Can liberal democracy be saved?

In this episode of Front Burner, host Jamie Poisson interviews Nobel Laureate economist Daron Acemoglu about the crisis facing liberal democracy, the erosion of American institutional norms, and the disruptive potential of AI. Acemoglu argues that liberal democracy—though historically the most successful political model—has failed to adapt to the digital age, leading to a growing alienation of the working class and a cultural disconnect between center-left parties and their traditional base. He traces this decline to the abandonment of working-class economic priorities in favor of elite-driven cultural agendas, exacerbated by the rise of technocratic governance and the centralization of power under figures like Donald Trump. The conversation turns to the economic fragility of the U.S., driven by declining competition, unregulated corporate favoritism, and speculative AI investments with no clear path to profitability. Acemoglu warns that unchecked AI development, especially under a Trump administration focused on military dominance and crypto-techno-tyranny, threatens to undermine democracy entirely. Yet he offers cautious hope in the possibility of 'pro-worker AI' and local political renewal, emphasizing that democracy’s survival depends on rebuilding trust, prioritizing shared prosperity, and re-engaging with working-class communities through authentic, locally grounded leadership.