Niall Ferguson, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 16 influential books, joins the discussion about the current geopolitical landscape. They dive into Trump's handling of Ukraine and the shifting dynamics between Europe and the U.S. Ferguson critiques American foreign policy under both Trump and Biden, highlighting the dilemmas of rising powers like China. The conversation touches on free speech issues in the UK, economic concerns tied to national debt, and the contrasting strategies for the Middle East, all against a backdrop of political uncertainty.
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insights INSIGHT
Reversed New Deal
Trump's second term start feels like the 1933 New Deal, but reversed.
He aims to shrink the federal government amidst post-COVID boom, not expand it during depression.
insights INSIGHT
Global Bewilderment
Global bewilderment surrounds Trump's foreign policy, especially his stance on Ukraine.
His pro-Putin comments and labeling Zelensky a dictator have baffled many.
insights INSIGHT
European Resolve
Trump inadvertently achieved what other presidents couldn't: European resolve for self-defense.
His actions made Europeans realize the US security backstop is gone, prompting increased defense spending.
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In 'Colossus,' Niall Ferguson argues that the United States is the most powerful empire the world has ever seen, both militarily and economically. He compares the U.S. to the British Empire, noting that both aspire to globalize free markets, the rule of law, and representative government. However, Ferguson contends that Americans shy away from the long-term commitments of manpower and money necessary to effectively manage and transform rogue regimes and failed states. He describes the U.S. as an empire with an attention deficit disorder, imposing unrealistic timescales on its overseas interventions and refusing to acknowledge its global responsibilities. The book warns of the negative consequences of this chronic myopia, both domestically and internationally, and suggests that the eventual collapse of this empire may come from within due to its internal weaknesses.
Square and the Tower
Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook
Niall Ferguson
In this book, Niall Ferguson argues that networks have always been a crucial part of human society, from ancient cults to modern social media platforms like Facebook. He uses social network analysis to demonstrate how these networks often hold more real power than the hierarchical institutions they challenge. The book explores historical examples, including the Reformation and the rise of revolutionary ideas, to illustrate the ongoing struggle between 'the Square' (networks) and 'the Tower' (hierarchies). Ferguson also applies network theory concepts to understand both the past and the present, offering insights into how networks can transform our understanding of history and current affairs.
Trump: The Art of the Deal
Tony Schwartz
Donald J. Trump
This book is a mix of memoir and business advice, detailing Trump's professional and personal worldview. It outlines his approach to deal-making, including his eleven key elements for success, such as 'Think Big,' 'Maximize Your Options,' and 'Have Fun.' The book offers insights into Trump's business strategies, his interactions with various figures, and his approach to negotiating deals. It also provides a glimpse into his personal life and how he runs his organization[1][3][5].
The House of Rothschild
Volume 1: Money's Prophets, 1798-1848
Niall Ferguson
In this meticulously researched volume, Niall Ferguson explores the early history of the Rothschild family, detailing their ascent from the Frankfurt ghetto to become one of the most influential financial dynasties in Europe. The book delves into their strategic use of financial instruments and their extensive political networks, which enabled them to dominate international finance during the 19th century.
Kissinger: 1923-1968
The Idealist
Niall Ferguson
This book by Niall Ferguson presents Henry Kissinger as an idealist influenced by philosophical traditions and moral imperatives, shaped by his experiences as a Jewish refugee. It explores his intellectual development and how his academic work informed his views on power and global order. The biography draws on extensive archival material and personal papers to paint a rich picture of Kissinger's life up to 1968.
Sam Harris speaks with Niall Ferguson about the current geopolitical situation. They discuss how Trump is handling the war in Ukraine, Europe’s changing relationship to the U.S., security concerns around Trump’s appointees, the economic impacts of Trump’s policies, how China views political turmoil in the U.S., whether democracy can withstand Trump 2.0, Elon Musk and X, free speech in the United Kingdom, Trump’s plan for Gaza, and other topics.
Sir Niall Ferguson, MA, DPhil, FRSE, is the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, and a senior faculty fellow at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard. He is the author of 16 books, including The Pity of War, The House of Rothschild, and Kissinger: 1923-1968: The Idealist, which won the Council on Foreign Relations’ Arthur Ross Prize. He is a columnist with The Free Press and The Times. He is also the founder and managing director of Greenmantle, a New York-based advisory firm, a co-founder of the Latin American fintech company Ualá, and a co-founding trustee of the new University of Austin.
Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
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