Was America Wired for Authoritarianism from the Start?

About this episode

In contrast to current thinking, that treats Trump's authoritarianism as new and singular, what if authoritarianism in the United States has a long history that explains the extent to which authoritarianism has been embraced by large sections of US voters? The Magna Carta, the foundation of our Constitution, really is much more than what we were taught in school. Americans were never taught that the 1215 Magna Carta’s official name was the “ARTICLE OF THE BARONS” written by 25 oligarchs to keep King John in check! Since Donald Trump ascended to the presidency, Americans are increasingly concerned about authoritarianism and creeping fascism. Their fears are justified, but according to eminent sociologist and prolific author, Dr. Charles Derber, America was wired for authoritarianism long before the emergence of Donald Trump. Elites have long wired US institutions to benefit them at the expense of everyone else. Dr. Derber argues that US history is best understood as a series of corporate regimes and for American democracy to flourish we must build new systems wired for constitutional democracy and the common good. Interview Guest: Charles Derber is Professor of Sociology at Bo