Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

In this discussion, Zineb Riboua, a research fellow at the Hudson Institute, brings her expertise on foreign policy and great power competition. She delves into Trump's use of tariffs as a foreign policy tool and challenges the notion of idealism in international relations, promoting a realist perspective akin to Henry Kissinger. Riboua also analyzes the Gaza crisis, U.S.-Russia relations amidst the Ukraine conflict, and geopolitical shifts in the Sahel, all while emphasizing the complex interplay of identity and cultural narratives in shaping policy.

Mark Lutter, an urban development expert and Founder of the Charter Cities Institute, dives into the transformative potential of charter cities. He discusses the challenges faced in the Prospera project in Honduras and envisions developing San Francisco's Presidio into a super-city. Lutter outlines the need for innovative governance in developing nations and explores successful models like Dubai and Singapore. He emphasizes how charter cities can act as bastions of liberty, sparking economic and cultural advancement akin to historic periods of transformation.

Graeme Wood, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author focusing on geopolitics, discusses alarming trends in Germany's politics. He analyzes the rise of the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AFD) party, exploring its shift from anti-EU to anti-migrant. Wood shares firsthand experiences of racism in both urban and rural settings, contrasting multicultural environments against the tighter-knit communities of Eastern Germany. He also touches on the complex demographic dynamics and how economic woes are further polarizing society.

Leighton Woodhouse, a journalist and documentarian from Oakland, critiques the anti-woke movement and the MAGA cultural hegemony. He discusses how Trump’s alliance with tech oligarchs like Elon Musk reflects a shift away from working-class politics towards corporate interests. Woodhouse highlights the cultural parallels between the Right's use of power and the woke Left's suppression of free speech. He emphasizes the challenges of navigating modern identity in a polarized society, while advocating for thoughtful dialogue and community engagement.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Klatt, a metabolism researcher and dietitian, dives into the cultural and political shifts in nutrition. He critiques the recent 'MAHA' movement, emphasizing the urgency for increased funding in nutritional research. Klatt also addresses the journey of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, highlighting their effects on appetite and the risks of unregulated use. The conversation sheds light on America's obesity crisis and the systemic changes needed in the food landscape, offering vital insights into health and policy.

Charles Murray, a distinguished public intellectual and scholar, reflects on his 50 years of insights into American society. He discusses the striking cultural and political shifts over the past two decades, particularly the influence of social media and evolving race relations. Murray also addresses the challenges facing the working class in the age of AI, critiques higher education's value, and discusses the complexities of immigration policy. He candidly explores the taboos surrounding discussions of group differences in cognitive performance and the potential future of America's demographic landscape.

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning, Razib talks to Titus Techera, a Romanian living in Budapest, but commenting extensively on American and European culture. He is the Executive Director of the American Cinema Foundation, International Coordinator of the National Conservatism Conference and is a primary contributor to the Substack PostModernConservative. Techera also hosts a podcast for the American Cinema Foundation. Razib first talks to Techera about the 2024 Romanian presidential election that was overturned by the courts over accusations of Russian interference. Techera explains the social and cultural context of the candidate initially declared victorious against a backdrop of Romanian society’s typical stock characters. Techera also discusses the tension between having a nation-state with a distinctive character and becoming part of the broader EU project that is attempting to forge unity across 27 countries. He then addresses what a “Postmodern Conservative” is in the context of the arts. Perhaps most importantly, PostModern Conservatives take the 20th century and the modernist period seriously; they are not simply reactionaries who want to return to the 19th century. Conservatives who value the arts and culture cannot simply roll the tape back; they have to engage with what has come before. Razib and Techera also consider how inferences from the sciences, like the rejection of the “blank slate,” might influence the arts. They also discuss their disagreements about the latest Dune films, Techera prefers David Lynch’s attempt to adapt the book in 1984 to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 version.

Nathan Lents, a Professor at John Jay College and author of "The Sexual Evolution," dives deep into the fascinating world of sexual behavior through an evolutionary lens. He challenges traditional notions of monogamy, dissecting its complexities and cultural interpretations. The discussion spares no detail as they explore the evolution of gender roles and familial dynamics, touching on social behavior in both humans and animals. Lents emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of sexual identity, reflecting on how societal norms shape our relationships.

Antonio Regalado, a seasoned reporter from MIT Technology Review, dives into the profound consequences of the CRISPR baby scandal. He reveals how He Jiankui, the scientist behind the genetic modifications, has shifted his focus to social media, raising new questions about ethics in gene editing. Regalado discusses the rise and fall of CRISPR biotech startups, the gray market emerging for genomic services, and the future implications of genetic interventions on society. The episode critically examines the balance between scientific innovation and ethical responsibility in genetic technology.

Daniel McCarthy, editor-in-chief of Modern Age and former editor at The American Conservative, dives into American conservatism after Trump. He discusses the shifting coalitions within both major parties and the impact of demographic changes on conservatism. McCarthy reflects on the origins of current conservative divisions and the roles of figures like William F. Buckley and Russell Kirk. He also examines how evangelicalism has shaped the Republican Party and how conservatives can adapt in a changing cultural landscape.