The Powers And Limits Of Executive Orders, A History Of Strongmen Leaders

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President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration
President Joe Biden speaks during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Patrick Semansky/AP Photo

President Biden began his term by signing more than a dozen executive orders. We look at how they both expand and limit the president’s power. We also learn about the history of political strongmen and the aftermath of their time in power.

Featured in this Show

  • The Powers And Limits Of Executive Orders

    President Biden began his term by signing a slew of executive actions on housing, climate change, and more. We talk about how executive orders have been used in the past and how they can actually limit presidential power.

  • How Political Strongmen Rise And What They Leave Behind

    A historian shares some the standard moves by big-name authoritarians, how they establish themselves and the conditions around their rising to power. And she uses that framing to reflect on recent history in the United States.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Dean Knetter Producer
  • Tim Peterson Producer
  • Andrew Rudalevige Guest
  • Ruth Ben-Ghiat Guest
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director

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