Benn Steil

Benn Steil, author of The World That Wasn't: Henry Wallace and the Fate of the American Century, discusses the origins of the Cold War and postwar U.S. foreign policy through the career of Henry Wallace. They explore the what-if scenario of Wallace becoming president and how it could have avoided the Cold War. They also touch on the mistakes of the United States in the early Cold War and the importance of questioning conventional wisdom in determining America's role in the world.

Benn Steil, an economist and historian from the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses his book about Henry A. Wallace, a presidential candidate whose ties to the KGB predated Trump’s. The conversation dives into Wallace's unique political journey, mystical beliefs, and innovative agricultural policies. Steil explores the impact of Wallace's vision, particularly his famous speech 'The Century of the Common Man,' and his contentious political battles, especially with Harry Truman, revealing shocking parallels to today’s political climate.

Derek Scissors, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, argues for decoupling from China, citing national security risks. In contrast, Isaac Stone Fish emphasizes the economic dangers of severing ties. Benn Steil warns that decoupling could harm U.S. businesses and innovation, while Susan Shirk discusses the nuanced implications for global trade and alliances. The discussion also touches on cybersecurity and intellectual property, highlighting the intricate balance between economic dependence and strategic decision-making in U.S.-China relations.

Historian Benn Steil dives into the compelling narrative of Henry Wallace, an ultraliberal who nearly became FDR's running mate in 1944. They discuss the chaotic Democratic National Convention and the political machinations that sidelined Wallace. What if he had succeeded instead of Truman? Steil reflects on how his presidency might have shifted U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War and nuclear arms race, sparking debate over whether Truman's win was a fortunate escape or a missed opportunity for progressive change.

Chris Stirewalt hosts Benn Steil to discuss Henry Wallace's controversial legacy, Soviet influence in US policies, Wallace's bizarre decisions like slaughtering pigs, and his transition to endorse Eisenhower. They explore parallels in attitudes towards Russia and the Soviet Union, drawing comparisons between past and present views on authoritarian leaders.