The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

It's Not Personal – It's Just Realpolitik

Dec 2, 2023

In this podcast, the host discusses the death of Henry Kissinger, the flaws of realpolitik, the DeSantis Newsom debate, and the presence of post-liberalism on the right. They reflect on their encounters with Kissinger and question the double standard in criticism. They also explore the flaws in the notion of nations' foreign policy driven solely by interests. Additionally, they analyze mass shooting numbers and critique partisan use. The historical significance of the 1848 revolutions is explored, drawing parallels with the current political climate. The concept of post-liberalism and its embrace by different factions is discussed, along with the changing priorities in the Republican Party.

01:22:55

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Quick takeaways

The conservative movement is shifting towards non-traditional conservatism and the attack on American institutions, posing potential harm to the Republican Party and the country as a whole.

The episode raises concerns about the erosion of conservative principles and explores the complex nature of realpolitik, critiquing the notion that nation-states are solely driven by their interests.

The biased framing of questions and partisan nature of debates, along with the importance of factual discussions and addressing real issues, reflects the current state of political discourse and the need for substantive debates.

Deep dives

The dangers of redefining conservatism and attacking American institutions

This podcast episode discusses the shift in the conservative movement towards non-traditional conservatism and the attack on American institutions. It highlights the efforts to staff the next Trump administration with hardcore MAGA cultists who prioritize loyalty to Trump over constitutionalism and sound public policy. The episode raises concerns about the erosion of conservative principles and the potential harm to the Republican Party and the country as a whole.

Introduction

4min

Encountering Kissinger: Reflections on a Controversial Figure

5min

Critiquing the Notion of Nations States' Foreign Policy Driven by Interests

2min

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

19min

Analysis of Mass Shooting Numbers and Social Media Influencers

11min

The Complexity and Significance of the 1848 Revolutions

9min

Post-Liberalism and the State of Conservatism

26min

Expressing Frustration, Feedback, and Interest in Returning to Themes

2min

On today's interminable Ruminant, Jonah subjects listeners to musings about the death of Henry Kissinger and the gross reveling by some. He then turns to the shortcomings of realpolitik and realism, the debate between Gov. DeSantis and Gov. Newsom, the anticipated sequel to Suicide of the West, and the presence of post-liberalism on the right. Stick around to find out why Jonah doesn't write comedic columns anymore.

Show Notes:

-G-File: Elizabeth Warren, Countess of Sandwich, Schmears the Market

-Henry Kissinger, War Criminal Beloved by America’s Ruling Class, Finally Dies

-George Will: The Conservative Sensibility

-Axios: The Trump job applications revealed

-Donald Trump poses the biggest danger to the world in 2024

-Paul Wolfowitz’s interview with Vanity Fair

-Tim Alberta on The Remnant

-Danielle Pletka on The Remnant

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