Uncommon Knowledge

Edward Teller, a nuclear physicist and key figure in Oppenheimer, and Sidney Drell, a nuclear arms control expert, debate the necessity and regulations of nuclear weapons in the late 20th century. They discuss President Reagan's defense systems proposal, the wastefulness of his defense program, and the complexities of developing and implementing a defense system. Former CIA Director James Woolsey joins them to emphasize the importance of missile defense against threats to allies and terrorism.

Niall Ferguson discusses the politicization of American universities and the rise of 'woke' progressives. He highlights the dominance of cancel culture and anti-Semitism in academia, as well as the emergence of identity politics. The historical context of anti-Zionism and the merging of political Islam with the woke movement is also explored. The podcast delves into Harvard's free speech controversy and the proposal for a new university in Austin.

Legal experts Richard Epstein and John Yoo discuss key Supreme Court cases involving Donald Trump. Topics include Trump's eligibility for the ballot, defining insurrection, presidential immunity, criminal charges against Trump, the baby boomer generation's influence on politics, and the suitability of political figures like Kamala Harris and Joe Biden.

Tom Cotton, US Senator since 2015, talks about a wide range of topics including the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the conflict with China over Taiwan, his 'war' with the New York Times, the lack of trust in US institutions, and why he's not running for president in 2024.

Dan Blumenthal, director of Asian studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and Elbridge Colby, founder of the Marathon Initiative think tank, discuss deterring China's expansion in the South China Sea and aggression towards Taiwan. They explore the potential consequences of China's dominance in the Pacific, military and economic coercion, relying on allies, parallels between the Cold War and US-China relations, and the challenges faced by the United States in navigating its role in the world.

Congressman Mike Gallagher, chair of the US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, discusses the Chinese threat to Taiwan, TikTok's dangers, the US Navy's weak state compared to China, and the challenges of defense spending. Plus, insights on the Green Bay Packers and America's moral resources.

Former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck and former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice discuss the new terrain of college athletics, including the introduction of name, image, and likeness rules and the establishment of the transfer portal. They explore the challenges and opportunities of college sports, the lack of guard rules, and the importance of making football safer. They also address conference realignment, revenue sharing, and the balance between academics and athletics.

Elizabeth Economy, author and senior advisor, discusses China's ambition for controlling international internet traffic, President Xi Jinping's ambition to reclaim Chinese centrality on the global stage, and the comparison of China policies between the Trump and Biden administrations. The podcast explores the practical implications of China's ambitions, the complexities of China-Taiwan-US relations, and the strategic approach to dealing with China, including protecting allies and managing competition. It also delves into the risk faced by Taiwan, analyzing the defense of Taiwan, Europe's increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, and the implications for China.

Thomas Sowell, an esteemed scholar, discusses the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action and his friendship with Justice Clarence Thomas. He examines the negative impact of affirmative action on black students in elite institutions and challenges the notion that higher-rated institutions provide a better education. The podcast also delves into the concept of a colorblind constitution, the consequences of minimum wage laws on young individuals, and the influence of the press in shaping public opinion. Sowell provides advice for young African Americans and shares insights into his career as an academic and writer.

Thomas Sowell, Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution, discusses the consequences of society's quest for equality and challenges the concept of systemic racism. He explores income disparities, the impact of politics and teachers unions on education in low-income black neighborhoods, and the importance of prioritizing consequences over demographic representation in fields like medical research and aviation.