Making Sense with Sam Harris #402 — The Geopolitics of Trump 2.0
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Feb 28, 2025 
Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and commentator on global politics, joins the conversation to dissect the current geopolitical climate under Trump. They analyze Trump's handling of the Ukraine crisis and how it shifts Europe’s view of America. The duo delves into the chaotic nature of Trump's appointees, the economic fallout from his policies, and China’s perspective on U.S. political upheaval. They ponder whether democracy can endure the turbulence of Trump 2.0 and touch upon free speech debates surrounding figures like Elon Musk.
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Trump 2.0 as a Reverse New Deal
- Trump's second term start feels like 1933 in the U.S., but with reversed New Deal policies.
- Instead of expanding federal government, Trump aims to shrink it amidst a post-COVID boom.
Geopolitical Reactions to Trump 2.0
- Trump's foreign policy is bewildering allies but emboldening adversaries like Russia.
- Trump's actions might incentivize Europe to take more responsibility for their own security.
Moral Implications of Trump's Actions
- Sam Harris criticizes Trump's stance on the war in Ukraine, calling it disgraceful and obscene.
- He questions whether achieving European defense responsibility necessitates the US's moral collapse.