THE MANIFESTO PODCAST

Natten innan Sverigedemokraternas vitbok släpps i Almedalen under vad som måste betraktas som upptakten till valet 2026 får vi tag i vitbokens författare, idehistorikern Tony Gustafsson, som sitter i Visbys hamn och berättar om sitt arbete.Vi diskuterar vitboken och försöker sätta denna i kontext som en del i Sverigedemokraternas legitimering och normalisering. Men också som en del i svensk politisk historia som för tankarna tillbaka till det förra turbulenta tjugotalet.Vitbokens stoff är således en av de stora källorna ur vilket modern svensk politisk dramaturgi hämtas. Sverigedemokraterna som demoner eller Åkessons väntande av en marginell extremistgrupp till Folkhemmets egentliga arvtagare och garanter. När nu Socialdemokraterna nu svänger hela sin politik i en riktning man inte kan kalla annat än Sverigedemokratisk inför nästa års val undrar vi om Sverigedemokraterna kan fullborda steget från den Svenska samhällets mest effektiva kritiker till att bygga landet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Swedish absolutism to Russian empire, we unravel the chaotic laboratory of European innovation. The Great Northern War, Charles XII’s warrior-king swagger, and Peter the Great’s beard-shaving reforms reveal how small states punched above their weight through cutthroat rivalry. Europe’s soul isn’t in empires or museums—it’s in the messy, hyper-competitive patchwork of nations, where cancellation sparks reinvention. Forget globalist McDonald’s dreams; it’s time to embrace the Balkanized, history-soaked vitality that makes Europe the crucible of civilization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this thought-provoking discussion, political philosopher Alexander Bard, political scientist Ralph Schoellhammer, and commentator Benedict Beckeld dive into the aftermath of Trump’s second term and its effects on Europe. They explore the rise of nationalism versus globalism, the challenges of ongoing demographic decline, and evolving political identities. The conversation touches on the implications of drone warfare and America’s reliance on foreign technology. They also question the potential resurgence of a European renaissance amid societal chaos and shifting values.

Blending elements of culinary theory and history with political analysis, the boys forge ahead with reading the tea leaves of our times. With the Middle East collapsing upon itself once again, Europe reeling and regime change in the US of A we try and shine new light on our current circunstances. However excentric a theory we know our job is to again forge ahead to try and break out of the restrains of the prevailing progressive or whig view of history. We come back again to the balance of spicy, sweet, sour and fat. Please enjoy your meal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luigi Magione's assassination of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson is the most interesting political rorschach test we've seen in quite some time. Armed with a 3D printed gun, good looks and an Ivy League background, Magione officially launches us into the Neo-Gilded Age that is the Trump Era. We talk about propaganda of the deed, nihilism and how we love being back in the 1890s. Johan, in usual form, launches into fraudian-marxian explenations and Carl just enjoys riding the Tiger.Also shout out to our first, unreleased mind you, episode - Uncle Ted Kaczynski who's been linked to the infinitley more good looking Mr. Magione. It also begs the question - in our vapid, social media- and visually driven age is being a genious and actually knowing how to write trump good looks? Food for thought. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The episode centers on a discussion among political commentators about contemporary geopolitical shifts, cultural dynamics, and the role of leadership in shaping the modern West. It positions the 2024 U.S. presidential election as a pivotal event, highlighting Donald Trump’s victory as emblematic of larger ideological and cultural battles. The participants explore the implications of this election for global politics, particularly in Europe, where right-wing movements are gaining traction amid widespread dissatisfaction with traditional governance structures.A central theme is the contrast between the so-called "blob" or entrenched establishment and the rise of populist or libertarian movements. The "blob," characterized as a bureaucratic, self-serving elite, is described as resistant to change and hostile to grassroots political shifts. This tension is paralleled in European contexts, such as Germany and the UK, where populist and conservative parties face institutional and cultural barriers despite growing public support.The discussion emphasizes the role of technology and media in reshaping political dynamics. Trump’s campaign is portrayed as a masterclass in leveraging media attention over financial resources, underscoring the declining influence of traditional mass media in favor of decentralized social platforms. This shift is contrasted with the bureaucratic rigidity of the European political establishment, which is criticized for its inability to adapt to the demands of an increasingly digital and globalized world.The commentators also delve into the ideological currents within the right-wing movements, advocating for a balance between cultural conservatism and pragmatic governance. They argue that humor, relatability, and optimism—qualities attributed to Trump’s campaign—are essential for right-wing parties in Europe to gain broader appeal and counter the doom-and-gloom narratives often associated with political conservatism.The conversation transitions to a broader critique of left-wing politics, focusing on the diminishing appeal of "preaching" or ideological lecturing in contemporary politics. They posit that the left’s reliance on moral superiority and cultural guilt has alienated voters who are increasingly drawn to pragmatic, results-oriented leadership. This shift, they suggest, reflects a broader cultural fatigue with progressive narratives on issues like climate change and identity politics.European political dynamics are examined through the lens of countries like Poland and Hungary, which are presented as models of resistance against the bureaucratic "blob." These nations are praised for their cultural confidence and economic resilience, which stand in stark contrast to the perceived stagnation of Western European states like Germany and France. The discussion highlights Poland’s unique position as a burgeoning center of ideological innovation within Europe.The geopolitical implications of these trends are explored, particularly in the context of U.S. foreign policy under Trump. The participants argue that a robust and assertive American presence on the world stage is essential for maintaining global stability. They view Trump’s "peace through strength" approach as a model for countering threats from authoritarian regimes, notably China and Russia, while fostering economic and cultural renewal in the West.Another significant focus is the role of AI and technological innovation in reshaping governance and power dynamics. The commentators suggest that the U.S. technological dominance, epitomized by figures like Elon Musk, offers a pathway for revitalizing Western leadership and countering the centralized, authoritarian approaches of rivals like China. This tech-driven vision is framed as a critical component of the West’s competitive strategy in the 21st century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rod Dreher is a crunchy conservative from Louisiana, an editor for The American Conservative and a prolific a writer – notably of The Benedict Option which reframed the discussion about Christianity in the West in general and America in particular after the advent of Trumpism. Far from the stereotypical mold of an American conservative Dreher's erudite Europhilia runs through his work though as he never fails to remind us of the fruits of western Christian civilization. From the bittersweet and autobiographic How Dante Can Save Your Life which serves a reminder of the joys and depths of great literature as well as his most recent Live Not By Lies which charts the lives of those dissidents who spend the 20th Century imagining, suffering for, and then bringing on a better world in face of overwhelming worldly power.  We are very grateful for this beautiful conversation with Rod about the return of religion, the perennial search of Modern Man to alternatives to a Christian order and we are sure you will enjoy it as well.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gibson is the philosophy PhD who traded an Oxbridge career for tech journalism and when introduced to Peter Thiel, the venture capital and setting out to prove the Universities are not even close to the best incubators for curiosity, intellect and tallent.We discuss his journey and his intellectual memoir and spirited screed against the current institutions of learning, governance and dissemination of information, The Paper Belt on Fire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.