The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Elan Journo and Nikos Sotirakopoulos debunk the lie of Israel stealing Palestinian land and provide historical and philosophical context. Topics covered include dishonest pre-1947 maps, UN partition plan, aftermath of the Six Day War, failure of land for peace strategy, and Arab states' refusal to pursue peace.

Analysis of the border crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, including the challenges faced by overwhelmed organizations and the impact on cities like New York and Chicago. Discussion on the significance of people on the terrorist watch list apprehended at the border. Critiques of calling it an 'invasion'. Exploration of cartels' involvement and the difference between asylum seekers and economic migrants. Discussion on rethinking the entire immigration system.

The podcast explores the ethical challenges of distinguishing between aggressors and innocent civilians in war, discussing the Middle East conflict. It examines the concepts of moral and causal responsibility, proportionality in war, and the impact of altruism on conflicts. The episode also includes appreciation and announcements from the hosts.

J. Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist, and scientific director of the Los Alamos Laboratory, is the guest in this fascinating episode. They discuss Ayn Rand's research process for her atomic bomb screenplay, including interviews with Oppenheimer. The episode explores Rand's involvement in the unfinished movie and how it influenced a character in her novel, Atlas Shrugged.

Examining the concept of 'Do-Gooders' and whether their actions are moral exemplars or taken too far. Exploring the sacrifices and struggles of individuals who dedicate themselves to doing good. Tensions between living a highly moral life and personal happiness. Stephanie's journey from religious guilt to questioning her altruistic beliefs. Reflection on rejection of Christianity, philosophy, and unlimited altruism, and the search for a better moral framework.

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Elan Journo, Onkar Ghate, Nikos Sotirakopoulos, and Tal Tsfany discuss the recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. They assess the cultural significance of Hamas' aggression and methods, the theocratic nature of the movement, and how Western reactions have been either impotent or, worse, encouraging violence against Israel. Among the topics covered: What makes Hamas' aggression tragically significant; Tsfany's experience of how the conflict has drastically escalated over the last decades; How terrorism became a deliberate strategy of the Palestinian movement; How U.S. leaders evaded the religious nature of Hamas; The Biden Administration’s lack of moral clarity; The fact that Hamas and its Western apologists share the same irrational ideas; The academic rejection of capitalism as proof of their destructive motives; What a Hamas government would look like if it wiped out Israel; The Iranian protesters as the only real hope for positive change in the Middle East; Whether Hamas can be completely separated from the Palestinian people. Mentioned in this podcast and relevant to the discussion are Elan Journo’s What Justice Demands and ARI’s resources on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The podcast was recorded on October 11, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here. https://youtu.be/trV6Q3fp7cE Podcast audio:

Onkar Ghate, Elan Journo, and Boaz Arad discuss the Hamas invasion of Israel, the consequences of moral agnosticism, the role of U.S. foreign policy, the moral corruption of appeasement, and the evasion of ideas in the conflict. They emphasize the need for a strong response and the pursuit of victory. The chapter also touches upon the failure of US foreign policy after 9/11, Israel's foreign policy and the Gaza blockade, and the quest for real peace.

Cristiano Ronaldo's recruitment by Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia's investment in football and diplomatic agreement with the United States, the authoritarian nature of Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia's PR campaign and celebrity involvement, defense pacts and progress in Saudi Arabia, superficial reforms vs. fundamental changes in Saudi Arabia, hope for change in Saudi Arabia

Explore the critique by Ayn Rand on the libertarian movement and the incompatibility of its doctrines, highlighting the divided nature of the movement. Discuss the historical relationship between libertarianism and the left, examining various strands within the movement such as anarchism and paleolibertarianism. Delve into the lack of ideological coherence among libertarians and the role of individual action in creating order. Also, discover a recommended book on the history of libertarianism and a preview of the next episode on Saudi Arabia and football.

Exploring the concept of independence in an interconnected society and rejecting the idea that interdependence implies dependence. The podcast examines the metaphysical perspective of collectivism and emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and individual actions. It also discusses the concept of 'man is an end in himself' and clarifies that independence does not mean rejecting help from others.