Jon Askonas

Jon Askonas, a political theorist and writer known for his insights on culture and media, delves into the complexities of modern communication and its influence on society. He critiques the Tower of Babel analogy in relation to social media's fragmentation of language. The conversation highlights the evolution of political dynamics from traditional media to online communities, addressing the impact on public perception. Askonas also examines societal anxieties about declining fertility rates and the search for spiritual renewal amid bureaucratic control.

Jon Askonas, an assistant professor of politics and senior fellow at the Foundation for American Innovation, joins to discuss the unexpected coalition between MAGA supporters and Silicon Valley tech leaders. They delve into the evolution of political alignments, tensions within the tech right, and emerging issues like immigration and biotechnology. Askonas highlights the need for the left to better engage younger audiences and navigates the complexities of political transformations, including the implications of cryptocurrency and AI on future governance.

Jon Askonas, an insightful author and commentator, discusses the surprising political shift in Silicon Valley away from Democrats. He dives into the rise of the 'tech right' and its complicated ties with the MAGA and 'MAHA' movements. The conversation reveals underlying tensions within this new coalition, especially on issues like immigration and biotechnology. As Askonas unpacks these dynamics, he reflects on how the Democratic Party might adapt to these changes in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.

Jon Askonas, a Senior Fellow at FAI and Assistant Professor, dives into the evolving intersection of the right and technology. Highlights include the impact of smartphones on the youth and how emerging tech like AI and AR is redefining conservative values. The discussion shifts to age verification in pornography and how social conservatism is adjusting its strategies. As a new conservative coalition forms, Askonas explores its implications for U.S. politics, especially in light of the MAGA movement and the tech right's influence on future elections.

Jon Askonas, an Assistant Professor of Politics and a senior fellow, delves into the evolving intersection of technology and the Republican Party. He discusses how Trump's second term may shift AI policy priorities away from existential risks towards competition, especially concerning China. The conversation highlights the rise of a tech-oriented faction within conservatism, tensions in AI regulation, and the challenges of balancing innovation with safety. Jon also critiques the AI safety community's early missteps in influencing policy discussions post-ChatGPT.

Jon Askonas, an Assistant Professor of Politics at the Catholic University of America, dives deep into the friction between technology and conservative values. He critiques how conservatism has struggled to adapt to modern advancements and emphasizes the significance of the family unit in this transition. The conversation also highlights the need for government support in nurturing innovation while preserving human experiences. Askonas proposes a proactive redefinition of conservatism, advocating for a balance between technological progress and community life.

Jon Askonas, professor at The Catholic University of America and a contributor to the New Atlantis and Compact, discusses technological change, conservatism's vulnerability to grift, democracy, the January 6th hearings, Rene Girard, and apocalypse.

Jon Askonas joins me to discuss his ongoing series of essays in The New Atlantis, "Reality: A Post-Mortem." Read the series here: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/collections/reality-a-post-mortem

J.D. Vance, a politician embodying a populist direction in the GOP, joins thought leaders Oren Cass, Marshall Kosloff, and Jon Askonas to discuss the implications of a potential Trump-Vance partnership. They delve into how Vance's nomination might shift Republican policy toward workers' concerns, tech regulation, and manufacturing. The conversation reveals tensions between populist rhetoric and tech reality, the future of AI innovation, and the evolving landscape of conservative thought as it grapples with new economic priorities.

Ari Schulman, Editor of The New Atlantis, and Jon Askonas, Professor of Politics at Catholic University of America, dive into the philosophical clash surrounding technology's role in society. They discuss fertility technologies, highlighting the ethical dilemmas of transhumanism and redefining parenthood. The conversation critiques Effective Altruism, contrasting it with traditional charity and urging a humanistic approach. They also navigate the complexities of AI ethics, emphasizing the alignment of technology with human values amidst rapid advancements.