GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History & Geopolitics

The panel dives into the chaos in Iran, exploring how the U.S. might influence the regime's fate. They discuss Trump's unique foreign policy approach, drawing Nixonian parallels while scrutinizing the silence from the progressive left on Iran's turmoil. Tensions rise as they consider ramifications of the DOJ's probe into Jerome Powell and the geopolitical stakes of Greenland. The conversation wraps up with a heartfelt tribute to Bob Weir, celebrating his impact on culture and music.

H. R. McMaster, a former U.S. Army lieutenant general and national security advisor, joins historian Sir Niall Ferguson and economist John H. Cochrane for an engaging discussion. They dive into the controversial U.S. operation to capture Venezuela’s president, exploring the implications for regime change and global power dynamics. The trio also examines Iran's crumbling economy amid protests, questioning the likelihood of political transformation in 2026. Additionally, they ponder whether nations like Greenland or Cuba could face similar outcomes, highlighting the fragility in geopolitics.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned financial columnist and author of "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History," dives into the complexities of the 1929 stock market crash alongside Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster. They discuss how oversimplified narratives about the crash overlook critical policy dynamics. The conversation also explores modern parallels with AI-driven finance, the influence of lobbying on acquisitions, and predictions for the future of the Federal Reserve. The panel wraps up with personal reflections on the past year and a lighthearted surprise from 'Santa'.

Ben Sasse, former U.S. Senator from Nebraska and university president, dives into the declining trust in Congress and academia. He discusses the growing power of the executive branch, blaming social media for undermining deliberation. Sasse also examines the crisis in higher education, revealing many students lack basic math skills. Additionally, he critiques the administrative state’s rise since the 1970s and proposes reforming tenured positions to enhance faculty accountability. Light-heartedly, the guests humorously debate tiny cars and the unique identity of American football.

The discussion dives into the evolving situation in Ukraine, contemplating potential peace settlements and America's strategies against China's rising economy. Climate concerns spark conversations about parenting, while heated debates on historical fascism and civil-military relations bring relevance to today's issues. Light-hearted anecdotes about family nicknames and Thanksgiving traditions balance the tone, as the panelists reflect on their reading habits and influential works that shaped their lives. It's a mix of profound insights and personal stories.

Anne Neuberger, a former White House cyber policy advisor and expert on cyber warfare, joins the panel to discuss the future of warfare and the perceived cyber gap between the U.S. and China. She highlights how emerging technologies like drones are reshaping military strategies and the need for the U.S. to adapt. The conversation also explores the implications of a newly elected socialist mayor in NYC and the potential risks of algorithm-driven governance in Albania, alongside controversies regarding the BBC's editorial bias.

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and author of 'Autocrats vs. Democrats,' joins the discussion with insights into the ideological battles of our time. He argues that Russia's Putin is driven by a fear of democracy and emphasizes the need for the U.S. to bolster support for Ukraine. McFaul also contrasts the current global challenges posed by China and Russia and stresses the importance of rebuilding international coalitions. The hosts wrap up with a light-hearted segment on Halloween treats and the pros and cons of current political news.

Russell Berman, a prominent Stanford humanities professor and Hoover Institution senior fellow, dives into the prospects for peace in the Middle East. He discusses the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan and its real estate-driven diplomacy, questioning its future impact. The conversation shifts to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's political fate and explores the economic potential of the Abraham Accords. Furthermore, Berman and the hosts tackle looming fears of a market crash, tariff implications, and global debt threats, rounding out an engaging dialogue on pressing geopolitical and economic issues.

Dan Wang, an esteemed research fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of "Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future," shares his insights on the contrasting ambitions of China and America. He discusses how China’s aggressive engineering drive faces demographic challenges, while America grapples with litigation and its effects on innovation. Wang critiques China’s global initiatives and examines the sustainability of its social engineering policies, providing a captivating glimpse into the complex dynamics shaping the future of these superpowers.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian, shares insights from his recent visits to Kyiv amidst evolving warfare in Ukraine. John Cochrane, the 'grumpy economist,' critiques political rhetoric and advocates for eliminating the FCC while examining the implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination on free speech. H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor, analyzes military strategies and the rise of political violence. The trio also lightens the mood by reminiscing about their favorite Robert Redford films, reflecting on his cultural legacy.