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Making Sense with Sam Harris
#402 — The Geopolitics of Trump 2.0
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.
32:40
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Quick takeaways
- Trump's second term mirrors Roosevelt's in executive action but diverges in goals, emphasizing a government contraction post-COVID.
- As U.S. foreign policy becomes more unpredictable under Trump, European nations grapple with enhancing their military readiness in response.
Deep dives
Trump's New Administration Compared to Historical Precedents
The early days of Trump's second term are likened to Franklin Roosevelt's first term in 1933, marked by a flurry of executive actions and governmental activity. However, the comparison highlights a significant difference in objectives; while Roosevelt aimed to expand government in response to the Great Depression, Trump's agenda seems focused on shrinking government post-COVID. Trump's extensive issuance of executive orders could rival Roosevelt's record, although the lack of legislative support limits the scope of his policy changes. This historical analogy offers a framework to understand the current political climate and helps analyze the broader implications of Trump's actions.
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Discover
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