The Good Fight

Michael Ignatieff, a distinguished author and former leader of Canada's Liberal Party, shares profound insights on the state of liberalism in today's political climate. He discusses the rise of illiberal conservatism, drawing connections between Hungary's Viktor Orban and broader global trends. Ignatieff emphasizes the need for principled bipartisan collaboration in a polarized landscape and the importance of focusing on core democratic values. He also reflects on navigating populism's challenges while advocating for democratic resilience amid growing authoritarianism.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law professor and New Yorker contributor, discusses the vital role of due process in legal education. She argues that eroding this principle in favor of progress undermines fairness. The dialogue also highlights the importance of the Socratic method in promoting open debate, even as it navigates challenges of self-censorship among students. Gersen stresses the need for balancing free speech and due process to preserve a healthy academic environment.

In this engaging dialogue, John McWhorter, a linguist and author known for his insights on race and culture, argues that wokeness operates like a religion with its own dogma. He critiques how current anti-racist practices can inadvertently harm minority communities, emphasizing the need for open dialogue. McWhorter and Yascha Mounk explore the complexities of social progressivism, urging a focus on practical solutions over ideological extremes. They also discuss the evolving definitions of 'woke' and 'progressive,' advocating for realistic approaches to education and justice.

Garry Kasparov, the legendary former World Chess Champion and human rights advocate, delves into his fierce opposition to authoritarianism. He shares his journey from a Soviet childhood to becoming a prominent dissident against Putin's regime. The conversation also highlights the alarming rise of political polarization in America and Latin America, as well as the fine line between free speech and ideological purity. Kasparov emphasizes the urgent need for a new political discourse to combat radicalism and uphold democratic values.

Michael Powell, a New York Times reporter focused on free speech and identity politics, dives deep into the cultural shifts within elite institutions. He discusses the changing attitudes on free speech, especially within academia, where faculty fear backlash over controversial topics. Powell critiques media representations of Critical Race Theory, emphasizing its real implications in education. He also highlights the tension between free expression and progressive values, shedding light on the complexities of race and class in today’s discussions.

Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and author of "Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy," dives into the challenges facing the Democratic Party. He discusses the need for Democrats to connect on cultural issues and re-evaluate voter trust dynamics. Yang emphasizes genuine political appeal over token strategies, highlighting the role of endorsements in mobilization. The conversation reveals potential solutions like ranked choice voting and Universal Basic Income to bridge divides and enhance representation in the political landscape.

Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has for many decades been one of the most prominent critics of U.S. foreign policy.In this week’s conversation, Noam Chomsky and Yascha Mounk discuss the theory of universal grammar, whether identity politics can be left-wing, and how the world should treat an ascendant China.This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.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 John T. Williams, and Brendan RuberryLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesConnect 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

In this engaging discussion, Peter Singer, a leading bioethics professor, explores vital concepts like utilitarianism and effective altruism. He emphasizes the moral obligation to aid those in severe poverty, challenging us to expand our moral responsibilities globally. Singer also navigates the complexities of altruism, including the nuanced ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. The dialogue underscores the importance of freedom of inquiry for societal improvement and the practicalities of making impactful contributions without overwhelming personal sacrifice.

Ross Douthat, a columnist for The New York Times, has long advocated for a brand of reform conservatism that stands in stark contrast to Trumpism. His latest book, The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery, chronicles his long struggle with Lyme disease.In this week’s conversation, Ross Douthat and Yascha Mounk discuss why the expert consensus sometimes fails, when to listen to outsiders, and whether the failures of the establishment help to explain the rise of populism.This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.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 John T. Williams, and Brendan RuberryLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesConnect 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

Francis Fukuyama, one of the most important living political scientists, is a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute. His writing spans from the origins of society in earliest prehistory to the rise of modern democracy and the identity wars of the 21st century. His new book, Liberalism and Its Discontents, a defense of the values of free societies, is scheduled for release in April 2022. In this week’s conversation, Francis Fukuyama and Yascha Mounk discuss how neoliberalism has gone awry, the excesses of individualism on both the right and the left, and how to rejuvenate liberalism.This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.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 John T. Williams, and Brendan RuberryLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesConnect 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