David Schanzer

Duke University

Associate Professor at The Duke Chronicle: Duke University

Professor, dad, citizen. Author of Perilous Times on Substack: https://t.co/GmAageY8zw - commentary on threats to democracy at home and abroad

Articles

Trump Will Abandon Ukraine Just Like He Did Afghanistan

2 months ago | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

Last week, Trump, J.D. Vance, and Pete Hegseth failed to coordinate their approach to negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, but the overall message was unmistakably clear. The valiant Ukrainians are being sold out to the Russians. America is done sponsoring Ukraine’s effort to prevent being swallowed up by Vladimir Putin. If the Europeans want to try to protect Ukraine on their own, that is fine, but don’t expect any NATO assistance.
Perilous Times

2 months ago | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

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Dictator Before Day One: Trump’s Gambit to Break the System

Dec 2, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

There is much to be said about why Donald Trump was able to win a second term and how Democrats failed to prevent his return to power. But as much as I would like to participate in this debate, the far more immediate concern is how Trump is laying the groundwork to break the Constitution while the Democrats in opposition are licking their wounds and politicians of all stripes are reacting to the November 5 message from the electorate.
The Election: Sorry, I was wrong

Nov 12, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

The election results last night were stunning, not just in the end result but the magnitude of Trump and the GOP’s victory. I am guilty of having bought into a theory of this election that was just dead wrong. I am truly sorry for raising many readers’ false hopes and otherwise just missing the boat.
Trump Has Used the Authoritarian Playbook to Shape Our Perception of the Election

Nov 6, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

The political commentariat and much of the mainstream media has convinced itself that the upcoming election is razor close, with Trump slightly favored to take 5 of the 7 swing states (PA, GA, NC, AZ & NV) and thus the presidency. Perhaps this narrative is true - I really do not know.
Ten Reasons Harris Must, Should, And Will Win The Election

Oct 29, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

With good reason, everyone I talk to is nervous about the possibility that with 11 days left until Election Day, Trump could still win a second presidential term. Here are some thoughts on the reasons Harris must, should and, drumroll … will win this election:HARRIS MUST WIN10. The Climate: Climate has barely been discussed in this election campaign, even after two monster hurricanes in a row.
Will Netanyahu Snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory?

Oct 19, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

For those whose primary concern is Israeli long-term security, the killing of Hamas’ leader Yahya Sinwar ought to mark the end of Israel’s war in Gaza and related conflict against Hezbollah in Lebanon. With justice having been brought to the architect of the Oct. 7 massacre, Israel should quit Gaza in exchange for release of all the hostages and return of the remains of those who have perished.
Donald Trump’s Virulent Antisemitism Was on Display Yet Again this Week

Sep 21, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

On Thursday evening, Donald Trump dove further into the sewer of antisemitism than he has previously, not only expressing disbelief that any Jewish voter could vote against him due to his, self-described, steadfast support for Israel, but also claiming that if he does not prevail in the election, “the Jewish people would have a lot to do with the loss.” Trump added that by failing to unanimously get behind his White House bid, Jews were “putting yourself in great danger.” Any Jew reading this...
The Rule of Law is on the Ballot

Sep 17, 2024 | perilous.substack.com | David Schanzer

Dear Perilous Times readers: I’ve taken a bit of time off from writing as I adjusted to getting back to a full work schedule this fall. Hope to be sending you my thoughts more frequently in the coming months. Below is an op-ed that appeared in the Duke Chronicle today.
Why law abiding young people should cherish the rule of law

Sep 17, 2024 | dukechronicle.com | David Schanzer

I imagine that few Duke students have spent much time thinking about the rule of law or worrying about its potential demise. After all, Duke students are almost always law-abiding citizens that, for the most part, do not need to fear arbitrary arrest and prosecution. I imagine very few have ever been hauled into criminal or civil court to defend themselves and had to rely on a lawyer, judge or jury to make sure they were not treated unjustly.