<p>We were delighted to have the chance to speak with political scientist <a target="_blank" href="https://www.yaschamounk.com/about">Yascha Mounk</a> earlier this month at the University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire. We had a wide-ranging conversation about the threats facing diverse democracies today—and, why, in spite of the many challenges, Yascha remains optimistic. </p><p><strong>Show Notes</strong></p><p>* Yascha is the founder of the publication <a target="_blank" href="https://www.persuasion.community/"><em>Persuasion</em></a><em> </em>and has his own <a target="_blank" href="https://substack.com/@yaschamounk">substack</a>. We recommend his podcast, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.persuasion.community/podcast"><em>The Good Fight</em></a> , as well. We made a joint <a target="_blank" href="https://www.persuasion.community/p/khalid-snyder">appearance</a> on the pod back in 2023 to discuss fighting illiberalism from the right and the left. </p><p>* For a list of Yascha’s books , click <a target="_blank" href="https://www.yaschamounk.com/books">here</a>.</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://banished.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_2">banished.substack.com/subscribe</a>