

Uncommon Knowledge
Hoover Institution
For more than two decades the Hoover Institution has been producing Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson, a series hosted by Hoover fellow Peter Robinson as an outlet for political leaders, scholars, journalists, and today’s big thinkers to share their views with the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

30 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 55min
The Light Withdrawn: Christopher Cox On How Woodrow Wilson Shaped—And Undermined—American Democracy | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Christopher Cox, a historian and former SEC Chairman, dives into the complex legacy of Woodrow Wilson, authoring a biography titled 'Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn.' He discusses Wilson's notable achievements as a reformer and wartime leader, juxtaposed with his troubling views on race and women's rights. Cox elaborates on Wilson's opposition to women's suffrage and his influence on segregation policies, while also pondering how his Southern roots shaped his elitist worldview. The conversation reveals the intricate dynamics of judging historical figures through a contemporary lens.

31 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
Inflation Is A Choice: Kevin Warsh on Fixing the Federal Reserve | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and current fellow at the Hoover Institution, shares his insights on the Fed's current trajectory. He argues that the central bank has lost sight of its price stability mandate, reflecting on the impact of past policies. Warsh critiques quantitative easing's transition from stopgap to status quo and discusses the risks of fiscal irresponsibility. Despite these concerns, he remains optimistic about the U.S. economy, driven by innovation and productivity.

26 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 4min
Justice Alito: Dobbs, A Color Blind Constitution, And The Balancing Of Power | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Associate Justice Samuel Alito, known for his conservative judicial philosophy, shares insights on his approach to constitutional law. He delves into his landmark decision in Dobbs v. Jackson and the criteria for overturning precedents. Alito discusses originalism, the balance of judicial power, and the complexities surrounding race and constitutional interpretation. He also reflects on the evolving landscape of religious liberty and the often contentious relationship between executive power and the judiciary, providing a thought-provoking perspective on American democracy.

41 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 46min
The Signal in the Noise: Speaker Mike Johnson on Elon, the Big Beautiful Bill, and “Our Chance to Save Our Country” | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Mike Johnson, the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House, discusses the passage of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill," a major budget measure aimed at implementing elements of the Trump agenda. He defends it against critiques from figures like Elon Musk, highlighting its potential for tax cuts and national defense funding. Johnson navigates the complexities of a divided Congress and emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility. He also shares insights on the importance of collaboration and innovative solutions for government efficiency and economic stability.

74 snips
May 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Dr. Jay Goes to Washington: Reforming Science from the Inside at NIH | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, former Stanford professor and newly appointed director of the National Institutes of Health, delves into significant reforms needed in American science. He unveils the issues plaguing public health institutions, such as the replication crisis and chronic disease management. Bhattacharya emphasizes transparency, innovation, and restoring public trust in science. He discusses politics around research funding and advocates for better vaccine evaluation standards while warning about the risks of gain-of-function research, marking his transition from critic to reformer.

5 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
Christopher Buckley: “Steaming to Bamboola” and Other Journeys
In this wide-ranging and richly entertaining conversation, novelist and political satirist Christopher Buckley joins Peter Robinson for a reflection on writing, legacy, friendship, and grace. From their early days as speechwriters for George H. W. Bush to Buckley’s prolific career as an author of more than 20 books—including Thank You for Smoking and Steaming to Bamboola—the two longtime friends revisit the formative moments, literary inspirations, and unforgettable characters that shaped Buckley’s life and work.
Buckley offers sharp, often hilarious insight into the craft of satire, the absurdities of Washington politics, and the cultural shifts in American media and manners. The conversation also turns poignantly to Buckley’s late parents, Patricia and William F. Buckley Jr., his transition from political fiction to historical novels, and the enduring influence of figures like Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Woven throughout is a deep appreciation for civility, wit, and the lost art of gentlemanly discourse—an ethos embodied by the towering figures of a previous generation, now honored in memory.
With warmth and self-deprecating humor, Buckley closes the interview by discussing his father’s typewriter (which Christopher has donated to the Hoover Institution Archives), on which William Buckley composed the National Review's formative mission statement: to “stand athwart history and yell stop”; and by reading from the epilogue of Steaming to Bamboola, offering a quietly moving meditation on departure and legacy.
Recorded on March 13, 2025

184 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
Thomas Sowell: Facts Against Rhetoric, Capitalism, Culture—and, Yes, the Tariffs | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Economist Thomas Sowell, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, returns to discuss his new website, Facts Against Rhetoric. He delves into the collapse of educational standards, critiques affirmative action, and highlights overlooked achievements in Black history. Sowell argues for personal responsibility within communities and examines the adverse effects of recent tariffs on the economy. With wit and clarity, he calls for a cultural shift towards valuing fact-based discourse over emotional rhetoric.

154 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 4min
Empire of Illusion: Frank Dikötter on Why China Isn’t a Superpower
Frank Dikötter, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and expert on Chinese history, challenges the narrative of China as a superpower. He argues that the image of strength is a façade, masking profound fragility beneath repression and propaganda. Dikötter examines the disparity between urban and rural development, the flawed economic statistics, and the CCP's paranoia that drives its decisions. He also draws unsettling parallels between China and the Soviet Union, emphasizing that real power rests with the populace reclaiming autonomy.

140 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Conflict: Niall Ferguson on Ukraine, Taiwan, and His War of Words with V. P. Vance
Niall Ferguson, a leading historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, dives into pressing global conflicts. He examines the stalemate in Ukraine and highlights how the Trump administration reshaped U.S. foreign policy. Ferguson draws parallels between the U.S. today and 1930s Britain, confronting the empire’s decline and China’s rising influence. The discussion further explores Europe’s defense responsibilities and the strategic implications of tensions surrounding Taiwan, emphasizing the necessity for historical insights in tackling contemporary challenges.

25 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 60min
The Great Partnership: How George Shultz Helped Ronald Reagan Win The Cold War
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, Natan Sharansky, a human rights activist and ex-Soviet dissident, and Abraham Sofaer, a legal advisor in Shultz’s State Department, dissect the Cold War dynamics shaped by George Shultz. They discuss Shultz’s pivotal role in integrating human rights into U.S. foreign policy and his strategic partnership with Reagan. Sharansky shares personal tales of advocacy and liberation, while Rice and Sofaer reflect on diplomatic balancing acts and the importance of historical awareness in today’s international climate.