The Secrets of Statecraft American Institutions, Higher Education, Talk Shows, and Nougies with Ben Sasse
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Aug 28, 2025 
Ben Sasse, the former US Senator and President of the University of Florida, joins Andrew Roberts for a thought-provoking conversation. He discusses the dysfunction in Congress, the challenges facing American institutions, and the impact of social media on politics. Sasse critiques higher education issues like grade inflation and the decline of work ethic among students. He also navigates the implications of the AI revolution on the workforce and analyzes the current state of US foreign policy regarding Iran, China, and Russia. Plus, he explains what a 'nougie' is!
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Explaining The 'Noogie' Moment
- Ben Sasse demonstrates American playground culture by explaining a 'noogie' as a headlock with knuckles rubbing hair. He uses the term playfully to suggest giving Neil a symbolic 'noogie' for naming Ferguson's law.
Oxford Football Memory While Discussing Grades
- Ben Sasse recounts playing quarterback at Oxford during junior year and a poor performance in Cambridge. He shares the story humorously while discussing grade inflation and educational experience.
Replication Crisis Weakens Scholarship
- Many social science findings fail replication and undermine trust in published research. Tenure-driven incentives and niche journals amplify unreplicated results and waste funding.
