The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Jon Podhoretz, editor-in-chief of Commentary and a leading conservative voice, joins for a riveting discussion. They delve into the decline of cinema, highlighting how Hollywood’s reliance on reboots reflects a risk-averse culture. The duo critiques the Claremont Institute's turn toward extreme rhetoric and explore the nuances of modern conservatism as a flexible approach. They also share thoughts on child actors' challenges and the obscure history behind James Garfield’s story, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation.

William Easterly, an economist and professor emeritus, discusses free trade and USAID’s impact on development. He challenges the notion of benevolent despots, asserting that true progress hinges on consent and human agency. The conversation delves into how colonial narratives justified violence, critiques aid's distortion of local markets, and laments the left's overshadowing of classical liberalism's anti-colonial arguments. Easterly also weighs in on China's economic reforms and their uncertain political implications, highlighting the allure of strongmen in development.

Jonah Goldberg shares reflections on Dick Cheney's memorial and examines Nixon's lasting influence on the Republican Party. He discusses Nixon’s pragmatic policies, the roots of Me-Too Republicanism, and critiques the Trump-era's echoes of Nixonian tactics. The conversation shifts to the implications of pardons, transparency in the Epstein files, and the unrealistic promises of tariffs. Finally, Jonah evaluates Elon Musk's bold claims about AI eradicating poverty and delves into the complexities of wealth and status in society.

Mark Clifford, a historian and president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, dives deep into the plight of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media mogul turned dissident. He discusses Lai's 1,800-day imprisonment and the oppressive realities in Hong Kong vs. mainland China. Clifford critiques the 'two systems' promise as a deception from Beijing. He highlights Taiwan's democracy as a threat to the CCP's narrative and explores China's internal challenges, including economic strains and social cohesion. The conversation ends with a message of hope for activists like Lai.

George Weigel, a prominent Catholic theologian and author of a notable biography of Pope John Paul II, joins Jonah Goldberg to explore critical issues in American Catholicism. They dive into the dangers of postliberalism and integralism, connecting it to the disturbing rise of antisemitism. Weigel emphasizes the importance of doctrinal clarity for religious survival and discusses how social media fuels political demagoguery. Their conversation also touches on the Catholic Church’s relationship with liberal democracy and the implications of losing belief in objective truth.

Dive into the nuances of post-liberalism and the political dynamics of the government shutdown. Discover how misleading labels can obscure the real issues at play in extremist movements. Jonah critiques Tucker Carlson's controversial views on Japan, linking cultural trends to political realities. Explore the historical intertwining of socialism and nationalism, and learn about the moral implications of illiberal arguments. Join the engaging debate on how terms can dull critical thought in today's political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Lambert, a prominent naval historian and Lawton Professor at King’s College London, shares insights from his book, No More Napoleons. He explores how Britain's naval strategy shaped Europe post-Waterloo, emphasizing offshore balancing and the moral complexities of British policy. Lambert contrasts maritime cultures with land empires, highlighting why some nations struggle to become sea powers. They also discuss the evolution of naval technology and its implications for modern diplomacy, drawing lessons for today's geopolitical landscape.

William Inboden, Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Texas at Austin, dives into the crisis in higher education with Jonah Goldberg. They explore the decline of public trust in universities, the challenges of free speech, and the skewed political landscape within academia. Inboden highlights the risks of Chinese influence and the urgent need for reform in civic education, underscoring the vital balance between research excellence and universities' responsibility to foster informed citizens.

Join the lively discussion as the hosts tackle the complexities of Nancy Pelosi's leadership and the evolving power dynamics in Congress. They delve into the Heritage Foundation's internal conflicts and examine the dangerous rise of antisemitism within contemporary conservatism. Reflecting on William F. Buckley's legacy, the conversation highlights the importance of a healthy conservative movement and the perils of performative political opposition. With sharp insights on leadership accountability and cultural success, this dialogue is both thought-provoking and timely.

Join former U.S. Representative Peter Meijer, a co-founder of an investment firm focused on reindustrialization, and Kevin D. Williamson, a sharp conservative commentator, as they dive into the intricacies of national security and industrial policy. They discuss the implications of tariffs and the blurring lines of celebrity in politics. The conversation also speculates on the future leadership of the GOP and the enduring impacts of Trump on party dynamics. Expect lively debates and insightful analysis throughout.