What happens when a political ideology uses religion to dismantle democracy from the inside? In this episode of The Stakes, Kettering Foundation Research Fellow Andrew Whitehead and New America Senior Fellow Ilyse Hogue trace how Christian nationalism is not just fueling culture wars—it’s driving policies that undermine civil liberties, target marginalized communities, and chip away at democratic norms. 

From abortion bans and IVF restrictions to court rulings with sweeping implications, Whitehead and Hogue explain how Christian nationalist networks are bypassing popular will to impose control. This conversation connects the dots between state and local crackdowns and national efforts—like the agenda outlined in Project 2025—to reveal the deeper strategy behind recent political shifts.