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The Curious Task

Steve Davies - Why Is Politics Today So Weird?

Jan 22, 2025
54:50

In this episode, host Matt Bufton interviews historian Steve Davies about the political realignment happening across the Western world. Steve explains how traditional divisions in politics, such as socialism versus capitalism, have been replaced by a new axis centered on nationalism versus globalism. He critiques both "national collectivism" and "technocratic liberal progressivism" while discussing the implications for classical liberalism. The conversation also touches on the influence of leaders like Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, and Emmanuel Macron, and explores what the future holds for liberal ideas in a shifting political landscape.

References

  1. "The Great Realignment: Understanding Politics Today" by Steve Davies (Cato Institute)
    https://www.cato-unbound.org/2018/12/10/stephen-davies/great-realignment-understanding-politics-today/

  2. Steve Davies' talk at the IEA's THINK event
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GVMnQ4-_cQ

  3. "The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek
    https://www.amazon.ca/Road-Serfdom-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320553

  4. "Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy" by Joseph A. Schumpeter
    https://www.amazon.ca/Capitalism-Socialism-Democracy-Joseph-Schumpeter/dp/0061330086

  5. "The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution" by Francis Fukuyama
    https://www.amazon.ca/Origins-Political-Order-Prehuman-Revolution/dp/0374227349

  6. "Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes
    https://www.amazon.ca/Leviathan-Thomas-Hobbes/dp/0140431950

  7. "The Constitution of Liberty" by Friedrich Hayek
    https://www.amazon.ca/Constitution-Liberty-Friedrich-Hayek/dp/0226320847

Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask.

 

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