The Good Fight

Yascha Mounk, a scholar on democracy, teams up with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, to dive deep into campus community dynamics. They discuss strategies for fostering genuine dialogue and the essential skills needed for a thriving academic environment. The conversation highlights alarming gaps in civic education among students and explores how shifting democratic values can impact engagement. Their insights aim to bridge divides and promote free expression, making campuses more conducive to constructive discourse.

In a profound discussion with Yascha Mounk, renowned anthropologist James C. Scott reflects on the perils of state power. He challenges the notion of state benevolence, urging listeners to rethink its historical role and often exploitative nature. Scott delves into the resilience of Myanmar's youth-led democratic movement, offering insight into the country's struggles under military rule. He also entertains the idea of giving 'two cheers' for anarchism, emphasizing the necessity to advocate for more equitable social democracies amidst capitalist challenges.

Timur Kuran, a Professor of Economics and Political Science at Duke University, discusses the profound impact of preference falsification on societal beliefs and political revolutions. He explains how social pressures often lead people to conceal their true thoughts, which can make revolutions unpredictable. The conversation also delves into the dynamics of journalism and the challenges journalists face when breaking taboos. Kuran emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to express their beliefs truthfully, contributing to healthier political discourse.

Yascha Mounk, a political theory expert, and Douglas Vakoch, an astrobiologist and president of METI International, dive into the ethics of reaching out to extraterrestrial intelligence. They explore the implications of contact and the historical parallels of exploration and exploitation. The duo debates the risks of communicating with advanced civilizations, drawing caution from human history. They also discuss the scientific quests like the Drake Equation and Fermi Paradox, emphasizing the moral complexities of whether we should signal our existence to the cosmos.

Freddie deBoer, a writer and academic known for his critical insights on education and social justice, delves into the evolution of 'woke' ideas and their co-optation by elite institutions. He discusses the dynamics of social media in shaping public discourse, as well as the complexities surrounding identity politics in education. DeBoer argues for genuinely anti-racist movements with material goals, critiques the superficiality in political engagement, and reflects on the fragmented state of radical racial politics today.

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer for The Atlantic and expert on authoritarianism, delves into the modern tools autocrats use to consolidate power. She discusses how international finance supports dictators and the fragile nature of their regimes. Applebaum explains the rise of authoritarian populism and how democracies can internally reform to resist these threats. The conversation highlights the complexities of media control and its role in shaping perceptions, ultimately urging democratic nations to strategize against autocratic influences.

Shalom Auslander, an acclaimed novelist and memoirist, unpacks the roots of self-loathing shaped by religious narratives from his Orthodox upbringing. He and Yascha Mounk explore the damaging effects of cultural guilt and shame on identity, advocating for storytelling that fosters self-acceptance. They discuss the journey toward unconditional love, the influence of societal expectations, and how political disillusionment mirrors personal struggles. Auslander offers insights on healing from toxic environments and the essential path to embracing one's true self.

Matthew Yglesias discusses Kamala Harris' appeal, Biden's cognitive abilities, and evolving economic policies in the Republican Party. The conversation covers Harris broadening her appeal, lack of press coverage on Biden's cognitive impairments pre-debate, and seriousness of economic policy changes in the GOP platform.

Eitan Hersh, a Professor of Political Science, discusses the importance of strategic political action over hobbyism. Topics include effective protest movements, voter ID laws, navigating political perspectives, and polarization in higher education. Emphasizes the need for local engagement and open debate in academia.

Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at Carnegie Endowment for Intl Peace, discusses the rise of political violence in America with Yascha Mounk. They explore resilience factors against civil war, rise in violence triggers, and combating political violence through societal actions and norm enforcement.