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.

Jacob Mchangama is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, a research professor at Vanderbilt University, and a Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). His book Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media is now available in paperback with a new epilogue.In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Jacob Mchangama discuss traditions of free speech throughout history, whether European laws are too restrictive, and concerning trends in the United States.Note: This episode was recorded on February 24, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francis Fukuyama, a prominent political scientist and author from Stanford University, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's policies on both domestic and global stages. He discusses the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine and its effects on transatlantic relations. Fukuyama also raises concerns about Trump's approach to foreign alliances, particularly in East Asia, emphasizing the need for independent defense capabilities in Europe. The conversation touches on nuclear deterrence strategies and the long-term challenges posed by authoritarian practices in governance.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins Yascha Mounk for an insightful discussion. They examine the decline of religion in America and its implications for social cohesion and democracy. Rauch introduces the concept of patrimonialism to shed light on modern politics, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of religious institutions and the potential for a resurgence of faith amidst secularization.

Mónica Guzmán is author of I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times; founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity; Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels; and host of A Braver Way podcast.In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Mónica Guzmán discuss how to build trust across political divides and the joy of heated debates.Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight.If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone.Email: podcast@persuasion.community Website: http://www.persuasion.communityPodcast production by Mickey Freeland, and Leonora BarclayConnect with us!Spotify | Apple | GoogleTwitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasionYoutube: Yascha MounkLinkedIn: Persuasion CommunityLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lively Q&A session opens up a dynamic dialogue on pressing political issues. The conversation dives into how foreign policy impacts the American middle class and critiques recent shifts in leadership priorities. Free speech in Europe is also explored, alongside insights on recognizing the breakdown of the rule of law in the U.S. The prospects for a viable third political party are debated, painting a picture of a complex political landscape.

Spencer Case, an assistant teaching professor at Bowling Green State University and host of the Micro-Digressions podcast, discusses the fine line between patriotism and nationalism. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive form of patriotism that fosters inclusivity rather than exclusion. The conversation explores the moral complexities tied to nationalism, as well as the potential dangers of extremism. Additionally, they dive into the philosophical implications of identity politics, especially concerning trans rights, urging a more compassionate understanding.