Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor under President Biden, shares insights on pressing national security concerns. He analyzes the U.S. leadership in the Ukraine conflict and the balancing act between public expectations and strategic decisions. Sullivan discusses the complexities of military assistance and the implications of American values on foreign policy. He also contrasts the unpredictable leadership styles of Trump and Biden, emphasizing the need for strong alliances and the evolving role of AI in diplomacy.

Wolfgang Münchau, Director of Eurointelligence and author of 'Kaput: The End of the German Miracle,' dives into Germany's pressing issues. He discusses the decline of the automotive sector, emphasizing its lag in electric vehicle innovation and systemic issues. As the nation prepares for elections, Monster outlines the political shifts, including the rise of the AfD party and potential implications for Germany's future. He critiques the export-driven economy and stresses the urgent need for reforms to rejuvenate the nation's competitiveness.

Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," dives into the inefficiencies of U.S. governance and ambitious projects. He discusses the historical impact of figures like Robert Moses on urban development, contrasting centralized power with grassroots activism. The conversation also touches on the frustrations driving radical political ideas, exploring how Donald Trump represents a complex reaction to citizen disillusionment. The discussion provides insightful perspectives on infrastructure challenges and the evolving nature of political dynamics.

Arlie Hochschild, Professor Emerita of Sociology at UC Berkeley, discusses the emotional landscape of Trump's supporters, focusing on fears of empathy among the left. She explores how economic decline has affected pride in working-class communities and the complexities of political identity in rural America. Hochschild dives into the narratives shaping Latino voters' unexpected support for Trump, revealing deeper motivations and the interplay of individual versus collective pride that influences political alignment.

Oren Cass, the founder of American Compass and author of "The Once and Future Worker," discusses pivotal economic challenges facing the U.S. He delves into the decline of manufacturing and the coherence of Trump’s tariffs as a strategic response. Cass explores how traditional economic policies have overlooked the working class and debates whether Republicans or Democrats truly represent their interests. He emphasizes the need for a robust industrial economy, linking it to national security and sustainable job growth.

In this discussion, Eric Kaufmann, a Politics Professor at the University of Buckingham, dives into the crisis of liberalism and its drift from classical principles. He addresses the rise of identitarianism and the need for a non-zero-sum approach to interethnic relations. The conversation also explores asymmetrical multiculturalism, examining how majority and minority identities are treated in society. Kaufmann further touches on the pressing issue of the global fertility decline and its implications for future demographics.

In a riveting discussion, Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author at Stanford, joins Yascha Mounk to dissect the early dynamics of Trump’s latest term. They explore the significance of Trump's executive orders and how they affect the civil service. Fukuyama shares insights on America's foreign policy shifts, particularly regarding China and global south countries. The conversation also addresses the complexities of U.S. bureaucracy, the call for deregulation, and the evolving nature of American populism. Expect sharp analysis and thought-provoking ideas!

Yanis Varoufakis, economist and former Greek Minister of Finance, dives into the shifting economic landscape shaped by Big Tech. He discusses 'cloud rent' as a potential return to pre-capitalist commerce and explores the implications of techno-feudalism on society. Varoufakis emphasizes the need for a 'techno-rebellion' to address corporate dominance, and the importance of coordinated global actions, like a one-day strike against giants like Amazon. He highlights Europe's economic challenges and the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.

Anastasia Berg, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine and co-author of "What Are Children For?", engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about parenthood. She and Yascha Mounk delve into why many delay having children, discussing the ethical implications of declining fertility rates. They challenge societal pressures that shape decisions around parenthood and explore the opportunity costs involved. The conversation emphasizes the need to reassess the value of human life and the impact of fewer people on our moral landscape.

Fraser Nelson, a prominent British political journalist and former editor of The Spectator, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into pressing issues facing the UK. They discuss the dwindling popularity of the Labour government and the cyclical nature of political disillusionment. Fraser critiques the welfare state, advocating for reforms to better address social dysfunction and economic challenges post-Brexit. They also touch on the impact of foreign ownership in British media, highlighting the importance of safeguarding press freedom.