The Good Fight

Ivan Krastev, a leading political thinker and author, dives into the parallels between Donald Trump and Mikhail Gorbachev, discussing the transformative impact of Trump's presidency on American and European politics. He examines the crisis of trust in American institutions and the ideological battles that challenge American exceptionalism. The conversation also explores Europe's evolving identity amid global shifts and the rise of China. Krastev's insights shed light on the future of democracy and international relations in a rapidly changing world.

Larry Summers, a distinguished Harvard professor and former Treasury Secretary, joins Yascha Mounk for a deep dive into the challenges faced by elite institutions under the Trump administration. They discuss the troubling implications of tariffs and rising nationalism for the U.S. economy, highlighting risks of stagnation and inflation. Summers critiques the erratic nature of recent trade policies and examines how universities can navigate political pressures while striving to rebuild public trust and credibility amidst increasing scrutiny.

Coleman Hughes, a writer and host of Conversations with Coleman, dives into the legacy of slavery in the U.S. with Yascha Mounk. They discuss the ramifications of slavery on modern issues like mass incarceration and family dynamics. Hughes critiques narratives around the war on drugs and emphasizes the complexity of systemic racism. The conversation also touches on the importance of clear definitions in discussions of discrimination and explores the tension between colorblind ideals and racial realities, advocating for a nuanced understanding of social justice.

Emily Oster, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and founder of ParentData, shares insights on the challenges of modern parenting. She discusses how data-driven decision-making can alleviate parenting anxiety, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence over societal norms. The conversation covers critical topics such as screen time, the impact of social media on teen mental health, and the shortcomings of public health authorities during the pandemic. Oster advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes both child and parent well-being.

John McWhorter, a linguist and cultural commentator from Columbia University, dives into the fascinating world of pronouns. He discusses how language evolves, emphasizing the historical fluidity of pronouns and the legitimacy of dialects like African-American English. McWhorter tackles the importance of adopting singular 'they', challenges conventional grammar norms, and highlights societal shifts toward inclusivity. The conversation also touches on the implications of gender-neutral language, reflecting broader cultural changes in identity and acceptance.

Jason Furman, Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard and former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, dives deep into the Biden administration's economic policies. He critiques the Build Back Better plan and unpacks the implications of recent tariffs on the American economy. Furman discusses the evolving narratives around inequality and globalization, the biases in data concerning income disparities, and challenges in educational policies that inadvertently favor wealthier graduates. He also examines the complexities of political dynamics affecting economic legislation.

Yascha Mounk engages listeners in a lively discussion covering pressing political concerns, including AI's influence and the implications of Trump's 2024 candidacy. The conversation dives into judicial issues surrounding Marine Le Pen and stresses the importance of resisting pessimism while defending democracy. A spotlight is also on the widespread challenges of democratic backsliding, with insights from a leading scholar urging greater public engagement in the fight against authoritarianism.

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's first digital minister and a trailblazer in tech-driven democracy, discusses the complex landscape of misinformation and its impact on social media. She highlights innovative Taiwanese strategies to combat false information while upholding free speech. Tang also explores the necessity of interoperability among social platforms to reduce censorship and enhance engagement. Additionally, she shares insights on using humor for effective public health messaging and the importance of empowering youth in shaping a resilient democracy.

Aaron Sibarium, a staff writer at the Washington Free Beacon, delves into the intricate world of identity politics in this engaging discussion. He highlights the troubling influences of racial bias in healthcare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and critiques the allocation of medical treatments based on race. The conversation also covers the tensions in medical education around affirmative action and how political dynamics have shaped university policies. Lastly, they tackle the role of government in steering media discourse and the ramifications of misinformation.

Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and former journalist, discusses the platform's revolutionary role in transforming public discourse. He shares insights on how Substack prioritizes free speech amidst polarization and contrasts its user-controlled content model with traditional social media. Their conversation touches on the challenges of fostering meaningful dialogue and the evolving landscape of digital subscriptions. McKenzie emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of voices and the impact of business models on user engagement.