The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C-eEwx1jv0 Podcast audio: In this episode of New Ideal, Onkar Ghate and Nikos Sotirakopoulos discuss the question of whether Kamala Harris is a communist, and if not, what the real problem with her views is. Among the topics covered: The essence of the Marxist ideology; Why Harris is not a communist; How the “communist” label helps New Right tribalists hide their own anti-Americanism; The importance of using concepts precisely; How mislabeling someone as “communist” whitewashes real communism. Recommended in this podcast are Ayn Rand’s article “The Left: Old and New” and Sotirakopoulos ’s lecture at AynRandCon Europe 2024 “Lessons From the Intellectual Success of Marxism.” The podcast was recorded on September 9, 2024 and released on September 14. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.

https://youtu.be/FpjW9B8aE8Q Podcast audio: In this episode of New Ideal, Onkar Ghate and Elan Journo discuss how the failure of American post-9/11 policy led to the October 7 attacks. Among the topics covered: How the failed American response to 9/11 paved the way for October 7; How religion and altruism undermined the response to Islamic totalitarianism; How the West lies to itself about the nature of Hamas; Why there are no voices articulating a positive strategy for the Middle East; The need to rethink the philosophic principles guiding American foreign policy. Recommended in this podcast are Ghate and Journo’s book Failing to Confront Islamic Totalitarianism: What Went Wrong After 9/11 and Journo’s Winning the Unwinnable War: America's Self-Crippled Response to Islamic Totalitarianism. The podcast premiered on September 11, 2024. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube Music. Watch archived podcasts here.

The new Right’s absurd positions cannot be explained by their adherence to any coherent ideology, but only by their tribal view of the world.

Explore the philosophical roots of free speech and its critical importance in society. Delve into historical examples that highlight the dangers of suppression. Examine the intricate balance between individual rights and societal pressures. Discover the need for intellectual diversity and open dialogue, especially in today's polarized climate. Analyze how social media platforms navigate content moderation amid political influences. Finally, confront the challenges faced by academic institutions in upholding freedom of expression.

In this discussion, Alexandra Popoff, the author of "Ayn Rand: Writing a Gospel of Success," shares insights into the life and philosophy of Ayn Rand. They delve into the misconceptions linking Rand's Jewish heritage to her philosophical beliefs, emphasizing that her identity was shaped by choice, not ethnicity. The conversation critiques how some interpretations overlook her independence and the central role of individualism in her work. Popoff's analysis of Rand's novels and her rejection of Nietzsche’s ideas illuminate the depth of Rand's philosophical contributions.

Explore the moral imperative of unconditional self-defense in the context of Israel's conflict with Hamas. The discussion examines how allowing threats to go unanswered can endanger freedom. Historical parallels illustrate the importance of decisive action, even amid the tragic possibility of civilian casualties. This viewpoint reinforces the idea that defending one's rights is critical for the survival and liberty of nations.

Cartels thrive on the criminalization of immigration that allows them to prey on migrants at the border.

The U.S. the US withdrew from Afghanistan 3 years ago on August 26, 2021. Blame our political and intellectual leaders, across two decades, for evading the ideological nature of the enemy and, consequently, miring U.S. forces in a “no-win” war.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBhhQHNCAFI Podcast audio: In this episode of New Ideal Live, Ben Bayer and Nikos Sotirakopoulos discuss the Democratic National Committee’s 2024 Platform. Among the topics covered: The ambiguity of “freedom” in the Democrats’ rhetoric; How the platform packages legitimate freedom with the “freedom” to take from others; How the platform packages equality of rights with metaphysical equality; How the platform’s egalitarianism is racist and infantilizing; How altruism and Marxist economics drive the platform’s call for the wealthy to pay their “fair share” in taxes; What a principled opposition to the DNC platform would look like. Recommended in this podcast are Ayn Rand’s essay “Man’s Rights” and the July 25 New Ideal podcast episode “Why Socialists Fear the Republican Party Platform.” The podcast premiered on August 29, 2024. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.

In this episode, Ben Bayer reads aloud his article, “Debunking the Supernaturalism That Haunts Secular Ethics.” In that essay, he examines secular thinkers' approach towards ethics. As he argues, scientists like Richard Dawkins accept ethical claims that are fundamentally based on religious thinking. To combat this approach to ethics, we need a naturalistic alternative: and one has been offered by Ayn Rand. Bayer’s article was originally published in New Ideal, the Ayn Rand Institute’s journal, on October 11, 2023.