Reposted by ISMABerny Belvedere @bernybelvedere.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Please read @shikhadalmia.bsky.social's remarkable opening address at #LibCon2026theunpopulist.netThe World Needs America to Save Its Liberal DemocracyIf this system of government dies in the land of its birth, it will have a hard time surviving elsewhere 06313
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Shikha Dalmia spent 30 years in policy journalism, libertarian and skeptical of both sides. Then Trump arrived, and she recognized "a much more fundamental threat to liberal institutions and liberal values than we had ever encountered." Worse, a movement of intellectuals emerged to give. 0113
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Shikha Dalmia opens LibCon 2026 by redrawing the map: not left vs. right, but liberal vs. illiberal — and a global liberal movement that excludes the illiberal extremes on both sides. #LibCon2026 162
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Adam Serwer of The Atlantic on why party commitments follow the vote: with Black voters disenfranchised, "there was no constituency for Black rights," and the GOP began moving away from defending multiracial democracy. #LibCon2026 044
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Adam Serwer at LibCon 2026: the elites who benefited most from liberal democratic capitalism "have all conspired to help destroy it in pursuit of short-term profits." His takeaway—protect the capitalists from themselves. #LibCon2026 02814
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Francis Fukuyama at LibCon 2026 on the closed loop of oligarchic power: business empire buys media empire, media buys political power, and power protects the business. "Once you had political power, you could use that to protect your business empire." #LibCon2026 514249
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Félix Maradiaga, imprisoned in Nicaragua, learned firsthand that authoritarian regimes coordinate: "It's not theoretical, they do have a system." Democracies, he argues, remain episodic by comparison. #LibCon2026 0177
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Bob Rae at LibCon 2026 on the day US diplomacy flipped: Washington asked Canada and others to withdraw a Ukraine resolution so it could move a weaker one that "didn't even mention the word aggression." The world turned upside down. #LibCon2026 0156
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Anne Applebaum on why democratic opposition so often falters: "Every time you have an autocratic regime, you have almost automatically the shattering of the opposition." She traces the pattern from Poland to the US. From "Building a Global Liberal Coalition." #LibCon2026 092
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026At LibCon 2026, Bob Rae (University of Toronto) makes the case that the liberal story isn't complicated: human dignity, foundational freedoms, and the rule of law. "Those are not complicated ideas." #LibCon2026 0179
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Anne Applebaum at LibCon 2026 on how authoritarian drift breeds graft: strip the rule of law, independent courts, and good information, and "you almost immediately get corruption." Gut the civil service, and government gets worse. #LibCon2026 02211
Reposted by ISMAOlúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò @olufemiotaiwo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026once again tapping the sign: please support independent, worker run, reader funded newsrooms how and where you are able to. 231974
Reposted by ISMAben chambers 🏴 @benjaminchambers.bsky.social · 17/07/2026good encapsulation of how concentrations of wealth are inimical to free markets 0185
Reposted by ISMADerek Barker @dwmbarker.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Could not agree more on the need for a new alignment. The illiberal coalition has already figured this out. Great to be at #LibCon doing this work. 093
Reposted by ISMAJen @cassiciacum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026This is correct in my experience. This also gives me a glimmer of hope for the future. I have seen so much destruction at my university. I know that rebuilding will extend far beyond my retirement. But it will happen. 0104
Reposted by ISMAJacob T. Levy @jacobtlevy.bsky.social · 16/07/2026www.theunpopulist.net/p/the-world-...theunpopulist.netThe World Needs America to Save Its Liberal DemocracyIf this system of government dies in the land of its birth, it will have a hard time surviving elsewhere 1195
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 17/07/2026🔥🔥 Live pod with @aaronrosspowell.com, @jamellebouie.net, @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social, @dsallentess.bsky.social 0146
Reposted by ISMALiberalism.org @liberalism.org · 16/07/2026#LibCon2026 kicks off today at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, bringing together scholars, policymakers, and advocates for two days of conversation on the future of liberal democracy. If you're in town for the conference, come find the Liberalism.org booth. We'd genuinely love to meet you. 1269
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 16/07/2026Shikha Dalmia opens LibCon 2026 with a clear-eyed charge: "Authoritarians can destroy institutions, they can't build them." The work of rebuilding falls to liberals—and the window to see clearly is now. #LibCon2026 02513
Reposted by ISMAKettering Foundation @kettering.org · 16/07/2026We’re proud to support #LibCon2026 in Washington, DC. 073
Reposted by ISMAJoe Gitchell @jgitchell.bsky.social · 16/07/2026How does this Iowan prepare for @shikhadalmia.bsky.social and friends’ #LibCon2026 and the hot and steamy DC weather? ✅ @raygunsite.com #LocalMenace shirt ✅ Iowa Golf Association towel to mop up sweatiness. #winning 1104
Reposted by ISMAIan Bassin @ianbassin.bsky.social · 14/07/2026The future will look different. But the values that underpin liberal democracy remain essential. Credit to @bernybelvedere.bsky.social @shikhadalmia.bsky.social for this important conference on how we make sure they adapt and endure. We @protectdemocracy.org are proud sponsors. 03412
Reposted by ISMABerny Belvedere @bernybelvedere.bsky.social · 14/07/2026This week 😮 conference.ismaglobal.org @ismapolicy.bsky.social @theunpopulist.net 074
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 08/07/2026📢 Gen Z has questions. She has the data. @racheljanfaza.bsky.social — founder of The Up and Up — joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. 031
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 09/07/2026He started a politics newsletter at 9. His one subscriber? His mom 😂 Now Congress reads Gabe Fleisher every morning. He joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. 011
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 10/07/2026📢 NEW SPEAKER: Kristie De Peña — one of DC's leading immigration-policy minds — joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. 032
Reposted by ISMAJanet Bufton 🍁🌻 @janetbufton.ca · 11/07/2026OK, who's going? Try to say hi during one of the micro breaks. 4153
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 11/07/2026Liberal democracy's future depends on winning younger voters. What are their core concerns? Can we keep them from drifting toward illiberal alternatives? The great @sarahlongwell25.bsky.social will moderate a panel featuring @racheljanfaza.bsky.social, @destiny.gg, and Gabe Fleisher at LibCon2026. 043
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 11/07/2026Free speech is a bulwark against censorship—but it has also become a cover for dehumanization. Can free speech absolutism coexist with strong social norms against hate speech? @masnick.com, @jonrauch.bsky.social, @cathyyoung63.bsky.social, and @alexabdo.bsky.social will explore at LibCon2026. 052
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 13/07/2026STATE CONSTITUTIONS ARE THE NEXT LINE OF DEFENSE. The Brennan Center's Kathrina Szymborski Wolfkot joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. 0104
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 13/07/2026Trump is testing how far unchecked presidential power can go. That's why, at LibCon2026, @davidfrenchjag.bsky.social, Bob Bauer, @lizagoitein.bsky.social, and @protectdemocracy.org's Justin Florence will ask: What would a presidency accountable to voters and the Constitution actually look like? 3204
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 13/07/2026Checks and balances were built to constrain tyranny. Trump has opposed every one of them. In a few days, at LibCon2026, @jwmueller-pu.bsky.social, @adamserwer.bsky.social, @frankfukuyama.bsky.social, and Erica Frantz will discuss with us the current state of authoritarian consolidation in America. 075
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 14/07/2026How do democracies reckon with their darkest chapters? Boston College historian Devin Pendas wrote the book on it. He joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. 011
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 14/07/2026Congress has abdicated a lot of its power to the president. The Supreme Court is seen as just another partisan actor. At #LibCon2026, Aziz Huq, @qjurecic.bsky.social, @greggnunziata.bsky.social, and Stuart Gerson will ask: Can Congress and the courts be rebuilt to actually check power again? 0114
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 14/07/2026LibCon2026, the premier annual gathering for the liberal democratic movement, is just days away. If the work we do at @ismapolicy.bsky.social and at The UnPopulist resonates with you, consider becoming a subscriber:theunpopulist.netSubscribe to The UnPopulistDefending liberal democracy against authoritarianism in the U.S. and around the world. Click to read The UnPopulist, by Shikha Dalmia, a Substack publication with tens of thousands of subscribers. 022
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 29/06/2026Shikha Dalmia highlights the essential elements of liberal democracy: impartial justice, accountability, and an independent civil society. LibCon 2026: conference.ismaglobal.org?utm_source=b... 054
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 29/06/2026📢 NEW SPEAKER: @stanveuger.bsky.social — AEI economist and one of the sharpest voices on what populism actually costs — joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. conference.ismaglobal.org?utm_source=b... 032
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 01/07/2026She was the highest-ranking woman in Reagan's White House. Now she's fighting for immigrants 🇺🇸 Linda Chavez joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. conference.ismaglobal.org?utm_source=b... 052
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 02/07/2026America's immigration system is broken—feeding populism and a border police state at odds with liberal values. At #LibCon2026, we're asking @radleybalko.bsky.social, @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social, Linda Chavez, and Kristie De Peña to tell us what a rational, humane system would look like instead. 2268
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 02/07/2026Authoritarians are learning from each other across borders. Can defenders of liberal democracy do the same? LibCon2026 takes on that mantle with @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu, @robertguest.bsky.social, Félix Maradiaga, and @bobbyrae48.bsky.social 0157
Reposted by ISMAAaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Looking forward to this panel! 26715
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 02/07/2026🚨 SPEAKER DROP 🚨 @qjurecic.bsky.social — The Atlantic staff writer and Lawfare alum — joins LibCon2026, July 16–17 at The Watergate in DC. conference.ismaglobal.org?utm_source=b... 061
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 24/06/2026While LibCon2026's opening panel will take stock of authoritarian consolidation in the U.S. 🇺🇸 ... the panel immediately following it will go global 🌎 And its got a truly formidable lineup: @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu @robertguest.bsky.social @bobbyrae48.bsky.social Félix Maradiaga Don't miss this! 1116
ISMA @ismapolicy.bsky.social · 23/06/2026LibCon2026 is just weeks away. Come check it out: conference.ismaglobal.org 053
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 23/06/2026Check this out 👇 The opening panel at LibCon2026 confronts the question that defines this moment: how far down the authoritarian consolidation pathway has the U.S. already gone? @ismapolicy.bsky.social @jwmueller-pu.bsky.social @adamserwer.bsky.social @frankfukuyama.bsky.social 054
Reposted by ISMAShikha Dalmia @shikhadalmia.bsky.social · 07/05/2026LibCon2026 by @theunpopulist.net's parent organization @ismapolicy.bsky.social is around the corner. Our star-studded lineup is an embarrassment of riches (mixed metaphor, I know). Get the early bird special now and avoid FOMO. We sold out weeks before last 2 times open.substack.com/pub/theunpop...open.substack.comLibCon2026 Is Coming, July 16–17Register now and avail yourself of our early-bird special to hear and meet the world's most brilliant and courageous liberal thinkers and activists 041
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 22/05/2026LibCon2026, organized by @ismapolicy.bsky.social, is the most important gathering of liberal thinkers anywhere in the world. This year's theme: not resistance, but reconstruction. What do liberals actually build when the authoritarian moment passes? July 16–17 in D.C.theunpopulist.netLibCon2026 Is Coming, July 16–17Register now and avail yourself of our early-bird special to hear and meet the world's most brilliant and courageous liberal thinkers and activists 032
Reposted by ISMAThe UnPopulist @theunpopulist.net · 27/10/2025The 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.socialtheunpopulist.netThe Neo-Right Rejects Liberalism Because It Wants to Rule by Brute Force Not Consensus: A LibCon2025 Panel DiscussionIts slams on a neutral liberal state are sophistic and stem from a deeply nihilistic worldview 12011