Samuel Moyn

Samuel Moyn, Chancellor Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University, delves into the crisis of liberalism, tracing its roots to the Cold War. He examines how the disenchantment with liberalism today stems from economic inequalities and the rise of populism, sparked by figures like Trump. Moyn discusses the philosophical divide between Rawls and Nozick, advocating for a rethinking of liberal principles. He emphasizes the need to reinvigorate liberalism’s radical promise and suggests a shift from defensive to offensive strategies to adapt for the future.

Historian Samuel Moyn discusses how liberalism shifted during the Cold War, its connection to the conservative movement, and the rise of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. The podcast explores the impact of teleological historicism and Christian theology on Cold War liberalism, as well as the influence of Freudianism. They also address the concept of hope in liberalism and leftism.

Shadi Hamid, a foreign policy expert and author of "The Problem of Democracy," contends that America's influence often acts as a force for good, pressuring authoritarian regimes and supporting democracies. In contrast, Samuel Moyn, an academic and author of "Humane," argues that while there are worse global alternatives, America's interventions have caused significant harm. The debate dives into America's complex roles in democracy, climate challenges, and its resilience against authoritarianism, offering a nuanced view of U.S. actions on the world stage.

Samuel Moyn, a Yale law and history professor, critiques the judiciary's role during Trump's presidency, questioning the effectiveness of courts as a political counterbalance. Chris Maisano discusses class de-alignment, exploring the shift in working-class support from Democrats to Republicans. Evgenia Kovda dives into hipster nihilism, reflecting on cultural trends and their political implications. This conversation weaves through the complex interplay between class, politics, and cultural attitudes in America today.

Anatol Lieven, Eurasia Director at the Quincy Institute, and Samuel Moyn, Yale law and history professor, delve into the complexities of U.S. foreign relations. They discuss the Trump administration's fraught diplomacy with Russia and the pressing challenges of U.S. support for Ukraine amid rising public dissent. Moyn highlights the need for 'better elites' to ensure accountability in governance. The duo also critiques the current political landscape, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership and reform to engage the public and combat authoritarianism.

Shadi Hamid, a foreign policy expert, defends America’s positive role in the world, despite its complexities. Samuel Moyn counters with a critique, emphasizing that America’s actions often overshadow its good intentions. They discuss the implications of Trump's return on American exceptionalism and project a future world dominated by China. The dialogue highlights the delicate balance of U.S.-China relations, critiques the U.S. military legacy, and engages the audience on their perceptions of America's global influence.

Samuel Moyn, Professor of Law and History at Harvard University, discusses how warfare has become both more humane and harder to end. He argues that the focus has shifted from preventing war to ending war crimes, with the human rights community sharing culpability. The podcast explores the challenges faced by human rights activists, the rise of the unwilling and/or unable doctrine for intervention, and the paradox of human rights and militarized foreign policy.

Samuel Moyn, a Yale Law and History professor and author of "Humane," talks about the evolution of warfare from Vietnam to Iraq. He reveals how U.S. foreign policy has influenced modern conflicts, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in today’s combat practices, especially with drone warfare. The discussion dives into the complexities of contemporary geopolitical tensions, including Ukraine and Taiwan, and critiques the humanitarian narrative of modern warfare. Moyn advocates for a re-evaluation of human rights laws to better protect civilians.

In this engaging discussion, Samuel Moyn, a prominent legal scholar and historian, dives into Leo Tolstoy's impactful life and work. Moyn unpacks how Tolstoy's experiences as a soldier transformed him into a champion of non-violence, inspiring global peace movements. He also explores the complexities of humanizing warfare and the moral dilemmas surrounding intervention. Tolstoy's legacy is evident in the philosophies of influential figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., making his work a cornerstone in the fight for social justice.

Jack Goldsmith sat down with Samuel Moyn, Henry R. Luce Professor of Jurisprudence at Yale Law School and a professor of history at Yale University. The two discussed Professor Moyn’s latest book, “Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War.” The conversation touched on the changing nature of war, the decoupling of conflict from our national conversations and even Tolstoy. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.