Topics discussed include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the debate on being 'Never Trump', Tom Nichols' appearance on the TV show 'Succession', the relationship between wealth, entertainment, and ideology, the portrayal of family values in TV shows, defense of The Simpsons against criticism, misconceptions about neo-conservatism, Russian military history and Putin's nostalgia, reflections on American politics and concerns about the Republican party, reevaluating beliefs and criticizing the left, roles of intellectuals and exiles in a political party, and a discussion on a controversial topic with technical difficulties.
01:52:58
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Putin's desire to recreate the Soviet Union reflects nostalgia rather than strict adherence to ideology.
The Soviet Union's authoritarianism and depletion of social capital left Russia with a legacy of authoritarianism.
Acknowledging the ideological motivations of the Soviet Union while recognizing the unique factors is crucial.
Defending democratic principles and strategic voting are essential to safeguard American democracy.
Deep dives
The Soviet influence on Putin's nostalgia
Putin's desire to recreate the world he knew in the mid-1970s, when the Soviet Union was at its height, reflects a sense of Soviet nostalgia rather than strict adherence to Marxist-Leninist ideology. This nostalgia is driven by a longing for a time when the Soviet Union was a global power, overshadowing a weak United States and boasting a presence felt across the world.
The role of ideology in Soviet and Russian behavior
While ideology played a significant role in the actions and motivations of the Soviet Union during its existence, it is less influential in the behavior of modern Russia. Putin's focus on authoritarianism and resurrecting past greatness is not rooted in Marxist-Leninist ideology, but rather in a desire to reclaim a time when Russia held immense global power.
The impact of the Soviet system on civil society
The Soviet Union systematically dismantled and suppressed civil society, aiming to reorganize all human relationships under a vertical relationship with the state. This eradication of horizontal associations and the depletion of social capital has left Russia with a legacy of authoritarianism.
Continuity versus ideology in understanding the Soviet Union
While it is important to acknowledge the ideological motivations that drove the Soviet Union, it is equally crucial to recognize the unique factors and historical context that shaped the country's development. There was a fusion of Marxist-Leninist ideology and Russian historical traditions, contributing to a distinct path that cannot be boiled down to a singular factor.
The Threat of Donald Trump to American Democracy
The podcast episode discusses the existential threat that Donald Trump poses to American democracy. The speaker emphasizes the dangerous and authoritarian nature of Trump's presidency. They highlight how weak institutions and a lack of strong parties contribute to the current political climate. The speaker argues that the focus should be on defending democratic principles rather than engaging in partisanship. They emphasize the importance of strategic voting and making choices that safeguard the future of American democracy.
The Role of Intellectuals and Political Activism
The episode delves into the role of intellectuals in shaping political discourse. The speaker argues that intellectuals should prioritize honesty and integrity in their commentary, resisting the temptation to conform to popular frontism or political expectations. They stress the importance of intellectual critique and independent thought, particularly in the face of political imperatives. The speaker believes that intellectual analysis and challenging the prevailing narratives are necessary to address societal problems and promote healthy democratic processes.
The Need for Strong Institutions and Cultural Challenges
The podcast explores the significance of strong institutions in supporting a healthy democracy. The speaker emphasizes the impact of weak parties and the need for reform within the Democratic Party. They argue that cultural problems, such as hyper-political correctness and media sensationalism, contribute to societal divisions. The speaker suggests that addressing these cultural challenges is essential for creating meaningful change and restoring trust in democratic institutions.
Voting in a Time of National Emergency
The episode raises the question of voting strategy during a national emergency. The speaker acknowledges that many issues, such as student loan forgiveness, may not align with personal beliefs, but emphasizes the importance of considering the larger threat to American democracy posed by Donald Trump. They stress that voting strategically to combat this threat should be prioritized over strictly adhering to policy preferences. The speaker highlights the need for a principled approach while recognizing the urgency of the current situation.
The Remnant’s streak of obvious guests who have inexplicably never appeared on the program continues today, as professor turned Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols joins the show to provide some uncut, fiercely nerdy analysis of our current political malaise. Much of his conversation with Jonah concerns the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—namely, how America has handled it, and what’s really motivating Putin. But after that, the stage is set for an epic debate between the duo on what it means to be “Never Trump” in 2023, and where principled conservatives should go from here. Also, fans of Succession may recognize Tom from his appearances on the show; tune in to learn some behind the scenes secrets.
