"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja discuss the limitations of populist politics, the difficulty populists face in effecting change despite electoral wins, and the influence of digital democracy on modern governance.

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RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:

🎙️Live Players

Samo Burja and Erik Torenberg provide analysis of the news and case studies of Live Players, as well as key institutions and technologies that make up the global power landscape.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-players-with-samo-burja-and-erik-torenberg/id1718925188

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1?si=01ed191c74264f55

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivePlayerswithSamoBurja

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LINKS:

Bismark Analysis: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@samoburja

@eriktorenberg

@turpentinemedia

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:

• Populists win elections but struggle to govern effectively against entrenched bureaucracies.


• Modern populism confronts administrative states, unlike historical populism that opposed monarchies.


• The administrative state was ironically strengthened by early 20th century populist movements.


• Case studies (Hungary, Brexit) show winning elections doesn't guarantee successful implementation.


• Trump faces resistance from within the Republican Party, limiting his appointment power.


• Elon Musk and X.com provide Trump stronger tools than he had in 2016.


• Left populism offers direct benefits while right populism promises protection from threats.


• Samo suggests tech elites could pool money to counter traditional Republican donors' influence.


• Future Democratic success may come from candidates combining progressive policies with family-oriented messaging.


• Populism emerged through internet's bypass of traditional media gatekeepers.


• Western democracies need a new balance between populist movements and administrative institutions.