Daniel joins Benjamin to discuss Plato's Philebus. We traverse the dialectic of limit and unlimit and discuss the difference between memory and recollection, connecting all of this to Plato's political thought.

Elizabeth Dearden-Williams, a Cambridge graduate pursuing her master's, dives into the fascinating world of Carl von Clausewitz. They tackle the intricate relationship between war and politics, using insights from contemporary conflicts like Ukraine. The conversation highlights how public opinion shapes military actions and the challenges of unity in diverse societies facing existential threats. They also explore historical military theories impacting modern American foreign policy and analyze the Cuban Missile Crisis through a game theory lens, revealing the unpredictable nature of strategy.

Chris Cutrone, a scholar at the Art Institute of Chicago and founder of the Platypus Affiliated Society, delves into the intricacies of political parties, urging a re-evaluation of their roles in society. He discusses the evolution of America's two-party system and the pressing need for a labor party to connect social action with political goals. Cutrone also critiques how academia restricts intellectual engagement and highlights the historical importance of socialist ideals in uniting labor movements, all while emphasizing innovative approaches in political activism and the evolving landscape of media.

John Milton isn't just the author of Paradise Lost! Raeffe Gibson makes a guest appearance to discuss his role in the English Civil War.

Alex and Benjamin discuss the work of Michael Pettis, putting him in conversation with older theorists of imperialism like J.A. Hobson and Vladimir Lenin.

The discussion covers Samuel Huntington's influential views on political theory, exploring his emphasis on centralization and institutions. It dives into civilizational thinking and the complex role of religion, particularly Catholicism, in shaping political orders. The analysis of cultural and religious identities reveals how they influence democracy and agency in global politics. The dialogue also addresses economic disparities in conflicts, the interplay of culture with governance, and the dynamic relationship between Japan and the West, highlighting cultural integration and distinctiveness.

Alex and Benjamin explore the history of political thought from the point of view of Bastiat - who threw many ancient and enlightenment thinkers together into the basket of plunderers. If we think we come from God whole and complete, the need for civic education falls away...

Alex and Benjamin delve into Terry Eagleton's fusion of religion and Marxism, critiquing capitalism's impact on faith and discussing the importance of love. They explore conservatism's balance of order and mystery, analyze Eagleton's critique style, and discuss the nuances of hegemony and domination in political programs. The conversation also touches on the market's ethical implications and Eagleton's blend of Marxism and God.

Alex and Benjamin discuss the Roman persecution of the Christians - why the Romans did it, how the Christians responded to it, and the ways the experience shaped Christian political thought going forward.

We explore the methodological contributions of the late historian of political thought, John Pocock. We talk about the role of language and context in interpreting texts, distinctions between "history" and "philosophy," and the implications of these methodological shifts for the political economy of the university.