The Realignment

Gary Gerstle, a historian from Cambridge University and author of The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order, teams up with Noam Maggor, a political economy expert from Queen Mary University. They dive into the historical roots and modern realities of neoliberalism, discussing its decline post-2008 crisis and the rising disconnect between wealth and wage earners. The conversation unfolds the potential of post-neoliberal politics, exploring innovation needed to tackle economic inequalities and the challenges posed by cultural conflicts and big tech regulation.

Ian Fletcher, co-author of *Industrial Policy for the United States*, dives into the crucial role of industrial policy in America's future. He critiques the rise and fall of free trade orthodoxy while discussing necessary government interventions in key sectors like electric vehicles. Fletcher argues for a managed trade approach to bolster essential industries and addresses the need for revitalizing American manufacturing. He emphasizes how strategic policies can enhance national resilience and ensure good jobs in a competitive global landscape.

Steve Teles, a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center and professor at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the future of the abundance agenda. He reveals the contrast between his 'captured economy' thesis and left populist critiques of corporate power. The discussion spans power dynamics in economic abundance, the impact of historical optimism on central planning, and the tensions between right and left factions in the movement. Teles also critiques higher education's role and introduces the provocative idea of 'dark abundance' shaping political narratives.

Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and author, dives deep into the character of U.S. presidents. He discusses the importance of seeing political leaders through a lens of growth and complexity rather than cynicism. Highlighting figures like Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, Updegrove unveils how even flawed leaders impart valuable lessons. He examines pivotal moments like Gerald Ford’s pardon of Nixon and the evolving perception of presidential legacies, emphasizing the impact of character on national discourse and identity.

John Cassidy, a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of "Capitalism and Its Critics," explores the rise of anti-capitalist sentiments from both the nationalist right and democratic socialist left. He discusses how figures like Trump and Sanders reflect contrasting critiques of capitalism and the social consequences of their policies. Cassidy dives into the failures of trade policy, the implications of AI disruption, and the evolving role of technology in democracy. His insights illuminate a shifting political landscape and the growing calls for reform.

Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute and former White House official, dives into the complexities of state capacity and antitrust issues. She critiques the left's response to the abundance agenda, advocating for reforms that enhance livelihoods and rebuild trust in government. Wilkins emphasizes the need for a compelling narrative to engage citizens, discusses the importance of small, tangible wins against corporate greed, and explores the role of 'villains' in political storytelling. Her insights urge a reimagining of government’s role in addressing societal grievances.

Note: During the episode, Marshall discussed Mississippi's disadvantages in K-12 education. It must be noted that according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, Mississippi achieved nation-leading gains in reading and math scores.https://governorreeves.ms.gov/governor-reeves-statement-on-mississippis-nation-leading-naep-gains-record-achievement/REALIGNMENT NEWSLETTER: https://therealignment.substack.com/PURCHASE BOOKS AT OUR BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/shop/therealignmentEmail Us: realignmentpod@gmail.comJohn B. King, former Secretary of Education and author of Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives, joins The Realignment. Marshall and John discuss President Trump's plan to abolish the Department of Education, balancing the role of states and the federal government's role in K-12 schooling, why the education debates of the 2000s and 2010s (charters, reform, NCLB) stalled, the case for and against accountability, and the post-COVID education cultural wars.

Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and chairman of the Economic Security Project, dives into the concept of 'marketcrafting' and its role in shaping America’s economy. He discusses the false dichotomy between market and government and the need for their collaboration. The conversation covers historical examples of marketcrafting, critiques Biden's economic policies, and explores the importance of bipartisan consensus. Hughes advocates for innovative political dialogues, emphasizing how structured state involvement can drive progress in critical industries like clean energy and technology.

Rush Doshi, a senior fellow for Asia studies at CFR and former deputy director at the National Security Council, delves into the U.S.-China rivalry. He discusses the Endless Frontiers initiative aimed at enhancing America's technology and national security. Doshi emphasizes the need for reindustrialization and defense reform to stay competitive. The conversation also covers the critical role of emerging technologies, like AI and drones, in shaping defense strategies, urging a cohesive approach to counteract China's influence.

Endless Frontiers: Axios - The future of U.S. security is today taking shape in Texas TedX: Krish O'Mara Vignarajah - What is America's Superpower?Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Krish discuss Global Refuge's work with American refugee resettlement, the roots of the global backlash against immigration and refugee resettlement, the case for immigration, how pro-immigration groups should respond to the 2024 election, the Biden administration's policy mistakes when it came to the southern border, the role of scarcity in immigration scarcity, and why the post-war consensus around immigration and refugee resettlement broke down.