The Grant Williams Podcast The Hundred Year Pivot Ep. 8 – Jonathan Kirshner
Aug 21, 2025
Join Jonathan Kirshner, a classical realist scholar and author, as he delves into the complexities of international relations. He discusses the unpredictability of state behavior in a world defined by anarchy. Kirshner critiques the U.S. foreign policy and the risks of neglecting shared truths in governance. He warns of the dangers posed by pluto-populism and the decline of democracy. With comparisons to historical events, he emphasizes the importance of realism in navigating today’s chaotic global landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Realism As A Descriptive Framework
- Realism is a descriptive worldview that explains state behavior in an anarchic system without prescribing policies.
- There is no single "realist" foreign policy; different realists can reach different policy conclusions.
Recent Past Loses Predictive Power
- The recent past may no longer be a reliable guide because geopolitical relationships are shifting.
- Theories built from the recent past must be reexamined when systemic conditions change.
Order Collapse Forces Independent Statesmanship
- The US-led order that simplified other states' calculations is ending, forcing states to define interests independently.
- This creates confusion as states reassess what order or hierarchy will replace the old one.
