GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution

Viewer Mail: The GoodFellows Answer Your Questions

30 snips

Apr 11, 2025

The discussion swings between the economic impact of Trump's tariffs and their unpredictable outcomes. Experts weigh in on the EU's resilience amidst disruptive political figures. They highlight the need for institutional reform in Europe and explore the rise of emerging powers by 2050, such as India and Turkey. Additionally, they reflect on five years of insightful conversations, sharing personal growth and cherished memories from their journey, all while drawing historical parallels to modern-day challenges.

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INSIGHT

Minimal Impact of First-Term Tariffs

Trump's first-term tariffs were minimal, averaging 1.55% in 2017 and rising to only 2.85% by the term's end.
Other economic factors like tax cuts and deregulation were stronger influences on the economy.

INSIGHT

Escalation of Tariffs in Second Term

Trump's second-term tariffs represent a significant escalation, potentially reaching Smoot-Hawley levels.
This drastic increase, coupled with policy uncertainty, is causing market instability.

INSIGHT

Trump's Disruptive Trade Approach

Trump's disruptive nature and focus on trade adjustments stem from a perceived grievance.
This approach risks undermining alliances and inadvertently benefiting China.

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Daniel Morgan

Revolutionary Rifleman

Don Higginbotham

This book provides a detailed account of Daniel Morgan's life, particularly his military strategies and contributions during the American Revolutionary War. Morgan was known for his innovative tactics, which included the use of a thin skirmish line and hit-and-run mobility, learned from his experiences in Indian fighting. The biography highlights his key roles in the Saratoga Campaign and the Battle of Cowpens.

No specific book titled 'The Vibe Shift'

Concept discussed by Niall Ferguson

Sir Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson has written about 'vibe shifts' as periods of significant cultural and geopolitical change, often marked by a rejection of bureaucratic norms and a return to authenticity. However, there is no specific book titled 'The Vibe Shift' by him.

Benjamin Disraeli

Stanley Weintraub

Plutarch's Lives

Plutarch

Plutarch's Lives, also known as Parallel Lives, is a collection of 48 biographies of notable men from ancient Greece and Rome. The work is structured in pairs, with one Greek and one Roman figure of similar destiny, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, or Demosthenes and Cicero. Plutarch's primary concern was not to write strict historical accounts but to explore the moral virtues and failings of his subjects, aiming to provide examples of conduct to imitate or avoid. The biographies are significant not only for their insight into the individuals but also for their historical value, offering a glimpse into the times in which they lived[2][3][5].

The Fate of Empires

Jean Baggett Glove

Washington

A Life

Ron Chernow

In 'Washington: A Life', Ron Chernow provides a richly detailed and engaging portrait of George Washington. The book covers his adventurous early years, his heroic exploits during the Revolutionary War, his role in the Constitutional Convention, and his significant contributions as the first president of the United States. Chernow challenges the stereotype of Washington as a stolid, unemotional figure, instead revealing a man of fiery opinions, many moods, and a fiercely guarded emotional life. The biography delves into Washington's personal relationships, his complex feelings about slavery, and his meticulous management of Mount Vernon. It also highlights his political genius and his role in shaping the new federal government and the office of the presidency[2][3][4].