This podcast discusses the crisis of faith in higher ed, the connection between German cars and rightwing populism, the U.S. Navy's decision to mothball its submarine sinkers, and the changes in abortion politics one year after Dobbs.
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Quick takeaways
The crisis of faith in higher ed stems from rising tuition costs and the perception of degrees being less valuable.
The rise of electric vehicles poses a significant challenge for the German car industry.
Deep dives
Americans' Changing Perception of Higher Education
Over the past decade, Americans' perception of higher education has shifted from positive to negative. Polls show a decrease in the percentage of young adults who believe college is important, and a lack of confidence in higher education. This change in perception can be attributed to factors such as rising tuition costs and the perception that degrees are less valuable. However, it also reflects a broader shift away from the importance of specialized knowledge and the rise of alternative avenues for acquiring information and skills.
German Automakers Falling Behind in Electric Vehicle Race
German automakers, once synonymous with cutting-edge automotive technology, are now playing catch-up in the global race to produce more electric vehicles (EVs). China has emerged as a major player in the EV market, surpassing Volkswagen as China's best-selling brand. This shift reflects the rapid transformation of the Chinese car industry into a battery-powered force. The rise of EVs poses a significant challenge for German automakers, who have built their reputation on the precision and craftsmanship of internal combustion engine-driven cars. The German car industry now faces a major crisis and must adapt to the changing landscape of the automotive industry.
Issues surrounding abortion in post-ROWE America
Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the issue of abortion in America has taken center stage. Different states have adopted various approaches, leading to a patchwork of laws and regulations. This state-based approach has sparked debate about the role of law in personal decisions, the boundaries of privacy, and the morality of abortion. It has also highlighted the challenges of implementing laws that may interfere with medical decisions and potentially limit access to healthcare. Ultimately, the issue of abortion remains contentious, and finding a social consensus will require effective persuasion and respect for individual beliefs.
Challenges faced by Littoral Combat Ships
Littoral combat ships, which were once hailed as the future of the US Navy, have faced numerous challenges since their production began in 2003. These ships have experienced breakdowns and cost overruns, and many of their weapons have proven ineffective. As a result, the Navy is now getting rid of them and questioning their usefulness in high-end conflicts with peer competitors. The failures and shortcomings of the Littoral Combat Ships raise questions about military procurement, technological advancements, and the future of naval warfare.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss the crisis of faith in higher ed, what German cars have to do with rightwing populism, why the U.S. Navy is mothballing its submarine sinkers, and how abortion politics have changed one year after Dobbs.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.
