In this episode, Susan Stokes, author of The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies, and Cass Sunstein, author of On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom, explore the current challenges facing liberalism and why liberalism remains essential to freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates. 

Resources

•  Susan Stokes, The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies (2025)
• Cass Sunstein, On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom (2025)

Stay Connected and Learn More

• Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠
• Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr
• Explore the⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate
• Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen
• Join us for an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠live program⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠
• Support our important work

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate