Direct naar content

Machiavelli on how democracies die

Almost nothing stands the test of time. Machiavelli's writings are a rare exception.


Why are we still talking about Machiavelli, nearly 500 years after his death? What is it about his political philosophy that feels so important, prescient, or maybe chilling today?


In this episode, Sean speaks with political philosopher and writer Erica Benner about Niccolo Machiavelli’s legacy. The two discuss The Prince, Machiavelli’s views on democracy, and what he might say about the Trump administration were he alive today.


Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling)
Guest: Erica Benner, political philosopher, historian, and author of Be Like the Fox


Listen to The Gray Area ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members


Help us plan for the future of The Gray Area by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Datum:
Duur:

Meer afleveringen van The Gray Area with Sean Illing

  • Is Trump winning?

    We’re nearly six months into Donald Trump’s second term as president, and a lot of us are still trying to figure out what that actually means. Not just politically. But culturally. What kind of country are we living in? And what kind of...
  • A right-wing economist makes his case

    For decades, the American right has stayed on brand: the economy. Low taxes. Free markets. Deregulation. Those have been the buzzwords for more than half a century. But that doctrine is now being challenged by other conservatives who...
  • What "near death" feels like

    Sebastian Junger came as close as you possibly can to dying. While his doctors struggled to revive him, the veteran reporter and avowed rationalist experienced things that shocked and shook him, leaving him with profound questions and...