Radio Rothbard

In this lecture from the 2026 Libertarian Scholars Conference, Ryan McMaken looks at how the old classical liberal program of democracy and constitutions has failed, and why we need a more realist view of the state and its many crimes. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

Foreign policy scholar Brandan Buck join Ryan McMaken to talk about whether or not a US tactical victory in Iran can lead to a strategic victory as well. And what does victory for the Iranian state look like? Are there any prospects for a lasting peace? Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

America has a long history of vibrant small business. But small business went into decline in the twentieth century, and it wasn't just due to large scale industrialization. Government has played a big role.  Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

Zachary Yost, foreign policy analyst known for military and geopolitical analysis, breaks down why US aims like regime change are unlikely. He discusses depleted interceptors, naval and drone risks, regional escalation, and how energy and insurance realities reshape strategy. Short predictions on political spin and long-term proliferation risks.

Bernardo Ferrero, a Ph.D. candidate in economics at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos and author, explores European debates on taxes, spending, inflation, and fiscal accounting. He discusses Italy's budget battles, how QE and MMT shifted debt perceptions, the limits of treating governments like firms, and why political culture shapes attitudes toward deficits and finance.

Ryan McMaken of the Mises Institute and Christopher Calton of the Independent Institute talk about why politicians want higher home prices. Even Trump now admits he wants higher home prices, and it's because older voters want their asset prices to go up forever. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off

Larsen Plyler, historian and curriculum developer for the Mises Academy, explains how 1770s Americans envisioned 13 independent sovereign states. He highlights the Declaration’s plural language and the Articles of Confederation’s confederal design. The conversation contrasts that original pluralism with later moves toward a centralized national state.

Economic historian Patrick Newman, author of "Cronyism: Liberty vs. Power in Early America," explores the complex legacy of John C. Calhoun. He discusses Calhoun's early nationalist politics, revealing his support for tariffs and internal improvements. Newman argues that Calhoun shifted from a War Hawk to a proponent of limited government as he aimed for political survival in South Carolina. The nuances of Calhoun's motives, including his stance on nullification and the Texas annexation, provide a thought-provoking look at a controversial figure.

Zachary Yost, a political commentator and historian, dives into the misconceptions surrounding American history promoted by Vivek Ramaswamy. They explore the false dichotomy of America as merely a civic 'creed' versus its rich Christian heritage. Yost argues that the American nation and state have distinct historical roots, predating 1787, and critiques the notion of an ideological founding. The discussion highlights the myths of creedal nationalism and reflects on generational shifts away from such ideologies in modern America.

Ryan and Josh Mawhorter talk about how Thomas Hobbes, even nearly 400 years later, remains a popular spokesman for almost limitless state power. In fact, by Hobbes's logic, the world should by ruled by a single global dictatorship. Be sure to follow Radio Rothbard at https://Mises.org/RadioRothbardRadio Rothbard mugs are available at the Mises Store. Get yours at https://Mises.org/RothMug PROMO CODE: RothPod for 20% off