Ep 46. 11/17/2019

On the November 17th, 2019 episode of Fareed Zakaria GPS, viewers were treated to a special program that focused on the state of democracy in the world's most powerful nations. With democracies under siege in multiple continents, the show sought to answer a pair of key questions: why is this happening, and what can be done to reverse the trend?

The episode begins with an exclusive interview with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who shares her thoughts on democracy, leadership, and the current state of American politics. Specifically, she delves into the forces pulling the country apart and what it will take to bring it back together once again.

From there, Zakaria takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of geopolitics, with stops in China, India, and Turkey. Along the way, he examines how each country is grappling with its own brand of democratic upheaval. In China, Zakaria explores the unique brand of authoritarian government that has allowed the country to become an economic juggernaut, but also stifles dissent and suppresses human rights. In India, he examines how the Narendra Modi government is catering to a growing Hindu nationalist base at the expense of minority groups like Muslims and Dalits. In Turkey, Zakaria looks at how President Erdogan has centralized power and silenced dissent since the failed coup in 2016.

The program also features interviews with experts in the field of democracy, including Stanford political scientist Larry Diamond and political economist Dambisa Moyo. Diamond, who has spent his career studying the spread of democracy around the world, reflects on the surprising staying power of authoritarianism, and what it means for the future of liberal democracy. Moyo, meanwhile, provides a bullish take on Africa, suggesting that the continent is poised for a democratic renaissance in the years ahead.

Throughout the show, Zakaria weaves in footage of protests and rallies from around the world, including the Umbrella Revolution in Hong Kong, the anti-Muslim protests in India, and the Women's March in the United States. The juxtaposition of global turmoil and expert analysis is both informative and thought-provoking, and viewers come away with a renewed sense of the gravity of the world's most pressing political issues.

The episode concludes with Zakaria's take on what can be done to bolster democracy in an era of division and disillusionment. He argues that progress will require a renewed commitment to civil society, vibrant public institutions, and a shared sense of purpose among citizens. He reminds viewers that democracy is not an inevitability, but a fragile system of government that requires constant vigilance and care.

Overall, the November 17th, 2019 episode of Fareed Zakaria GPS Special is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of democracy around the world. With insightful analysis, thought-provoking interviews, and a global perspective, the show offers a comprehensive and nuanced view of how democratic institutions are faring around the globe, and what needs to be done to ensure their continued well-being.