The Good Fight

Gerald Knaus is a social scientist and chairman of the European Stability Initiative. An expert on asylum and migration policy, he has been one of the most influential voices in reshaping Europe's refugee system since the 2015 crisis.In this week’s conversation, Gerald Knaus and Yascha Mounk discuss the history of asylum; how to develop a more humane system of migration; and how the European Union can fight democratic backsliding in its member states.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 Taylor 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

Javier Cercas, a prominent Spanish novelist and columnist at El País, delves into Spain’s tumultuous modern history. He discusses the country’s transition from dictatorship to democracy and the ongoing Catalonian secession movement. Cercas emphasizes the importance of confronting a nation’s troubled past to forge a cohesive identity. He draws parallels with Germany’s historical reckoning, shedding light on how acknowledging complex histories shapes democratic stability and national narratives. A thought-provoking conversation on memory and identity!

Ramachandra Guha is an Indian historian, writer, and one of the foremost authorities on modern India. The author of India After Gandhi and Gandhi Before India, he is also a leading critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Guha is a member of the Persuasion Board of Advisors. In this week’s conversation, Ramachandra Guha and Yascha Mounk discuss the history of Indian pluralism, the rise of Hindu nationalism, and the prospects for preserving liberal democracy in India.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 Taylor 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

Harvey Mansfield, a prominent conservative thinker and professor at Harvard, joins Yascha Mounk to dissect the nuances of American liberalism. They discuss Donald Trump's impact on conservatism and explore Alexis de Tocqueville's timeless insights regarding democracy and individualism. The conversation highlights the tension between democratic ideals and the prevalence of political vulgarity, while also critiquing modern conservatism's challenges. Additionally, they consider strategies for restoring open discourse and fostering connections among voters across the political spectrum.

Fiona Hill, a former Senior Director for Europe and Russia on the National Security Council and key impeachment witness, shares her remarkable journey from a coal town in England to the halls of power in Washington. She discusses the rise of populism and its resonance with working-class voters, as well as her experiences navigating the tumultuous Trump administration. Hill reflects on the impact of Russian interference in U.S. politics and emphasizes the need for integrity and global cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

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.