The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

In a spirited dive, the host reflects on a recent trip abroad and grapples with a cold while tackling the complexities of the Comey indictment. He warns against the politicization of law enforcement and critiques free speech hypocrisy. The discussion also touches on the influence of personalities like J.D. Vance and the concerning dynamics of political crowds. Exploring the balance of ideas versus material forces, he revisits the Athens vs. Jerusalem debate, highlighting its significance in Western thought and the ambiguous nature of the Constitution.

Historian Allen C. Guelzo, a professor and author known for his insights on the Western tradition, dives into his latest book, exploring the intricate threads that make up the foundation of Western thought. He discusses how concepts like freedom, law, and virtue have evolved over time. Guelzo highlights the importance of historical events such as the Battle of Marathon and the impact of the Reformation while emphasizing the role of written tradition in shaping ideas. The conversation provokes thought on the balance between liberty and order in society.

Renowned cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker, author and Johnstone Professor at Harvard, dives into the intriguing world of common knowledge. He explains its essential role in societal coordination, using examples like traffic lights and market transactions. The conversation touches on how social trust differs across cultures and the impact of the internet on accountability. Pinker also addresses the importance of language in shaping our understanding of psychology, while defending free expression against misconceptions of violence.

In this insightful discussion, Yuval Levin, a prominent policy scholar and public intellectual, delves into the contemporary state of American institutions and the intricacies of party dynamics. He examines the implications of communication missteps in the Trump era, emphasizing the risks of unchecked power. Levin proposes reforming Congress to break the pervasive 50-50 deadlock, and highlights the need for civic institutions in a mobilized society. With a keen eye on the divide between right-wing populism and classical conservatism, Levin offers a thought-provoking analysis that resonates deeply.

In this engaging conversation, Dan Wang, author of *Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future*, shares insights from his years in China, focusing on its unique engineering mindset. He delves into how the 'engineering state' contrasts with the U.S. legal framework and reveals the societal implications of China's Zero COVID policies during the pandemic. Dan also evaluates Deng Xiaoping's legacy and discusses the significant differences in development paths between China and India, along with strategies for U.S.-China relations.

Claire Lehmann, founder of Quillette and contributing writer for The Dispatch, dives into the radicalization of young women and the evolution of wokeness. She explores how social media shapes these movements and highlights the frustrations of younger generations facing economic disparities. The discussion touches on cultural tensions in Australia, critiques the 'intellectual dark web,' and reveals the merging ideologies of vaccine skepticism. With a touch of humor, Claire also shares her wild encounters with Australia's deadly wildlife.

Explore the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding political violence and its historical roots. A humorous mishap with a campfire leads into a critique of political discourse after tragedies. Delve into the moral decay fueled by social media and the dangers of dehumanizing language. Jonah examines the normalization of violence through 'war' rhetoric across ideologies. The complexities of judicial power and originalism are dissected, emphasizing the need for robust political debates and interactions with opposing views.

Graeme Wood, a staff writer at The Atlantic and expert on the Middle East, dives deep into Iran’s complex regional strategies following its recent conflict with Israel. He discusses the implications of Iran's proxy networks, the ideological shifts from the Iran-Iraq war, and the potential for regime change in the wake of leadership uncertainties. Wood also analyzes how Middle Eastern regimes navigate issues like women's rights and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to distract from their governance failures while stressing the enduring significance of national honor.

A guest expert reveals the Frasier-esque nuances of a peculiar birthday card that Donald Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein. The discussion dives into Ron DeSantis' changing stance on vaccine mandates and the political fallout from his actions. Hilarious critiques of modern consumerism are tied to Cracker Barrel, and political dynamics in Florida spark debates about polling accuracy and voter behavior. The team analyzes the evolving rhetoric among politicians and sheds light on the complexities of Hispanic voter dynamics as the 2026 elections approach.

Jonah Goldberg probes a lively exchange about the celestial origins of rights, tackling political messaging's absurdities, especially concerning immigration. He critiques the narrative of 'heritage Americans' and examines Donald Trump’s dwindling ties with Modi. With insights on American identity and foundational rights, he contrasts abstract principles with beliefs in God-given rights. Plus, there's a metaphorical look at community stability and the impact of AI on society, making for a thought-provoking discussion.