The Good Fight

Arlie Hochschild, Professor Emerita of Sociology at UC Berkeley, discusses the emotional landscape of Trump's supporters, focusing on fears of empathy among the left. She explores how economic decline has affected pride in working-class communities and the complexities of political identity in rural America. Hochschild dives into the narratives shaping Latino voters' unexpected support for Trump, revealing deeper motivations and the interplay of individual versus collective pride that influences political alignment.

Oren Cass, the founder of American Compass and author of "The Once and Future Worker," discusses pivotal economic challenges facing the U.S. He delves into the decline of manufacturing and the coherence of Trump’s tariffs as a strategic response. Cass explores how traditional economic policies have overlooked the working class and debates whether Republicans or Democrats truly represent their interests. He emphasizes the need for a robust industrial economy, linking it to national security and sustainable job growth.

In this discussion, Eric Kaufmann, a Politics Professor at the University of Buckingham, dives into the crisis of liberalism and its drift from classical principles. He addresses the rise of identitarianism and the need for a non-zero-sum approach to interethnic relations. The conversation also explores asymmetrical multiculturalism, examining how majority and minority identities are treated in society. Kaufmann further touches on the pressing issue of the global fertility decline and its implications for future demographics.

In a riveting discussion, Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author at Stanford, joins Yascha Mounk to dissect the early dynamics of Trump’s latest term. They explore the significance of Trump's executive orders and how they affect the civil service. Fukuyama shares insights on America's foreign policy shifts, particularly regarding China and global south countries. The conversation also addresses the complexities of U.S. bureaucracy, the call for deregulation, and the evolving nature of American populism. Expect sharp analysis and thought-provoking ideas!

Yanis Varoufakis, economist and former Greek Minister of Finance, dives into the shifting economic landscape shaped by Big Tech. He discusses 'cloud rent' as a potential return to pre-capitalist commerce and explores the implications of techno-feudalism on society. Varoufakis emphasizes the need for a 'techno-rebellion' to address corporate dominance, and the importance of coordinated global actions, like a one-day strike against giants like Amazon. He highlights Europe's economic challenges and the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.

Anastasia Berg, an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UC Irvine and co-author of "What Are Children For?", engages in a thought-provoking dialogue about parenthood. She and Yascha Mounk delve into why many delay having children, discussing the ethical implications of declining fertility rates. They challenge societal pressures that shape decisions around parenthood and explore the opportunity costs involved. The conversation emphasizes the need to reassess the value of human life and the impact of fewer people on our moral landscape.

Fraser Nelson, a prominent British political journalist and former editor of The Spectator, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into pressing issues facing the UK. They discuss the dwindling popularity of the Labour government and the cyclical nature of political disillusionment. Fraser critiques the welfare state, advocating for reforms to better address social dysfunction and economic challenges post-Brexit. They also touch on the impact of foreign ownership in British media, highlighting the importance of safeguarding press freedom.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Tyler Cowen, a prominent economist and co-author of the "Marginal Revolution" blog, joins Yascha Mounk to explore the global economic landscape. They delve into the impact of AI on various sectors, emphasizing both its transformative potential and the need for human elements like networking. Cowen also discusses demographic shifts, such as declining birth rates, and their economic implications. Lastly, they consider the evolving competition between the U.S. and China, highlighting strategies for future resilience.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus of linguistics and a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, joins Yascha Mounk to delve into pressing issues. They explore the theory of universal grammar and how it relates to our understanding of language and cognition. Chomsky critiques identity politics within the left, emphasizing the need for unity in struggles against systemic oppression. The discussion also tackles the intricacies of free speech and cancel culture, and Chomsky addresses the ethical challenges posed by China's rise and U.S. foreign policies.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author at Stanford University, tackles pressing global issues. He analyzes the fragile nature of authoritarian regimes, using the fall of Assad as a key point. The conversation also delves into the political crises in Europe, examining the impact of the AFD party in Germany. Fukuyama discusses the intricacies of U.S. healthcare, sparked by the recent incident involving Brian Thompson, and contrasts American frustrations with European systems, calling for impactful reforms.