America's Zombie Democracy: Harris on Democratic Collapse

Is America Still a Democracy? Sam Harris and George Packer Sound the Alarm

In a recent episode of his Making Sense podcast, philosopher and neuroscientist Sam Harris sits down with award-winning journalist George Packer to dissect a chilling thesis: American democracy has become a "zombie democracy"—a hollowed-out institution that moves and breathes but lacks authentic life and function. Their conversation, centered around Packer's The Atlantic article of the same name, reveals alarming cracks in the foundation of American governance.

The Erosion of Institutional Integrity

At the heart of their discussion is the systematic decay of democratic safeguards. "We're witnessing the unprecedented weaponization of institutions," Packer warns, pointing to the Justice Department's compromised independence and Congress's paralyzing dysfunction. Harris adds that this isn't just political gridlock but "a fundamental betrayal of the system's purpose."

Particularly alarming is the normalization of "shamelessness as political superpower," where blatant corruption—exemplified by Trump's administration—faces minimal consequences. "The public's failure to recognize democratic collapse is as dangerous as the collapse itself," Harris observes.

Polarization and the Fracturing of Reality

The dialogue exposes how hyperpartisanship has demolished shared reality. On the right, Packer notes the "mainstreaming of white nationalism," while Harris argues the left has been "damaged by wokeness and identity politics," creating a toxic environment where meaningful dialogue becomes impossible.

"Social media acts as an accelerant," Harris explains, "creating echo chambers that reward extremism over compromise." This fragmentation, they agree, makes collective action on existential threats—from climate change to economic inequality—increasingly difficult.

2026: A Tipping Point for Democracy?

Both experts warn that the 2026 midterm elections may become a flashpoint. "The post-Trump Republican landscape remains dangerously unpredictable," Harris cautions, while Packer emphasizes that "status anxiety" among declining demographics fuels reactionary politics.

Can Democracy Be Revived?

Despite the grim diagnosis, Harris and Packer leave room for hope. They stress that recognizing the problem is the first step—and that civic engagement at local levels could rebuild trust. "Democracy isn't a spectator sport," Harris concludes. "It requires constant vigilance and participation."

For listeners seeking deeper analysis, Harris recommends Packer's latest novel The Emergency, which explores themes of democratic fragility in fictional form.