ISMA
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism, a think tank committed to opposing the worldwide slide into illiberalism. Publisher of @theunpopulist.net.
https://www.ismaglobal.org
https://www.ismaglobal.org
Reposted by ISMA
The panel on the philosophical roots of illiberalism from @ismapolicy.bsky.social's LibCon2025 is up—and it's really informative and insightful. Give it a read.
@andycraig.bsky.social, @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social, @lkatfield.bsky.social, @tomgpalmer.bsky.social
@andycraig.bsky.social, @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social, @lkatfield.bsky.social, @tomgpalmer.bsky.social
The Neo-Right Rejects Liberalism Because It Wants to Rule by Brute Force Not Consensus: A LibCon2025 Panel Discussion
Its slams on a neutral liberal state are sophistic and stem from a deeply nihilistic worldview
www.theunpopulist.net
October 27, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The panel on the philosophical roots of illiberalism from @ismapolicy.bsky.social's LibCon2025 is up—and it's really informative and insightful. Give it a read.
@andycraig.bsky.social, @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social, @lkatfield.bsky.social, @tomgpalmer.bsky.social
@andycraig.bsky.social, @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social, @lkatfield.bsky.social, @tomgpalmer.bsky.social
Reposted by ISMA
In a world that has moved beyond the post-Cold War international order, under which various countries agreed to respect universally-recognized human rights within their own borders and pursued their mutual interests through multilateral institutions, what might replace it?
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
What Would the Consequences of the Liberal International Order Collapsing Into Sovereigntist Nation States Be? A LibCon2025 Panel Discussion
Human rights, peaceful co-existence, and robust commerce might be casualties
www.theunpopulist.net
September 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
In a world that has moved beyond the post-Cold War international order, under which various countries agreed to respect universally-recognized human rights within their own borders and pursued their mutual interests through multilateral institutions, what might replace it?
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
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It was chilling to hear this directly from Kara-Murza. For me, the most valuable talk amongst many at this conference.
Yesterday Vladimir Kara-Murza spoke at #libcon2025 about Putin's tactics, and he told a story of how Putin brags about his "recruitment" skills and gave three examples (involving 3 US Presidents) about how good he is at telling them exactly what they want to hear... and how they always fall for it
Surely no reason Putin (the election respecter) would say this just to get his way
August 16, 2025 at 2:21 AM
It was chilling to hear this directly from Kara-Murza. For me, the most valuable talk amongst many at this conference.
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Really glad I decided to come to the Liberalism for the 21st Century conference in DC. Met a lot of people I consider intellectual luminaries. Got to talk linguistics with Steven Pinker, met Renee DiResta, Bill Kristol, Vladimir Kara-Murza, people from FIRE, etc.
Watergate Hotel is really cool too!
Watergate Hotel is really cool too!
August 15, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Really glad I decided to come to the Liberalism for the 21st Century conference in DC. Met a lot of people I consider intellectual luminaries. Got to talk linguistics with Steven Pinker, met Renee DiResta, Bill Kristol, Vladimir Kara-Murza, people from FIRE, etc.
Watergate Hotel is really cool too!
Watergate Hotel is really cool too!
Reposted by ISMA
Libcon was pretty good. Got to meet a lot of cool people and attend a bunch of insightful panels that stimulated conversations about what liberalism needs to do going forward. Thanks to @theunpopulist.net and @ismapolicy.bsky.social for putting g this on. Hopefully in an unoccupied city next year!
August 15, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Libcon was pretty good. Got to meet a lot of cool people and attend a bunch of insightful panels that stimulated conversations about what liberalism needs to do going forward. Thanks to @theunpopulist.net and @ismapolicy.bsky.social for putting g this on. Hopefully in an unoccupied city next year!
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“The only way a populist can be fought is by telling a true story better.”
I’m at the Liberalism in the 21st Century conference listening to Suketu Mehta extol the critical virtues of storytelling.
“God speaks to us in stories, not in studies.”
I’m at the Liberalism in the 21st Century conference listening to Suketu Mehta extol the critical virtues of storytelling.
“God speaks to us in stories, not in studies.”
August 14, 2025 at 8:43 PM
“The only way a populist can be fought is by telling a true story better.”
I’m at the Liberalism in the 21st Century conference listening to Suketu Mehta extol the critical virtues of storytelling.
“God speaks to us in stories, not in studies.”
I’m at the Liberalism in the 21st Century conference listening to Suketu Mehta extol the critical virtues of storytelling.
“God speaks to us in stories, not in studies.”
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One of my favorite moments from #LibCon2025 was Russian dissident @vkaramurza.bsky.social's powerful dinner keynote address.
Here it is in @theunpopulist.net in its entirety. Please read and share widely.
Here it is in @theunpopulist.net in its entirety. Please read and share widely.
'Appeasing an Aggressor Never Leads to Peace': Vladimir Kara-Murza
The brave Russian dissident who Putin poisoned and imprisoned stood tall and condemned tyrants, emphasizing that gatherings like LibCon2025 are essential to defeating them
www.theunpopulist.net
August 18, 2025 at 11:01 PM
One of my favorite moments from #LibCon2025 was Russian dissident @vkaramurza.bsky.social's powerful dinner keynote address.
Here it is in @theunpopulist.net in its entirety. Please read and share widely.
Here it is in @theunpopulist.net in its entirety. Please read and share widely.
Reposted by ISMA
Putin tried twice to poison @vkaramurza.bsky.social. Threw him in prison, releasing him last year only in a prisoner swap. Yet this man, a genuine hero, stood unbowed at LibCon2025 and warned of the dangers of appeasing tyrants.Please listen @theunpopulist.net
www.theunpopulist.net/p/appeasing-...
www.theunpopulist.net/p/appeasing-...
'Appeasing an Aggressor Never Leads to Peace': Vladimir Kara-Murza
The brave Russian dissident who Putin poisoned and imprisoned stood tall and condemned tyrants, emphasizing that gatherings like LibCon2025 are essential to defeating them
www.theunpopulist.net
August 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Putin tried twice to poison @vkaramurza.bsky.social. Threw him in prison, releasing him last year only in a prisoner swap. Yet this man, a genuine hero, stood unbowed at LibCon2025 and warned of the dangers of appeasing tyrants.Please listen @theunpopulist.net
www.theunpopulist.net/p/appeasing-...
www.theunpopulist.net/p/appeasing-...
Reposted by ISMA
Text of Vladimir Kara-Murza's terrific speech at #LibCon2025, including introduction by Institute of Humane Studies president Emily Chamlee-Wright, and video:
'Appeasing an Aggressor Never Leads to Peace': Vladimir Kara-Murza
The brave Russian dissident who Putin poisoned and imprisoned stood tall and condemned tyrants, emphasizing that gatherings like LibCon2025 are essential to defeating them
www.theunpopulist.net
August 19, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Text of Vladimir Kara-Murza's terrific speech at #LibCon2025, including introduction by Institute of Humane Studies president Emily Chamlee-Wright, and video:
Reposted by ISMA
That’s a wrap for LibCon2025. It was lovely to meet some of you there for the first time. Good time with good people.
We will be putting out content from the event in the coming months—so look for that soon. For now, don’t forget to read (and share) @shikhadalmia.bsky.social’s brilliant opener.
We will be putting out content from the event in the coming months—so look for that soon. For now, don’t forget to read (and share) @shikhadalmia.bsky.social’s brilliant opener.
Incredible opening address at #LibCon2025 by @shikhadalmia.bsky.social
So proud to be able to work with her and do my little part to help carry out this vision.
So proud to be able to work with her and do my little part to help carry out this vision.
Liberals Need Moral Clarity, Not Moral Purity, in Their Struggle Against Authoritarianism
We should take inspiration from Frederick Douglass and strive for a broad alliance
www.theunpopulist.net
August 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
That’s a wrap for LibCon2025. It was lovely to meet some of you there for the first time. Good time with good people.
We will be putting out content from the event in the coming months—so look for that soon. For now, don’t forget to read (and share) @shikhadalmia.bsky.social’s brilliant opener.
We will be putting out content from the event in the coming months—so look for that soon. For now, don’t forget to read (and share) @shikhadalmia.bsky.social’s brilliant opener.
Reposted by ISMA
Chandra Kukathas: "The more vigorously you want to control immigration, the more vigorously you have to control your own citizens." #LibCon2025
August 15, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Chandra Kukathas: "The more vigorously you want to control immigration, the more vigorously you have to control your own citizens." #LibCon2025
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LibCon2025 rolls on: Persuasion’s Yascha Mounk, Poland master political operative @alexandersikorski.bsky.social,
Bosnia and Herzegovina MP Sabina Cudic, and the always excellent writer and commentator @leonkrauze.bsky.social
Bosnia and Herzegovina MP Sabina Cudic, and the always excellent writer and commentator @leonkrauze.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 3:57 PM
LibCon2025 rolls on: Persuasion’s Yascha Mounk, Poland master political operative @alexandersikorski.bsky.social,
Bosnia and Herzegovina MP Sabina Cudic, and the always excellent writer and commentator @leonkrauze.bsky.social
Bosnia and Herzegovina MP Sabina Cudic, and the always excellent writer and commentator @leonkrauze.bsky.social
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Sabina Ćudić, MP in Bosnia & Herzegovina, on how anti-populist liberal democratic parties can win: you have to deliver. #LibCon2025
August 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Sabina Ćudić, MP in Bosnia & Herzegovina, on how anti-populist liberal democratic parties can win: you have to deliver. #LibCon2025
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Good point from @alexandersikorski.bsky.social on the absolute (and often ignored) importance of not just achieving goals in gov't, but *communicating* what you're doing on a daily basis (he references @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social's style of campaigning as well). #libcon2025
August 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Good point from @alexandersikorski.bsky.social on the absolute (and often ignored) importance of not just achieving goals in gov't, but *communicating* what you're doing on a daily basis (he references @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social's style of campaigning as well). #libcon2025
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"This peculiar notion in America, that somehow this threat to liberalism and to democracy, this authoritarian threat, has only happened here and hasn't happened elsewhere. And the truth is that it has indeed happened elsewhere. Latin American History proves it."
- @leonkrauze.bsky.social
- @leonkrauze.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 3:46 PM
"This peculiar notion in America, that somehow this threat to liberalism and to democracy, this authoritarian threat, has only happened here and hasn't happened elsewhere. And the truth is that it has indeed happened elsewhere. Latin American History proves it."
- @leonkrauze.bsky.social
- @leonkrauze.bsky.social
Reposted by ISMA
Please follow the team:
@shikhadalmia.bsky.social
@bernybelvedere.bsky.social
@landryayres.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
@shikhadalmia.bsky.social
@bernybelvedere.bsky.social
@landryayres.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Please follow the team:
@shikhadalmia.bsky.social
@bernybelvedere.bsky.social
@landryayres.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
@shikhadalmia.bsky.social
@bernybelvedere.bsky.social
@landryayres.bsky.social
@ismapolicy.bsky.social
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The address is well worth reading in its entirety. In a world of Indian immigrants like Bhattacharya, Sivaram Krishnan & Dhillon toiling for the Trump regime, I for one am glad to see, read & support the moral clarity of @shikhadalmia.bsky.social
Incredible opening address at #LibCon2025 by @shikhadalmia.bsky.social
So proud to be able to work with her and do my little part to help carry out this vision.
So proud to be able to work with her and do my little part to help carry out this vision.
Liberals Need Moral Clarity, Not Moral Purity, in Their Struggle Against Authoritarianism
We should take inspiration from Frederick Douglass and strive for a broad alliance
www.theunpopulist.net
August 15, 2025 at 2:27 PM
The address is well worth reading in its entirety. In a world of Indian immigrants like Bhattacharya, Sivaram Krishnan & Dhillon toiling for the Trump regime, I for one am glad to see, read & support the moral clarity of @shikhadalmia.bsky.social
Reposted by ISMA
Panel on immigration with @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social, Chandran Kukathas, and David Goodhart. #LibCon2025
August 15, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Panel on immigration with @billkristolbulwark.bsky.social, Chandran Kukathas, and David Goodhart. #LibCon2025
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Dan Drezner on how ironic it is that MAGA is non-interventionist when it comes to authoritarian nations (Russia, China) yet *deeply* interested in the domestic politics of democracies like Brazil, Germany, etc. #LibCon2025
Jennifer Mittelstadt on how the rightwing objection to supranational governance was about unqualified (brown) people gaining sovereignty over America. #LibCon2025
August 15, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Dan Drezner on how ironic it is that MAGA is non-interventionist when it comes to authoritarian nations (Russia, China) yet *deeply* interested in the domestic politics of democracies like Brazil, Germany, etc. #LibCon2025
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At #LibCon2025 sovereignty panel, @dandrezner.bsky.social says the current admin talks about not pressing other countries on internal human rights when it’s an autocracy like China, but when it’s a democracy like Brazil, Germany or even the U.K. they’re willing to “intervene like nobody’s business.”
August 15, 2025 at 1:44 PM
At #LibCon2025 sovereignty panel, @dandrezner.bsky.social says the current admin talks about not pressing other countries on internal human rights when it’s an autocracy like China, but when it’s a democracy like Brazil, Germany or even the U.K. they’re willing to “intervene like nobody’s business.”
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#LibCon2025 panel on sovereignty kicks off. Moderator Nayyera Haq (Syracuse) said she had to go through two law enforcement checkpoints to get to today’s event at the Watergate, though “only one of them” was conducted by masked unidentified operators.
August 15, 2025 at 1:28 PM
#LibCon2025 panel on sovereignty kicks off. Moderator Nayyera Haq (Syracuse) said she had to go through two law enforcement checkpoints to get to today’s event at the Watergate, though “only one of them” was conducted by masked unidentified operators.
Reposted by ISMA
August 15, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Reposted by ISMA
"The debate about immigration is not about a conflict between citizens or natives and outsiders. It's really a debate or a conflict between people within a society."
- Chandran Kukathas at #LibCon2025
- Chandran Kukathas at #LibCon2025
August 15, 2025 at 2:34 PM
"The debate about immigration is not about a conflict between citizens or natives and outsiders. It's really a debate or a conflict between people within a society."
- Chandran Kukathas at #LibCon2025
- Chandran Kukathas at #LibCon2025
Reposted by ISMA
PREACH IT BROTHER
"So I actually like the deep state. I think that any functioning political system has to have a civil service that meets these basic Weberian requirements of being non-partisan, expert, professional, and the like."
- @frankfukuyama.bsky.social at #LibCon2025
- @frankfukuyama.bsky.social at #LibCon2025
August 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
PREACH IT BROTHER
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“Authoritarian consolidation is Trump’s true Operation Warp Speed. After 250 years as a constitutional republic, America has stunningly shown that it had no exceptional institutional immunity to the authoritarian virus.”
Liberals Need Moral Clarity, Not Moral Purity, in Their Struggle Against Authoritarianism
We should take inspiration from Frederick Douglass and strive for a broad alliance
www.theunpopulist.net
August 14, 2025 at 9:54 PM
“Authoritarian consolidation is Trump’s true Operation Warp Speed. After 250 years as a constitutional republic, America has stunningly shown that it had no exceptional institutional immunity to the authoritarian virus.”