Converging Dialogues

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Shadi Hamid about why American power is still needed. They discuss American power, American success globally, American idealism, democracy in the world, benevolent authoritarianism, future of American power, and many more topics. Shadi Hamid is a columnist at The Washington Post and a senior fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. From 2023 to 2024, he served on the Post’s edi­torial board. Hamid is the author of several books, including The Problem of Democracy and Islamic Exceptionalism, which was shortlisted for the 2017 Lionel Gelber Prize for the best nonfiction book on foreign affairs. In 2019, he was named one of the world’s top fifty thinkers by Prospect magazine. He is also the co-host of the podcast, Wisdom of Crowds. He is the author of the latest book, The Case for American Power. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

Peter Dear, historian of science and Cornell professor emeritus, reflects on the shift from natural philosophy to modern science. Short takes cover Newton and theology, the myth of a single scientific method, Linnaeus and taxonomy, Faraday’s hands-on experiments, the rise of physics, Laplace and the bell curve, and how scientific training and institutions reshaped knowledge.

Carl Benedikt Frey, economist and Oxford professor studying AI and the future of work. He explores centralization versus decentralization in shaping long-term innovation. He traces how historical state structures—from China to Europe and the U.S.—affected technological adoption. He also discusses market structure, regulation, and how AI and firm concentration are reshaping innovation dynamics.

William Taubman, a political science professor and biographer known for his Pulitzer-winning book on Khrushchev, dives deep into the life of Robert McNamara. He reveals how McNamara, a key figure in the Vietnam War, internally struggled with decisions that escalated conflict while privately seeking resolutions. Taubman shares insights on McNamara's leadership at Ford, his Pentagon reforms, and his evolution from war strategist to advocate for global poverty alleviation. The conversation explores the complexities of McNamara's legacy and his late-life reflections.

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with James McDougall about a global history of Islam. They discuss the global spread and diversity of Islam, Arabia before Muhammad, succession after Muhammad, the five pillars of Islam, emphasis on law and doctrine within Islam, Hadiths, the Ottoman Empire and spread of Islam, Islamists, Islam in the 21st century, and many more topics. James McDougall has taught history at Princeton; the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; and Oxford, where he is a Fellow of Trinity College. He is the author of numerous books including the most recent book, Worlds of Islam: A Global History. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Inger Kuin about the philosopher Diogenes. They discuss the impact of Diogenes, his personal development, embodied philosophy, human reason, interactions with Plato, suffering, pleasure, desire, and how we apply his philosophy in the modern world. Inger N. I. Kuin is an associate professor of classics at the University of Virginia. Born in the Netherlands, she worked as a journalist before receiving an MA in philosophy from the University of Amsterdam and a PhD in classics from New York University. She is the author of the book, Diogenes. Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

Join David Edmonds, a Distinguished Research Fellow at Oxford and author renowned for exploring moral philosophy, as he delves into the intriguing world of thought experiments. He discusses the shallow pond scenario, critiquing its implications on altruism and moral responsibility. Edmonds contrasts intuitive moral dilemmas, like the trolley problem, with effective altruism's pragmatic approach to global issues. Touching on the influence of billionaires in philanthropy and the need for transparent giving, he emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to drive meaningful change.

Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale, unpacks the U.S. Constitution's evolution from 1840 to 1920. He argues for America as a 'creedal nation' rooted in equality while exploring the implications of the three-fifths clause on electoral processes. Amar discusses key historical figures like Lincoln and the significance of the Reconstruction Amendments, intertwining the narratives of slavery, civil rights, and women’s suffrage. His insights reveal how constitutional history shapes modern America and its identity.

Richard Bell, a British-born, American-trained historian and professor at the University of Maryland, delves into the American Revolution's global significance. He connects the Boston Tea Party to international trade and shares insights on varying British opinions, including anti-war sentiments. The discussion highlights the roles of Hessians and Indigenous peoples, illustrating complex alliances. Bell also details France's crucial naval support and Spain's overlooked involvement, emphasizing the Revolution's lasting influence on future independence movements.

Join Jochen Hellbeck, a distinguished history professor at Rutgers University and author of "World Enemy No. 1," as he delves into the complex relationship between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Hellbeck examines how anti-communism and antisemitism combined to fuel Nazi ideology and genocide. He reveals the propaganda tactics employed by the Nazis to frame Bolshevism as a Jewish threat. The conversation also explores post-war memories and their implications for understanding current conflicts. A thought-provoking dialogue packed with historical insights!