Dr. Paul Kengor, a distinguished political scientist and expert on communism, dives deep into Marxist ideologies influencing American progressivism. He examines whether Kamala Harris can be labeled a Marxist and critiques the unrealistic expectations of Marxism on human nature, citing historical examples. Kengor also contrasts the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, discussing their impacts on societal values and political dynamics. This engaging conversation unpacks the intricate connections between ideology, politics, and society.
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insights INSIGHT
Marxist Label
Use "Marxist" carefully, focusing on those truly aligned with core tenets.
Avoid mislabeling to preserve the term's impact when dealing with actual Marxists.
insights INSIGHT
Defining Marxism
A core principle of Marxism is the abolition of private property, a key difference from charitable sharing.
Degrees of private property abolition vary among communist states, impacting citizens' basic rights.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Cuban Mangoes
In Cuba, strict property laws prevent citizens from utilizing resources on their own property.
Kengor's student's aunt couldn't pick mangoes from her tree due to state control.
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In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.
The Communist Manifesto
Friedrich Engels
Karl Marx
The crusader
Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism
Paul Kengor
Drawing upon newly declassified presidential papers, untapped Soviet media archives, and new interviews with key players, Kengor traces Reagan's efforts to target the Soviet Union from his days as governor of California to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The book reveals Reagan's deep understanding of what it would take to bring down communism and his policy shifts that significantly weakened the USSR. It also includes explosive revelations, such as a memo implicating a major American liberal politician in a scheme to enlist Soviet premier Yuri Andropov to help defeat Reagan's 1984 reelection bid.
The communist
Paul Kengor
In 'The Communist', Paul Kengor examines the life and influence of Frank Marshall Davis, a card-carrying member of the Communist Party USA who was a mentor to Barack Obama. Using declassified FBI files and Soviet archives, Kengor explores how Davis's worldview, which opposed American policy and traditional values, may have shaped Obama's early life and presidency. The book provides a detailed analysis of Davis's communist ideas and their possible reflections in Obama's policies.
The opium of the intellectuals
The opium of the intellectuals
Raymond Aron
11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative
Paul Kengor
In '11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative', Paul Kengor explores the fundamental convictions that guided Ronald Reagan's presidency, including freedom, faith, family, and American exceptionalism. The book provides a roadmap for conservatives to understand and emulate Reagan's principles in modern politics. Kengor's analysis is based on extensive research into Reagan's speeches and actions, offering insights into how these principles can shape a successful conservative future.
The God that failed
Richard Howard Stafford Crossman
Arthur Koestler
R. H. S. Crossman
This book is a crucial document of the Cold War, featuring essays by André Gide, Richard Wright, Ignazio Silone, Stephen Spender, Arthur Koestler, and Louis Fischer. Each author recounts their journey into communism and their subsequent disillusionment, providing a powerful testament to the ideals and failures of leftism in the 20th century. The book offers a personal and historical perspective on the allure and betrayal of communist ideology.
This week on the Sunday Special, Ben Shapiro welcomes Dr. Paul Kengor, a distinguished political scientist, author, and expert on communism and Ronald Reagan’s presidential legacy. In today’s episode, we dissect the infiltration of Marxist ideas among American progressives, the ideological crux of a Marxist’s worldview, and whether or not Kamala Harris can be classified as a Marxist herself. We also examine the similarities and differences between the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, and how American conservatives can lead the way toward a less divisive future. Don’t miss this important conversation with Dr. Paul Kengor, on this episode of the Sunday Special.
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