Plato: Society Deteriorates in 4 Steps (The Republic)

A view from above of a city square in ancient Greece illustrates Plato's society model

How do societies evolve over time? What did ancient philosophers think about the progression of political systems? Plato’s vision of societal change is explored in his seminal work The Republic. The Greek thinker outlines a descent from an ideal city-state through four increasingly flawed forms of government. His theory offers insights into the nature of power, justice, and human behavior. Keep reading to understand Plato’s society model, and discover how his ideas still resonate in modern political discourse.

How to Ask Leading Questions to Take Charge in a Debate

Two people talking in a debate, one of them using leading questions

How do you use leading questions in a debate? What are the benefits of steering a conversation by asking questions? According to Trey Gowdy, there are three types of questions: leading, non-leading, and “why” questions. Leading questions can be used to direct the conversation and stay on topic when you’re opponent changes the subject. Let’s look at how to ask leading questions in a debate.

The Dictator’s Handbook: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

an open book lying on a desk in a government official's office with a conference table and a portrait in the background

How do political leaders come to power? How do they maintain it? What makes someone a dictator rather than a democrat? People often discuss political leaders in terms of their ideologies, their dedication to their people, or their backgrounds. To understand the choices leaders make, though, you need to consider only one thing: their desire for power. Continue reading for an overview of the eye-opening book The Dictator’s Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith.

Is Political Polarization a Threat to Democracy? 3 Key Factors

abstract silhouettes of people facing each other illustrates the question "Is political polarization a threat to democracy?"

Is political polarization a threat to democracy? How does extreme partisanship affect our ability to govern effectively? In his book Why We’re Polarized, Ezra Klein explores the dangers of extreme political polarization. He argues that this phenomenon transforms politics into a zero-sum game between opposing parties. This dynamic makes compromise and power-sharing nearly impossible. Read on to get Klein’s analysis of the three key drivers fueling this polarization, and discover how they’re reshaping our political landscape.

How Do Dictators Stay in Power? 3 Ways They Ensure Loyalty

a national leader looking out of his office window at the capital city illustrates how dictators stay in power

How do dictators stay in power? How do they keep the right people satisfied? How differently do democratic leaders behave? In their book The Dictator’s Handbook, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith reveal the tactics dictators use to maintain control, comparing them with democratic practices. They explore three key methods: rewarding supporters, punishing dissenters, and managing revolutions. Read more to understand how dictators and democrats maintain power after they seize it.

How a Decline of Democratic Standards Threatens Democracy

two men in business suits warmly shaking hands as others stand nearby illustrate democratic standards

Are democratic norms truly essential for a healthy political system? What happens when these unwritten rules start to crumble? The decline of democratic standards is a threat to the idea of democracy itself. How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt explores the concepts of mutual toleration and institutional forbearance, which they argue are necessary for democratic systems to survive. Continue reading to discover how these crucial democratic norms shape political conduct and why their erosion could spell trouble for democracy as we know it.

Dictatorial & Democratic Approaches to International Politics

chess pieces on a world map illustrate different approaches to international politics

Why do nations form alliances or go to war? What drives leaders to make these crucial decisions in international politics? In their book The Dictator’s Handbook, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith explore various approaches to international politics. They examine how leaders secure allies, distribute foreign aid, and wage wars. The authors compare the strategies of dictators and democratic leaders in these areas. Continue reading to explore how leaders navigate the complex landscape of international relations.

Threats to Democracy: 3 Ways Public Confidence Is Lost

the back of a man who's looking at government buildings illustrates concerns about threats to democracy

What are the greatest threats to democracy today? How do healthy democratic states descend into illiberalism and authoritarian rule? Three significant factors that can erode public trust in democratic systems: extreme polarization, the decline of democratic norms, and wealth inequality. Each of these threats poses unique challenges to the stability and effectiveness of democratic governments. Read more to explore how these threats impact our democratic institutions.

Key Differences Between Democracy and Dictatorship

people behind a wire fence on the left and free people on the right depict the differences between democracy and dictatorship

How are democracies and dictatorships different? How is the size of their power base related to the way different leaders operate? In The Dictator’s Handbook, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith say the primary goal of all leaders is to get power and keep it. This is true in all political systems; the differences between democracy and dictatorship can be seen in how power is gained and who holds leaders accountable. Keep reading to understand these crucial distinctions and to gain a deeper grasp on why democracy is a superior system.

2 Ways Democracy and Economic Inequality Are Connected

people standing on stacks of coins of different heights illustrate the link between democracy and economic inequality

Is economic inequality eroding the foundations of democracy? How does the widening wealth gap affect our social fabric? Democracy and economic inequality are increasingly intertwined in modern society. We draw insights from a philosopher and an economist to understand the complex relationship between these two factors, examining how growing social divisions and reduced social mobility can threaten democratic systems. Continue reading for perspectives on this crucial issue shaping our world today.