John Anderson: Conversations

Political scientist Prof. John Mearsheimer discusses the recent war in Ukraine and potential conflict in Taiwan. He argues for 'offensive realism' in international relations, contrasting with the liberal framework. The podcast explores the role of nationalism, the historical context of American foreign policy, the shift from a unipolar to multipolar world, the direction of the US and the impact of the 2024 presidential race, and the possibility of war between the US and China.

Dr. James Orr discusses multiculturalism, religion, and the therapeutic nature of modern society; exploring the shift from sin to syndrome, the significance of suffering and resilience, and Britain's role and tensions in immigration. They also delve into the compatibility of Christian faith and philosophy, and the connection between power and the woke anti-woke dynamic.

Historian Niall Ferguson discusses the tactical difficulties Israel faces in rooting out Hamas, while criticizing the decline of Western support due to a woke university system. The podcast also explores threats to Western freedom, Japan's role in Asia, and the need for citizen engagement in global issues.

Journalist and author Douglas Murray discusses the erosion of Western Civilization caused by factors such as illegal immigration, secularization, and radical Islam. He emphasizes the importance of preserving Western values and rejecting elitist identity politics. The conversation also covers topics like cancel culture, entrenching group privilege in Australia, the complex legacy of the British Empire, the distortion of Western history, and the need for a reformation in Islam and immigration policy.

John sits down with journalist and author Peter Hitchens to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conversation was filmed on the 26th of October.While Hitchens labels himself as 'pro-Israel' he argues against their current course of action as both politically and militarily disasterous. Moreover, Hitchens is a self-proclaimed 'free speech absolutist' which he discusses in the context of anti-Semitic speech and the ongoing political challenges facing Britain.

John is joined by military historian Victor Davis Hanson to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This conversation was recorded on Wednesday the 18th of October. Hanson argues that Israel is in a unique position to retaliate unencumbered by American opposition, due to the bi-partisan support it currently has in the US. However, he contends that conflicts like this, and others such as the war in Ukraine, would probably not have transpired had President Trump still been at the helm.

In this interview, John sits down with author, minister and director of Speak Life, Glen Scrivener for a conversation on how the Christian worldview has shaped our society.Glen does a fantastic job communicating how thoroughly the Christian ethic has shaped and still continues to shape our culture today. Most remarkably, Glen highlights how even many of the arguments of Christianity’s biggest detractors are based on presuppositions that are fundamentally Christian in nature.

In this interview, John Anderson sits down with his good friend Anthony Dillon, an Indigenous academic and commentator. They discuss his background growing up with two great extended families as role models, his father's role as Australia's first Indigenous police officer, the importance of recognizing commonalities over differences, the need for secure environments for children's success, reservations about the effectiveness of the voice mechanism, the importance of judging individuals based on their own merits, the concept of macarata and the complexities of forgiveness, and concerns about generalizing historical wrongdoings to present generations.

John Anderson interviews Seth Dillon, Owner and CEO of The Babylon Bee. They discuss the intersection between Christianity and humor, mocking bad ideas, controversies faced by the Bee, and the decline of tolerance in society. They also talk about preserving timeless truths, the impact of fact checking on comedy, challenges faced on Twitter, and the subversive power of humor in challenging authority.

John catches the iconic (and 'generous and warm-hearted', in his own words) John Cleese for a conversation during his Australian comedy tour 'An Evening with the Late John Cleese'.