The political landscape is constantly evolving, and staying informed is more crucial than ever. The podcast Terms of Engagement hosted by Archon Fung Director of the Ash Center, and former Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer offers a unique platform for cross-partisan conversations that resonate with listeners worldwide. Each week, the show features top researchers, journalists, and practitioners who dissect breaking news and deep-seated challenges, providing unique insights into U.S. politics and the state of democracy globally.
From books that delve into the intricacies of political power to reports that map the complexities of the electorate, Terms of Engagement covers a wide range of topics. Here’s a look at some of the notable works featured in seasons 2 and 3 of the podcast.
Books That Shape the Political Narrative
The podcast has featured a variety of books that offer deep dives into political events and theories. One standout is Storm at the Capitol by Mary Clare Jalonick a Congressional reporter for the Associated Press. Jalonick’s book provides a multi-perspective look at the events of January 6, 2026, drawing on original interviews with politicians, law enforcement, and protesters. It’s a rare and comprehensive account of a pivotal moment in American history.
Another notable book discussed on the show is The President’s Club: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. Gibbs, former TIME editor-in-chief and Shorenstein Center Director, explores the private relationships, rivalries, and rescue deals among the last 13 presidents. This book offers a fascinating look at executive power behind closed doors and how it shapes the political landscape.
Pepper Culpepper and Taeku Lee’s book, Billionaire Backlash: The Age of Corporate Scandal and How it Could Save Democracy argues that corporate scandals are among the few forces capable of breaking through political gridlock. The book maps a middle course showing how scandals open windows for reform, culminating in the provocative concept of good populism to channel public anger into democratic renewal rather than authoritarian resentment.
Harvard Professor Danielle Allen joined the podcast to discuss her book, Radical Duke: How One Aristocrat—and the American Revolution—Transformed Britain. This book explores why equality is just as essential as individual freedom, offering a fascinating story of an 18th-century British aristocrat who helped foment the American Revolution from the other side of the Atlantic.
In the realm of technology and democracy, Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sanders’s book, Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship examines how AI can widen public participation. The book looks at successful international examples of countries using AI to broaden participation rather than concentrate power, making a case for creating a public AI option that serves citizens over shareholders.
Reports and Articles That Inform Political Understanding
The podcast also features reports and articles that provide in-depth analysis of political trends and issues. One such report is Beyond MAGA: A Profile of the Trump Coalition by More in Common. This landmark study maps out the distinct factions within the pro-Trump electorate, challenging the standard image of a monolithic base by identifying four distinct groups: MAGA Hardliners, Anti-Woke Conservatives, Mainline Republicans, and the Reluctant Right.
Journalist Jonathan Rauch’s article, Yes, It’s Fascism examines why the term fascism fits Donald Trump’s approach to governing. The piece looks at what led to this conclusion, how fascism differs from other forms of authoritarian rule, and what it means for the future of democracy.
Mohammad Ali Kadivar’s essay, The Fantasy of Liberation by War outlines why regime decapitation is unlikely to lead to democratic consolidation in Iran, whether the current regime falls or manages to survive. This essay provides a nuanced understanding of the shifting political landscape in Tehran.
In the realm of voting rights, the article Callais Confusion, Power-Sharing, and the Inevitability of Proportional Representation by Guy-Uriel E. CharlesLuis Fuentes-RohwerMichael Latner and Carlos Algara correctly anticipated the dismantling of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The article argues that voting rights advocates should pivot toward proportional representation as the most durable path forward.
Henry Olsen’s piece, Democrats Are Facing Their MAGA Moment. Good Luck Containing It explores whether recent progressive successes signal a lasting political realignment or not. Olsen argues that open primary systems make elite policing impossible, leaving parties with no choice but to figure out how to manage grassroots energy.
Future Reading: What’s on the Horizon
As Terms of Engagement kicks off its third season, there are several upcoming titles, key topics, and potential guests on the radar. One anticipated book is Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan which documents Donald Trump’s second White House term, highlighting an imperial presidency that has upended global markets and toppled heads of state.
On Courage by Julia Angwin and Ami Fields-Meyer expands on their New Yorker essay So You Want to Be a Dissident?. Drawing on interviews with more than 100 activists, theorists, and dissidents worldwide, the book provides a practical, hopeful guide on how citizens can actively build political courage and counter authoritarianism.
Ben Wikler’s book, This Is The Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy outlines a concrete plan to prevent democratic decline. The book focuses on practical strategies to protect democratic institutions, defeat MAGA electoral efforts across all ballot levels, and build long-term civic engagement.
