The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

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.

Join Charles Fain Lehman, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a writer for The Dispatch, as he dives into the murky waters of drug addiction, legalized gambling, and the implications of unrestricted access to vice for young men. The conversation highlights the rising concerns around sports gambling and its mental health effects, while also addressing the societal risks linked to rampant access to online porn and marijuana. Lehman brilliantly connects these topics to broader themes of urban governance and public policy, making for an enlightening discussion.

Tim Carney, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author, dives into a provocative investigation of a brothel disguised as a spa in Falls Church. He discusses the local law enforcement's challenges and community reactions, revealing the complexities behind prostitution debates. The conversation also critiques overparenting, explores declining birth rates, and examines crony capitalism's impact on family dynamics and community values. Carney's insights offer a thought-provoking look at the intersection of societal expectations and individual choices.

The podcast takes a deep dive into the societal reactions to mass shootings, championing 'thoughts and prayers' as an essential form of empathy. It scrutinizes the growing tensions within the GOP, contrasting traditional conservatism with Trump's populist influence. Discussions reflect on FDR's New Deal, critiquing its effectiveness and historical misalignments. The complexities of the vice presidency under Trump are also explored, alongside the implications of corporate influence on government and a commentary on declining quality in modern science fiction.

In this engaging conversation, Cass Sunstein, a renowned legal scholar and author, dives into the essence of liberalism, describing it as fundamentally about being a mensch. He explores the intriguing concept of 'nudging' in public policy, illustrating its potential to enhance decision-making. The duo delves into the notion of 'abundance' in governance and critiques regulatory burdens that stifle individual opportunity. Sunstein also examines the relationship between liberal capitalism and societal tolerance, highlighting how economic interactions can foster understanding across cultures.