The David Frum Show

Sam Harris, a renowned neuroscientist and host of Making Sense, dives deep into the troubling evolution of Silicon Valley's politics toward authoritarianism. He discusses how the early optimism surrounding the internet has warped into a landscape of manipulation and conspiracy, impacting public health, like the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment. Harris also links the backlash against 'wokeness' to tech's political shift and warns that the fractured information ecosystem allows dangerous falsehoods to flourish, raising concerns about the future of innovation.

Geoffrey Kabaservice, a historian and vice president at the Niskanen Institute, explores the impact of the 1960s assassinations on modern politics. He discusses how political violence reshaped America and contrasts the early optimism of the decade with the subsequent chaos. Kabaservice highlights that alienation drives assailants on both sides of the spectrum, not just ideology. Additionally, he examines the role of technology and media in amplifying outrage and suggests that a return to pragmatic, centrist leadership could restore stability.

Kyle Harper, a historian and expert in climate science from the University of Oklahoma, dives deep into the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles. He discusses how misinformation and anti-vax sentiments fuel this public health crisis despite significant historical advances in vaccination. Harper connects lessons from ancient Rome to our current trust issues in public health, arguing that we are now less prepared for future pandemics than during COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and renewed trust in science.

Rosa Brooks, a law and public policy professor at Georgetown and former Pentagon advisor, dives into Trump’s controversial use of National Guard troops in D.C. She warns about the dangers of militarized policing and the precedent it sets for authoritarianism in America. The conversation also touches on Trump's foreign policy blunders, including tensions with allies like South Korea and Greenland, asserting that these actions reveal a troubling shift away from diplomatic engagement. It's a vital discussion on where leadership could lead the nation.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge, joins the conversation to explore how societies discern truth in an era rife with disinformation. He highlights the dangers posed by misinformation and authoritarian tactics that exploit confusion. The discussion underscores the importance of a reality-based community and a constitutional framework for promoting truth. Rauch argues that despite the overwhelming spread of falsehoods, reality ultimately prevails if we defend knowledge and free speech.

Mary Beard, a leading scholar of the classical world and expert on ancient Rome, joins for a fascinating discussion. She delves into the lessons Rome offers for today's politics, particularly how power was wielded by emperors. Beard challenges modern myths of Roman grandeur and reveals the everyday realities under the Empire. They explore the fragility of regimes and why excessive corruption was systemic. Together, they analyze the importance of critical historical interpretation in modern political discourse and the lessons it holds for democracy today.

Caitlin Dickerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter for The Atlantic, dives deep into the troubling transformation of U.S. immigration policy under Trump. She uncovers how the massive budget surge for ICE, increasing from $8 billion to $28 billion, has fueled mass detentions and empowered private-prison companies. Dickerson critiques how fear-based governance has reshaped American society, raising concerns about the integrity of law enforcement and the ethics of current immigration practices. Her insights shine a light on urgent issues within immigration enforcement.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin and co-founder of Plumtree Software, discusses the dismal state of the U.S. housing market. He explains how pandemic-era mortgage rates have paralyzed both buyers and sellers, leaving many young people unable to purchase homes. The conversation dives into essential topics like zoning reform, immigration, and the aging of first-time homebuyers. Despite the challenges, Kelman remains hopeful for a brighter future if America can relearn how to build effectively.

Tim Mak, a Kyiv-based journalist and founder of The Counteroffensive, and Adrian Karatnycky, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, discuss Ukraine's unwavering spirit amidst U.S. political shifts. They analyze the evolving battlefield dynamics, highlighting the unity of the Ukrainian people and the importance of resisting any peace that capitulates to Russia. The conversation also covers President Zelensky's controversial anti-corruption initiatives, the rise of youth-led protests, and the complex interplay of U.S. support and Ukrainian nationalism in these turbulent times.

In this discussion, Doug Irwin, a trade historian from Dartmouth and author of 'Clashing Over Commerce', reveals how protectionist policies often backfire. He explains the unintended economic consequences of Trump's tariffs, which disproportionately affect lower-income citizens and harm trade relationships. Irwin also delves into the historical shifts in U.S. trade policy, emphasizing the dangers of abandoning the bipartisan free-trade consensus and the complexities of modern trade that challenge outdated views on tariffs and trade deficits.