The Good Fight

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.

In this insightful discussion, Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor specializing in psychopathy and empathy, delves into the intriguing traits of psychopathy. She explains the core traits of boldness, meanness, and disinhibition, and how they manifest in antisocial behavior. Marsh highlights early warning signs in children and effective parenting strategies to intervene. The conversation also touches on the surprising link between psychopathy and success in certain professions, while emphasizing the importance of understanding and support for affected families.

Sven Beckert, a Harvard historian and expert on global capitalism, brings a wealth of knowledge to his discussion. He explores capitalism's deep roots, emphasizing its emergence long before the Industrial Revolution. Beckert debunks common misconceptions, highlighting the role of merchants as early capitalists across various cultures. He argues that capitalism is not static and challenges the idea of 'late-stage capitalism' by showcasing its dynamic evolution. Through engaging examples, he underscores that capitalism is human-made, inviting collective change.

In this discussion, Dan Wang, a research fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution and author of 'Breakneck,' explores the intriguing contrast between the U.S. as a society of lawyers and China as a society of engineers. He delves into how this dichotomy shapes their relationship and contributes to the ongoing tech war. Dan also shares insights on China's manufacturing dominance, massive infrastructure projects, and the potential pitfalls facing Europe in the global marketplace. His advocacy for a shift in American legal culture is particularly thought-provoking.

Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of a chilling book on AI risks, dives deep into the complexities of artificial superintelligence. He explains why modern AIs, unlike traditional software, can develop dangerous motivations and emergent behaviors. From alarming real-world examples to the challenges of shutting down superintelligent systems, Nate argues that misalignment and unexpected proxy desires pose serious risks. He highlights the urgent need for better alignment strategies as AI capabilities continue to advance rapidly.