State of Belief
What Now? Democracy Going Forward with Maria Stephan
Dr. Maria J. Stephan, co-lead and chief organizer of the Horizons Project, joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss how the midterm elections happened, with results driven by values and convictions about the potential our democracy has beyond the divisiveness that has plagued America in recent years.
They explore authoritarianism, nonviolent action, and the role of faith communities in building coalitions across sectors and ideologies. Key to the conversation is the urgency to stay engaged and alert throughout the weeks leading up to January 3rd when the election results are to be certified. Democracy isn’t something we can outsource—it takes people showing up for one another.
More about our guest
Dr. Maria J. Stephan is co-lead and chief organizer at The Horizons Project, working to counter extremism and build civic cohesion. Her vast experience includes roles in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, NATO, the United States Institute for Peace, and the Atlantic Council.
Maria’s books include Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict and Bolstering Democracy: Lessons Learned and the Path Forward.
The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance.
Transcript
Democracy After the Midterms: A special election episode with Rebecca Solnit
November 3rd was both an end a beginning. A writer who thinks deeply about these issues, Rebecca talks to host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush about this election through the lens of her book "The Beginning Comes After the End."
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"We Are Ready": Attorney Extraordinaire Norm Eisen Talks 2026 Midterms and Beyond
The co-founder of Democracy Defenders Fund and former Obama Administration ethics czar joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush on the eve of the election to recount victories and unveil strategies for ensuring a full and fair vote.
“Nauseously Optimistic”: The 2026 Vote Through A Legal Lens
American Bar Association Election Law Committee Chair attorney Jerry H. Goldfeder joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss how lawyers, faith leaders, and many others are poised to defend the midterm election against all threats, foreign and domestic