The Good Fight

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and New Yorker staff writer, delves into the neglected stories of America's history, balancing triumph with tales of exclusion. She critiques the avoidance of national narratives among historians and emphasizes bridging the gap between popular and academic histories. Discussing the challenges within higher education, Lepore advocates for internal reforms and robust civic education. She also explores the rarity of constitutional amendments and highlights innovative models like Native nation constitutions as examples of potential renewal.

In this discussion, Richard Thaler, a Nobel laureate and pioneering behavioral economist, shares insights into human irrationality and its implications for economics. He unpacks the concept of nudge theory, explaining how subtle shifts in choice architecture can lead to better decision-making. The conversation delves into topics like the winner's curse in auctions, the role of fairness in games, and the ethical dimensions of nudging. Thaler also explores the potential of AI, like ChatGPT, to assist in personal decision-making while cautioning against its pitfalls.

In this insightful discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor specializing in psychopathy and empathy, delves into the intriguing traits of psychopathy. She explains the core traits of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition, and how they manifest in antisocial behavior. Marsh highlights early warning signs in children and effective parenting strategies to intervene. The conversation also touches on the surprising link between psychopathy and success in certain professions, while emphasizing the importance of understanding and support for affected families.

Sven Beckert, a Harvard historian and expert on global capitalism, brings a wealth of knowledge to his discussion. He explores capitalism's deep roots, emphasizing its emergence long before the Industrial Revolution. Beckert debunks common misconceptions, highlighting the role of merchants as early capitalists across various cultures. He argues that capitalism is not static and challenges the idea of 'late-stage capitalism' by showcasing its dynamic evolution. Through engaging examples, he underscores that capitalism is human-made, inviting collective change.

In this discussion, Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and author of 'Breakneck,' explores the intriguing contrast between the U.S. as a society of lawyers and China as a society of engineers. He delves into how this dichotomy shapes their relationship and contributes to the ongoing tech war. Dan also shares insights on China's manufacturing dominance, massive infrastructure projects, and the potential pitfalls facing Europe in the global marketplace. His advocacy for a shift in American legal culture is particularly thought-provoking.

Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of a chilling book on AI risks, dives deep into the complexities of artificial superintelligence. He explains why modern AIs, unlike traditional software, can develop dangerous motivations and emergent behaviors. From alarming real-world examples to the challenges of shutting down superintelligent systems, Nate argues that misalignment and unexpected proxy desires pose serious risks. He highlights the urgent need for better alignment strategies as AI capabilities continue to advance rapidly.

In this discussion, Edward Luce, a Financial Times columnist, critiques the blurred lines between business and politics during Trump's foreign dealings. Russell Muirhead, a government professor, analyzes the shift from institutional politics to a more personal leadership style. Lauren Harper Pope, co-founder of Welcome, argues that Democrats need to refocus on voters' priorities to regain credibility. The panel also tackles MAGA's future, GOP divisions, and the centrist strategies needed to navigate America’s polarized political landscape.

In this engaging conversation, James Loxton, a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Politics at the University of Sydney, delves into the intricacies of authoritarian regimes. He defines the big three types: military, single-party, and personalist. Loxton highlights how internal constraints, informal institutions, and elite purges shape leadership dynamics. They discuss the durability of regimes, challenges in governance, and the enduring value of democracy. The talk also examines the pitfalls of information in authoritarian states and what causes their eventual collapse.

William MacAskill, a moral philosopher and cofounder of the effective altruism movement, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about maximizing good through charity. He critiques typical donor behaviors and advocates for evidence-backed giving. The conversation explores the risks posed by AI, ranking it as a top concern alongside pandemics and climate change. MacAskill also highlights the importance of preparing for advanced AI and the potential for a future where technology enhances human flourishing.

In this insightful discussion, Shadi Hamid, a columnist at The Washington Post and senior fellow at Georgetown University, explores the necessity of American power. He shares his evolution from anti-war activism to advocating for responsible engagement in foreign policy. Hamid argues that America can promote democracy and improve outcomes abroad, while also addressing critiques from the left and realists. They delve into how democratic accountability can rectify U.S. actions, and why he believes that democracies, despite challenges, may outlast autocracies.