Michael Malice welcomes economist Walter Block to discuss his encounters with Ayn Rand, being ousted from the Mises Institute, and academic scholars' spitefulness. They explore libertarian views, stress management, plant shopping, ideological shifts, and ethical dilemmas in libertarian discourse.
Academic scholars can display spitefulness, as seen in Walter Block's recent ousting from the Mises Institute.
Close mentorship from Murray Rothbard influenced Walter Block's shift from limited government to anarchism.
The conflict between NATO's eastward expansion and Russia's concerns in Ukraine is discussed with historical context.
Deep dives
Hans Hermann Hoppe Criticizes Walter Block
Walter Block, a libertarian figure and author, is criticized by Hans Hermann Hoppe for his views on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Hoppe accuses Block of deviating from libertarian principles and showing genocidal impulses in his defense of Israel. The strained relationship between the two is highlighted due to their differing stances on this issue.
Murray Rothbard's Influence on Walter Block
Walter Block reflects on his relationship with Murray Rothbard, a prominent figure in libertarianism. Block shares how Rothbard, his mentor, influenced his transition from limited government libertarianism to anarchism. Their close bond, co-authorship, and shared experiences are emphasized.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict Analysis
The discussion delves into the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, focusing on NATO's eastward expansion and Russia's concerns. The dynamics of the situation, including Russia's actions, Ukraine's role, and the perspective of other nations, are scrutinized. Historical parallels are drawn to highlight the complex geopolitical landscape.
Hamas and Israel Conflict Resolution
The conversation addresses the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, stressing the necessity to end Hamas's influence and violence. The complexities of the situation, involving Palestinian civilians and external support for Hamas, are examined. The potential path to a peaceful resolution and the challenges faced are explored.
Assessment of Collateral Damage
With a critical analysis of the collateral damage in conflicts like the Gaza situation, the interview highlights the impact on innocent civilians caught in the middle. The repercussions of geopolitical conflicts on ordinary populations, parallels to historical events, and the ethical implications of warfare are illuminated.
Michael Malice (“YOUR WELCOME”) welcomes author and world-renowned economist, Walter Block, onto the show to talk about his encounters with Ayn Rand, his recent ousting as a Senior Fellow from the Mises Institute, and why some academic scholars can actually be very spiteful.
