Honestly with Bari Weiss

Are We Living in ‘Late Soviet America’? Niall Ferguson and Jonah Goldberg Debate.

49 snips
Jul 11, 2024
In this lively discussion, historian Niall Ferguson and Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, dive into the provocative comparison between modern America and the late Soviet Union. Ferguson argues that societal decay and elite disconnect mirror the past, while Goldberg counters that America’s challenges arise from an excess of freedom and not totalitarianism. Their debate touches on public health crises, political transparency, and the erosion of values, making for a thought-provoking examination of America’s current state and future potential.
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INSIGHT

Shared Societal Crises

  • Public health and morale crises exist in both the U.S. and late-stage Soviet Union.
  • These crises stem from disillusionment and a sense of societal betrayal.
INSIGHT

Freedom in America

  • America enjoys greater freedom of speech than ever, thanks to the Supreme Court.
  • While America falls short of its ideals, it remains closer to them than the Soviet Union ever was.
ANECDOTE

Fentanyl vs. Vodka

  • Fentanyl's unique branding and cheap production contribute to the opioid crisis.
  • Unlike vodka in the Soviet era, fentanyl's potency is used as a marketing tool, increasing its danger.
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