The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Dive into a captivating discussion on the intricate dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel, and the existential threats it faces. Hear insights on the painful Ted Cruz-Tucker Carlson interview and the internal conflicts within Trump’s coalition. Explore philosophical reflections on political actions inspired by Chesterton, and unravel the parable of the golden goose as it relates to contemporary political discontent. Finally, examine capitalism's complexities amid rising populist frustrations and the need for humility in political thought.

Dr. Jeffrey Collins, a professor at the Hamilton Center, dives into the rich intellectual history of liberalism, revealing its evolution from Hobbes to modern-day debates. He discusses the complexities of economic influences and the role of Christianity in shaping secularism. The conversation critiques integralism and highlights the philosophical tensions within liberalism regarding consent and community values. Collins also explores John Rawls' ideas, emphasizing the pressing need for a nuanced understanding of liberalism's relevance today.

Ken Pollack, vice president of the Middle East Institute and a former CIA analyst, dives into the intricate web of Israel-Iran relations and the implications of Iran’s nuclear program. He discusses Mossad’s operational success and the delicate balance of U.S. foreign policy. With a focus on Israel's military strategies, the conversation touches on the ramifications of potential military actions and the dynamic of regional power. The topic of Saudi Arabia's interests in regime change adds another layer to the geopolitical landscape.

The host dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, analyzing tensions between Israel and Iran. They address the internal schisms within the Trump coalition regarding Israel and anti-Semitism. The ethical challenges of governance during civil unrest come under scrutiny, alongside reflections on media's role in political discourse. Plus, a lighthearted take on finding the perfect Father's Day gifts rounds out the conversation, blending serious topics with personal anecdotes.

Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the Deep Shtetl newsletter, dives into the alarming rise of Jew hatred in America. He connects this surge to populist movements and cultural shifts. The conversation also tackles the dangers of oversimplified narratives in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and scrutinizes the influence of elite institutions. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of nuanced discourse while exposing the motives behind media personalities and the foreign powers attempting to shape political narratives.

Michael Moynihan, co-host of the Fifth Column podcast and political commentator, joins Jonah Goldberg to dive deep into the Los Angeles riots and their repercussions for political parties. They reflect on the chaos of modern protests and the disconnect between radical sentiments and community realities. The conversation touches on the media's role in shaping perceptions of political violence and critiques the idolization of youth figures like Greta Thunberg, pondering the implications of such adoration for societal discourse.

The host dives into the challenges of pre-recording amidst a busy schedule, revealing the complexities involved. They dissect how public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump shape society through their motivations. A discussion on the urgent need for entitlement reform highlights national debt concerns. The critique of Top Chef raises questions about capitalism and sustainability in cooking. Historical views on frugality and political coalitions are examined, linking past practices to modern trends. Finally, the dangers of apocalyptic rhetoric on the right are explored, stressing the importance of reality over fear.

Bret Devereaux, a passionate ancient history expert from NC State, dives into fascinating historical hypotheticals and their modern implications. He explores what might have happened if Alexander the Great had reached Rome, reshaping not just military strategies but national identity. The conversation shifts to the challenges of sourcing reliable ancient texts, as well as the transformative impact of drones in today’s warfare. Devereaux provocatively contrasts Roman honor with contemporary American foreign policy, emphasizing how declining values affect international relations.

Steven Smith, a Yale professor and expert on Leo Strauss, joins for an enlightening discussion on Strauss’s impact on political philosophy. They dive into the East vs. West Coast Straussians debate and explore fusionism's potential. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Great Man Theory, while also dishing out some intriguing gossip about 20th-century intellectuals. Smith clarifies Strauss's key philosophies, examining the balance of faith and skepticism, and the ideological shifts within modern conservatism.

Dive into the intriguing discussions around Elon Musk and the fallout from DOGE. Tune in as the host navigates the moral decline of traditional conservatism and the rise of a winning culture on the right. Explore the complexities of governance and the impact of Trump's influence on conservative values. The conversation critiques corporate power in politics, while also shedding light on the emotional undertones of political commentary. Expect candid reflections on political pardons and their implications for today’s leadership.