What Happens Next in 6 Minutes

In this discussion, Robert Kaplan, a renowned author and expert on global instability, dissects the pervasive nature of authoritarianism versus the pitfalls of anarchy. He argues that historical insights, particularly from Russian literature, can illuminate modern challenges. Kaplan shares his experiences in Iraq, highlighting the chaos that ensues without stability. He also delves into the dynamics of geography in political power and critiques Western democratic imposition, emphasizing the need for understanding unique cultural contexts in governance.

Lindsey Burke is the Director of the Center for Education Policy at the Heritage Foundation. I will ask Lindsey about the implications of firing most of the workers in the Department of Education. I want to know what is going to happen with the ongoing responsibilities for this department and how work that is statutorily required will be performed by other government agencies. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Christine Rosen, author of "The Extinction of Experience," dives into the troubling impact of technology on mental health and well-being. She discusses how smartphones limit meaningful interactions and contribute to the decline of personal connections. Rosen also highlights the challenges remote work poses to workplace culture and mentoring, emphasizing the need for in-person connections. Additionally, she examines the effects of technology on education, advocating for the preservation of critical thinking skills amidst growing digital distractions.

Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead recently in their Santa Fe home. Today I am joined by The What Happens Next Culture Critic Darren Schwartz to evaluate Hackman’s performances in some of his most popular movies. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

H.W. Brands, a Professor of History and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the intriguing parallels between Andrew Jackson and Donald Trump. He delves into Jackson's transformation of American democracy and his controversial policies, including the Indian Removal Act and the push for expanded democracy. Brands highlights the complexities of Jackson’s legacy, illustrating how historical populism resonates with today’s political landscape. The conversation reveals essential insights into the nature of democracy and the echoes of past leadership styles.

James Danckert is a cognitive neuroscientist and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. James is the co-author of the book Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom. I want to learn from James about the relationship between boredom and personal agency. And I want to discuss how using new technologies like the smartphone to alleviate boredom might be problematic.  Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Nicholas Griffin is the author of a Year of Dangerous Days. Miami was not the beautiful and successful metropolitan city that it is now 45 years ago. I want to find out from Nick why the Columbians used Miami as their US entry point for distributing cocaine and why that resulted in so much violence. I want to learn about what caused a massive race riot in Miami that led to the burning of over 200 buildings. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Eugene Kontorovich is a Professor of Law at George Mason and his father Vladimir Kontorovich is a Professor of Economics at Haverford. Eugene and Vladimir have observed that topics which were forbidden to be discussed can now be debated openly, and that this parallels the Gorbachev-era in the Soviet Union. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Nicholas Eberstadt, a leading expert on global demographics, dives into the alarming trend of declining birth rates worldwide. He discusses how this fall impacts various sectors such as business and housing, and even influences warfare strategies. Eberstadt highlights regional differences in family planning influenced by social and economic factors, and the historical context of population replacement. He also examines the challenges faced by women in East Asia, caught between caregiving and personal aspirations amid shifting family dynamics.

John Ellis is the former Dean of the Graduate School at The University of California at Santa Cruz. He is also the author of a new book entitled A Short History of Relations Between Peoples: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism. John will explain why this subject is verboten in American university classrooms, graduate work, and history journals. I want to learn how British imperialism made the world a better place. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe