Dave Troy Presents

If you've been following world events, you know that Taiwan's future has become a major question, and a fulcrum for the future of democracy. Chris Horton is the author of "Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival," a new book that offers a unique view into Taiwan's complex history, its precarious present, and its potential futures. "Ghost Nation" is a must read for those interested in the future of democracy, not just in Asia but around the world, and Dave's conversation with Chris is a great introduction to this complex set of topics. More info: https://chrishortonwriter.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Nation-Taiwan-Struggle-Survival/dp/1035034026 00:00 Introduction to Taiwan's Complex History 00:52 Meet Chris Horton: Author of Ghost Nation 03:15 The Dutch and Spanish Colonization 07:27 The Ming and Qing Dynasties 17:53 Japanese Rule and Modernization 23:48 The ROC and the 2-28 Incident 48:18 Martial Law in Taiwan: A Dark History 50:00 Democratization and Political Shifts 51:39 Taiwan's Identity and International Relations 01:00:56 Taiwan's Economic Transformation 01:04:10 TSMC: Taiwan's Semiconductor Giant 01:08:37 China's Military Threat and Taiwan's Defense 01:23:34 US-Taiwan Relations and Strategic Ambiguity 01:33:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jason Pack, host of the Disorder Podcast and a geopolitical expert, dives into the complexities of Russia's influence on global politics. He explores Russian nationalism and the historical roots of its contemporary strategies, particularly through Project Russia. Pack discusses the ideological framework that challenges Western democracy and highlights the peculiar links between Russian Cosmism and modern technology. The conversation also emphasizes strategies to strengthen democracy in the West amidst disinformation and the vital role of independent journalism.

Gil Duran, a journalist and political communications specialist, dives into the rise of the Network State and its ties to Silicon Valley’s libertarian ideologies. He explores the impact of these extreme movements on democracy, discussing the controversial concept of 'freedom cities' and the influence of cryptocurrency on political divides. Duran highlights the risks of decentralized communities dismantling traditional governance and underscores the importance of public engagement in countering authoritarian trends.

Benn Steil, an economist and historian from the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses his book about Henry A. Wallace, a presidential candidate whose ties to the KGB predated Trump’s. The conversation dives into Wallace's unique political journey, mystical beliefs, and innovative agricultural policies. Steil explores the impact of Wallace's vision, particularly his famous speech 'The Century of the Common Man,' and his contentious political battles, especially with Harry Truman, revealing shocking parallels to today’s political climate.

Katherine Stewart, a renowned journalist and author focused on extremist movements in the U.S., discusses her new book exploring Christian nationalism and anti-democratic sentiment. She reveals how the 'Good News Club' sparked her investigations and categorizes key players in these movements. The conversation uncovers the role of funders, thinkers, and foot soldiers in threatening democracy, the impact of disinformation campaigns, and the importance of participating in local politics to combat these challenges. Stewart emphasizes actionable steps for individual engagement in safeguarding democratic values.

Dina Khapaeva, a Russian culture expert at Georgia Tech with a family history shaped by Stalinist terror, dives into the ideologies influencing Russia's contemporary political landscape. She discusses Mikhail Yuriev's book, highlighting far-right narratives and their impact on Putin's ambitions. The conversation reveals the unsettling implications of historical legacies and the Kremlin's expansionist strategies, urging Western policymakers to recognize and respond to these threats effectively. Khapaeva emphasizes the urgency of addressing Russia's militarization and authoritarian trends.

In this insightful conversation, Lucy Ash, a renowned British journalist and author of "The Baton and the Cross," discusses the intricate connection between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state. She delves into the Church's historical evolution, from its roots in medieval Russia through the challenges of the Bolshevik Revolution and Stalinist era. Ash highlights how current politics, under Putin, exploit religious authority to bolster nationalism, shape attitudes towards women's rights, and influence LGBTQ+ issues, all while reflecting on Putin's complex relationship with faith.

In this intriguing discussion, Google's NotebookLM, an AI language model, dives deep into the lesser-known "Project Russia," a series of books outlining a strategic vision for undermining Western democracies. They tackle various themes, exploring Russia's critique of Western moral decay, the call for a modern monarchy for moral guidance, and the push for traditional values through the Orthodox Church. The conversation raises urgent questions about the implications of these ideologies on global power dynamics and highlights the need for democracies to proactively counter these emerging threats.

Marietje Schaake, a former member of the European Parliament and current International Director of Policy at Stanford Cyber Policy Center, discusses the alarming impact of Big Tech on democracy. She argues that private tech companies are usurping power from democratic institutions. Highlighting concerns about cryptocurrency's destabilizing effects and rising authoritarianism, Schaake emphasizes the need for a 'public stack' to ensure community governance. Her insights provide a roadmap for safeguarding democracy in the digital age.

In this captivating discussion, Peter Pomerantsev, a disinformation expert and author, delves into his latest work on information warfare. He shares insights from his research on Sefton Delmer, a journalist who crafted unique methods to combat Nazi propaganda. The conversation spans Pomerantsev's experiences in Russia's media landscape, the psychology behind propaganda, and the use of emotional manipulation in wartime communications. He emphasizes the importance of fostering community and independent thought to resist oppressive narratives, drawing parallels to today's challenges.