Welcome to the ‘Imperial Populist Oligarchy’ — Paul D. Miller
Summary
Paul D. Miller argues that the U.S. has devolved from a republic into an "imperial populist oligarchy." He traces this decline to the rise of direct democracy, an overpowered executive branch, and rule by wealthy elites rather than virtuous leaders. The essay warns that these institutional shifts have hollowed out republican safeguards, leaving citizens with personal freedom but diminished civic responsibility.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Dispatch Voiced and episode context
Reflections on the 250th anniversary of independence
Defining the American Republic vs. Democracy
Shift towards populism and direct democracy
The rise of the imperial executive branch
From natural aristocracy to oligarchy
Conclusion: The mixed constitution of imperial populist oligarchy
Listen ad-free on Castria