The Good Fight

Frances Lee and Stephen Macedo, both esteemed professors at Princeton University, delve into the institutional failures that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. They dissect the impact of school closures, contrasting responses from Republicans and Democrats, and how these actions eroded public trust. The conversation highlights the role of misinformation, political polarization, and flawed decision-making, revealing how ideological divides influenced the pandemic's management. Ultimately, they advocate for greater transparency and open dialogue to rebuild trust in public health institutions.

Pratap Mehta, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research and a distinguished educator at Princeton, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses the rising nationalism and identity crises affecting liberal democracies. The conversation turns to the troubling India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir, exploring historical tensions and military strategies. Mehta highlights the legitimacy crises faced by various regimes, including China and Iran, and examines how globalization further complicates political identity and societal expectations in today's world.

In a compelling discussion, Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at Brookings, and William Galston, also a senior fellow there, tackle the Democratic Party's future. They dissect the reasons for the party's disconnect with the working class and highlight the importance of emotional connections in voter communication. The conversation emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt proactive strategies to rebuild coalitions and adapt to cultural shifts, while also focusing on issues like housing affordability and Hispanic voter outreach.

Rutger Bregman, an acclaimed historian and author, co-founded The School for Moral Ambition to inspire impactful careers. In this conversation, he delves into the essence of moral ambition and how to identify worthy causes for support. Bregman explores the balance between idealism and pragmatism in activism, emphasizing adaptable strategies for societal change. He critiques common misconceptions about activism, discusses the moral complexities of equality and animal rights, and addresses the ethical implications of meat consumption and factory farming.

Kevin Mitchell, an Associate Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, dives into the intricate web of free will and evolution. He discusses how our choices might not be entirely independent, emphasizing biological determinism's role in decision-making. The conversation explores how even simple organisms show agency and challenges philosophical views on freedom. Mitchell also critiques the impact of AI on our perception of free will, prompting intriguing questions about morality and accountability in an increasingly automated world.

Claire Lehmann, an Australian publisher and journalist, founded Quillette to promote free inquiry. In this discussion, she tackles the complexities of gender in social sciences and the pushback academics face for unpopular opinions. The dynamics of intra-elite competition reveal how moral communities can impact personal beliefs. She explores the importance of understanding psychological sex differences while challenging societal narratives. Lehmann also highlights the interplay of genetics in shaping career preferences and the nuanced influence of childhood experiences.

Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark and host of "The Focus Group," dives into the current political landscape, providing insights from her extensive focus group work. She reveals core reasons Trump supporters remain loyal and examines the challenges Democrats face in appealing to swing voters. The conversation sheds light on the emotional similarities between supporters of Sanders and Trump, advocating for more authentic leadership in a polarized climate. Longwell also discusses the role of moderate voices and the importance of genuine connections with voters.

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.