Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Jesús discusses the concept of the 'epidemic of cowardice' affecting the Western world and how it empowers tyrants. The conversation shifts to Taiwan's geopolitical significance, especially regarding microchips and potential military threats from China. He emphasizes the importance of standing up for individual rights amidst fear and silence. The nuances of Taiwan's political landscape and its cultural identity are explored, along with insights on immigration and societal challenges, all while critiquing the rising global power of China.

Jake Klein, author of "Redefining Racism: How Racism Became Power + Prejudice," engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about the evolution of racism definitions. He challenges traditional views and discusses how the concept of 'power plus prejudice' has reshaped societal perceptions. The conversation touches on the complexities of worldview adjustments and the dynamics of culture wars, highlighting the decline of woke culture. Klein also explores the intersection of governance, belief, and capitalism amidst rising diversity, offering insights into how these changes affect social cohesion.

While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to interview Kendall Clements, a professor of biology at the University of Auckland. His name may sound familiar because, in 2021, Clements was the lead author of a controversial letter titled "In Defence of Science," published in The New Zealand Listener. The letter (commonly referred to as the “Listener Letter”) was a direct response to a proposed curriculum that sought to promote the discussion and analysis of how science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views, including its role in the “colonization” of Māori peoples and the “suppression” of Māori knowledge.  The curriculum also proposed that science itself, as a Western European invention, could be viewed as a tool of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous groups. We discussed this and more. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Elizabeth Rata, a sociologist of education from the University of Auckland and director of KERU, dives into the critical issues reshaping education. She critiques the shift from merit to equity in schools, advocating for a balanced curriculum. Rata emphasizes the significance of literature and language, while addressing concerns over curriculum decolonization. The conversation further explores the crisis in American education, the need for critical thinking, and the power dynamics shaping modern academic discourse. Rata argues for a return to foundational knowledge in education.

In this engaging conversation, Audrey Unverferth, a Visiting Fellow at Hungary’s MCC, brings her expertise on Soviet totalitarianism to the forefront. She draws alarming parallels between Soviet history and modern trends in the West, particularly emphasizing the rise of totalitarian tendencies in education and the chilling effects of cancel culture on free speech. Unverferth discusses the importance of fostering open dialogue and diverse viewpoints, while warning against the complacency that can lead to authoritarianism in any political ideology.

In this conversation with Wang Kai Chun (Steven), a foreign policy advisor at the Legislative Yuan R.O.C. in Taiwan, we discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, military preparedness, foreign policy, and the implications of a potential Trump presidency for Taiwan. Watch this episode on YouTube.

I had a delightful conversation with Professor Walter Block, a prominent economist and staunch anarcho-capitalist. Renowned for his extensive publications and contributions to the field, Block offered insightful perspectives on anarcho-capitalism, explaining its core principles and their relevance to contemporary society. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Lin Fei-fan, former Deputy Secretary-General of the DPP and a key figure in Taiwan's 2014 Sunflower Movement, discusses the significance of Taiwan in the global landscape. He highlights the resilience of Taiwan’s defense against potential Chinese aggression and stress the importance of U.S. support. The conversation also touches on the unique cultural aspects of Taiwanese society compared to the U.S., underscoring the need to preserve Taiwanese identity amid rising immigration. Lin emphasizes the urgency for international cooperation in maintaining peace in the region.

In this gripping discussion, a leading Taiwanese military defense expert, who remains anonymous due to safety concerns, shares insights on Taiwan's precarious position amid rising tensions with China. They explore the critical role of technology, particularly semiconductors, in Taiwan's defense strategy. The conversation delves into asymmetric warfare tactics, the implications of potential military scenarios, and Taiwan's aspirations for autonomy and deterrence against Chinese aggression. The importance of U.S. support and the delicate balance between democracy and authoritarianism are also highlighted.

Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer, head of the Center for Applied History and IR Theory at MCC, Budapest, discusses the shifting dynamics of global power, focusing on the rise of BRICS as a significant player against Western dominance. He examines cultural impacts stemming from geopolitical shifts, including changes in migration policies and the role of the state in family life. The conversation also touches on the implications of Canada's political landscape and the complexities surrounding immigration in Europe, emphasizing the need for informed dialogue amid rapid societal changes.