the Constitution, but also because Americans practiced democracy right." — Peter Pomerantsev, [22:38]
Conclusion
"Politicize ‘Freedom’" serves as a compelling exploration of how the concept of freedom can be both a unifying democratic value and a tool for authoritarian manipulation. By tracing historical and contemporary examples, Ann Applebaum and Jefferson Cowie underscore the necessity of vigilant civic engagement and the careful stewardship of democratic institutions to prevent the encroachment of autocratic forces masquerading under the guise of freedom.
Production Credits:
Autocracy in America is hosted by Peter Pomerantsev and Jefferson Cowie, produced by Natalie Brennan and Jocelyn Frank, edited by Dave Shaw, mixed by Rob Smirciak, and fact-checked by Yvonne Kim. Claudina Baid serves as the executive producer of Atlantic Audio, with Andrea Valdez as the managing editor.
Support: This podcast is made possible with support from the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, dedicated to strengthening global democracy through civic engagement and inclusive dialogue.