Mike is Wrong About Autocrats w/ Richard Abel

An Insightful Journey through Law, History, and Society with Professor Richard Abel In this episode, host Mike Donahue engages with the esteemed Professor Richard Abel, Emeritus and Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA, exploring his impressive academic journey and profound contributions to law and social science. Abel recounts his initial intention to be a civil rights lawyer, his impactful work in Mississippi, and his academic pursuit at Harvard, Columbia Law School, and the University of London. He discusses his significant role in developing the field of law and social science, his critical research on professional responsibility within the legal profession, and his shift in focus towards social issues in the U.S. and the UK due to familial responsibilities. Abel also delves into his inspiring research on the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, sharing personal anecdotes about Nelson Mandela and the role of law in social change. The conversation transitions to Abel's concern over the U.S. response to 9/11, the war on terror, and the subsequent legal and moral ramifications under the Bush and Trump administrations. Abel highlights the erosion of democratic institutions, the polarization within the judiciary, and the pressing need for electoral reform in the U.S. to protect democracy. Despite concluding on concerns for democracy's future and the challenges ahead, Abel shares his passion for music as a source of transcendence and peace, reflecting on the therapeutic role it played for him, especially during difficult times such as 9/11. 00:00 Welcome to Tilting at Windmills: Introducing Professor Richard Abel 00:34 A Distinguished Career: From Civil Rights to UCLA 01:31 Journey Through Law: Civil Rights, London, and Beyond 02:27 Exploring Law and Social Science: A Shift in Focus 04:59 The South African Adventure: Law Against Apartheid 11:50 From South Africa to the War on Terror: Legal Battles 24:26 The Trump Era: Autocracy and the Rule of Law 30:27 Exploring Resistance and Democracy in the Trump Era 31:12 The Decline of Book Reading and Political Polarization 32:55 The Impact of Social Media on Political Echo Chambers 33:28 The Role of Presidential Debates in Political Discourse 35:17 The Decline of Journalism and Its Long-term Effects 36:42 Judiciary's Role and Political Bias in Court Decisions 42:40 The Importance of the Rule of Law and Democratic Institutions 46:13 The Potential Threats to American Democracy and Optimism for the Future 48:30 Improving Democracy: Election Laws and Political Polarization 49:53 The Role of Media and Public Perception in Political Issues 58:50 Personal Reflections and Recommendations 01:02:12 Final Thoughts and Future Projects