Just Asking Questions

Noah Smith, an economic commentator and Substack writer, reflects on his evolving views of libertarianism amid rising populism and authoritarianism. He critiques 'thin libertarianism' for failing to incorporate broader societal constraints on liberty. Smith discusses the impacts of tech censorship, the challenges of contemporary tariffs, and the role of industrial policy, especially in health initiatives like mRNA vaccines. He also addresses the positioning of libertarians in modern political discourse, emphasizing the need for deeper exploration of freedom in today's complex landscape.

In this discussion, comedian and libertarian commentator Dave Smith joins J.D. Tuccille, a Reason journalist known for his insightful takes on politics and culture. They revisit their decision to vote for Trump, citing fears of a Kamala Harris presidency. The conversation dives into Trump's immigration policies and their harsh implications on due process, along with the economic fallout from his tariffs. A thoughtful debate unfolds around the evolving nature of libertarianism within the MAGA landscape, reflecting on the complexities and trade-offs of their choices.

Join New York Times columnist Ross Douthat as he explores how digital life is reshaping society. He discusses the isolation fostered by AI and virtual distractions and their impact on family dynamics and trust in institutions. Douthat analyzes the troubling decline in birth rates and what this means for the future, while presenting neotraditionalism as a potential guiding path. He emphasizes the necessity of intentional relationships in an increasingly disconnected world, offering compelling insights into navigating modernity and tradition.

Glenn Greenwald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and civil libertarian, joins the discussion on the alarming erosion of American liberties. He shares insights on the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, highlighting executive power overreach and its implications for due process. The conversation challenges the normalization of anti-terrorism labels and scrutinizes the influence of political power on civil freedoms. Greenwald also addresses the chilling climate for free speech on college campuses and the moral responsibilities of leaders in preserving individual rights.

What if the new Cold War with China turns hot? Just asking questions. China's rise, decline, or potential for conflict is often clouded by propaganda and oversimplification. This episode of Just Asking Questions examines China's real economic, military, and geopolitical trajectory, focusing on Taiwan tensions, trade wars, and demographic challenges. Joining us is Michael Beckley, a Tufts University political science professor and co-author of Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China. He is also a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His research argues that China's peaking power makes it a unique threat, blending insights on its economy, military, and ambitions. Sources Referenced: Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China, by Michael Beckley and Hal Brands "China's Hypersonic Weapons Test 'Concerning': Gen. Milley," by David Rubenstein for Bloomberg World Bank: China's fertility rate Full text of Xi Jinping's report at the 19th CPC National Congress China's gross domestic product compared to the United States' "Chenggong, one of the largest new ghost town in Asia," by Matteo Damiani "Joe Biden says China will 'eat our lunch' on infrastructure," by SCMP Clips Chapters 00:00 Coming up: China's economic challenges and rising aggression 01:13 What if China invaded Taiwan tomorrow? 05:17 Military capabilities and invasion scenarios for Taiwan 10:28 America's interests and the strategic importance of Taiwan 15:13 The Trump administration's trade war with China 20:47 Economic rivalry and the new Cold War 26:03 China's military modernization and hypersonic threats 31:10 Assessing China's actual military strength 36:14 Lessons from Hong Kong and implications for Taiwan 41:23 Demographic decline and economic stagnation 46:30 China's one-child policy and irreversible population trends 51:39 Xi Jinping's vision and the roots of Chinese authoritarianism 57:05 The nature of China's political and economic system 01:02:15 Rising assertiveness and wolf warrior diplomacy 01:07:28 Avoiding war and imagining a path to peace 01:13:09 Strategic missteps and the importance of deterrence 01:16:18 Appreciating global order and what's at stake Producer: John OsterhoudtThe post Michael Beckley: China Is Dangerously Weak appeared first on Reason.com.

Derek Thompson, a senior writer at The Atlantic and co-author of Abundance, discusses the Democratic Party's urgent need for a strategic rethink to attract future voters. He argues that Democrats should shift from a focus on redistribution to pragmatic progress, especially in areas like housing and clean energy. Thompson highlights the internal tensions within the party, including union influences and regulatory challenges, and emphasizes building a coalition that prioritizes growth and responsiveness to urban and suburban dynamics.

Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky, known for his libertarian beliefs and advocacy for limited government, dives deep into his opposition to President Trump's tariffs. He explores the dangers of expansive emergency powers and emphasizes the need for Congress to reclaim its authority over tariffs. Paul passionately discusses his No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2025 and challenges the notion of trade deficits signaling economic decline. He also questions the narratives surrounding the middle class and advocates for vocational training and clearer trade policies.

Batya Ungar-Sargon, a columnist at The Free Press and author of 'Second Class', dives into the controversial idea of 'MAGA leftism', blending traditional leftist values with Trump's agenda. She explores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, questioning the morality of deportations and the economic ramifications on the working class. Additionally, Batya critiques the impact of wealth inequality on the American dream and discusses innovative solutions for education and employment challenges facing today's middle class.

Phil Magness, an economic historian at the Independent Institute, delves into the complexities of Trump’s tariffs and trade policies. He discusses the historical impact of tariffs as both revenue sources and political tools, highlighting lessons from the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. Magness critiques the nostalgia for past economic strategies and explores the implications of proposed initiatives like the Mar-a-Lago Accord. He emphasizes the unpredictability of Trump's economic agenda, especially regarding onshoring production and public sentiment surrounding tariffs.

Kelsey Piper, a senior writer at Vox's Future Perfect, dives into the rapidly changing AI landscape and its societal implications. She contrasts the deregulatory push promoted by political leaders with the need for robust safety measures. The conversation touches on the tension between innovation and regulation, the consequences of AI on employment, and the role of social media in shaping extremist narratives. Piper emphasizes the importance of transparency and diverse voices in AI development to navigate this complex future.