Mike is Wrong About Autocrats w/ Richard Abel

Tilting at Windmills

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