The Good Fight

Ian Bassin, co-founder of Protect Democracy and former Associate White House Counsel, dives into the tactics of Trump’s authoritarianism. He shares insights on failures of institutional actors in resisting democratic backsliding. The discussion unveils how Trump’s post-2020 strategies strengthened his base and foreshadows the dangers of his methods. Notably, they explore the interplay of tech, culture, and economics in rising populism, emphasizing that preserving free elections is crucial for thwarting autocratic consolidation.

Rebecca Goldstein, a brilliant philosopher and novelist known for her works bridging literature and philosophy, dives deep into the human need for significance. She discusses how this 'mattering instinct' is essential to our dignity but can also lead to destructive behaviors. Goldstein outlines four primary ways people seek significance and explores the fine line between healthy and unhealthy mattering. They delve into the ethics of our desires for recognition and how competition can spur societal benefits despite personal struggles.

Scott Anderson, a veteran war correspondent and author of "King of Kings," discusses Iran's political landscape with Yascha Mounk. They delve into the current protests, examining how economic collapse could precipitate regime change. Anderson highlights the critical role of the Revolutionary Guard, warning of a possible military takeover. He draws parallels to Egypt and contemplates whether Iran might evolve into a democratic society, especially regarding women's rights. Their conversation uncovers a complex interplay of demographics, grievances, and historic echoes.

George Packer, a political journalist at The Atlantic, and Amanda Ripley, co-founder of Good Conflict, dive into the implications of Trump's capture of Nicolás Maduro. They discuss the chaotic decision-making behind the operation and its uncertain outcomes for Venezuela. Ripley warns about the dangers of normalizing violence and urges for strategies to denormalize conflict. The duo critiques a foreign policy reliant on brute force and examines the fallout within Trump's base, emphasizing the growing ideological fractures between the U.S. and Europe amid rising political violence.

Ivan Krastev, a prominent political scientist and chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies, dives into pressing global issues alongside host Yascha Mounk. They dissect the waning influence of Trump's policies and the resultant legal and political constraints. Krastev elaborates on Europe's strategic vulnerabilities in light of shifting demographics and rising powers like China. He warns of nationalism fueled by demographic fears and examines how AI and wealth inequality intertwine with social anxieties, reshaping politics and national identities.

Joined by Francis Fukuyama, a prominent political scientist and author, the conversation dives into the fragility of American institutions under Trump's influence. Fukuyama analyzes Trump's increasing authoritarianism, discussing the impact of political corruption and the shamelessness that voters tolerate. They reflect on the resilience of these institutions against electoral manipulations and explore the implications of rising populism in Europe. The discussion also touches on Ukraine's precarious future, with Fukuyama cautioning against misguided negotiations.

In a captivating discussion, Kelly Born, the founding director of the Packard Foundation’s Democracy, Rights, and Governance initiative, delves into AI's transformative role in politics. She highlights the rapid adoption of AI in society and its risks within polarized environments. Topics include the implications of AI on democratic processes, government operations, and the erosion of information quality. Kelly also tackles the ethical considerations of AI bias, potential job displacement, and the geopolitical dynamics of AI competition between the US and China.

Timothy Garton Ash, a historian and author, critiques Trump’s vision for a weak Europe while emphasizing the need for Europe to be more self-reliant, especially in defending Ukraine. Sabina Ćudić, a Bosnian parliamentarian, connects U.S. interests with the destabilization of the Balkans, warning against flawed peace deals. Nathalie Tocci, director of a prominent think tank, discusses Europe's potential to develop a cohesive security identity and the urgent need for political vision to reinvigorate its agency in global affairs.

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.