The Good Fight

Economist Ricardo Hausmann and Yascha Mounk discuss the impact of globalization on social stratification, counterintuitive effects of brain drains and immigration on growth, and the overrating of corruption's economic effects.

Martha Nussbaum, a philosopher and professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, discusses the need for an overlapping consensus between citizens with different beliefs, the impact of regarding animals as sentient beings, and the importance of being a 'happy warrior' for moral causes.

Political scientist Ruy Teixeira discusses how Democrats lost the working class, the misinterpretation of his theory on demographic change, and why Democrats have failed to lead in the polls despite Trump's unpopularity.

Albert Wu, a Taiwanese historian and author of A Broad and Ample Road, joins Yascha Mounk to discuss Taiwan's recent elections and its historical divisions. They explore the victory of the Democratic Progressive Party, the transformation of the Kuomintang's stance on Beijing, and Taiwan's complex relationship with the United States. They also delve into the differences between the KMT and DPP's visions for Taiwan's future and observe Taiwan's democratic culture and election process.

Rob Henderson, author and writer, discusses his journey from poverty to the Ivy League and his views on America. Topics include the importance of stable families, luxury beliefs among the elite, the impact of foster care on children, academic challenges in unstable environments, and the changing perception of Hamilton and the Obama era.

Tyler Austin Harper, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Bates College, discusses the state of academia, the decline in humanities majors, and the importance of genuine free inquiry. They also explore plagiarism accusations and conservatism backlash, the pros and cons of tenure, and the decline of interest in humanities courses at elite universities.

Economist and professor Branko Milanovic discusses the history and trajectory of global inequality, focusing on his famous 'Elephant Curve' graph. They also delve into globalization's impact on geopolitics and power balance, shifts in globalization and its effects on Western middle classes, and the implications of Western political concern with democracy as a form of imperialism.

Mary Harrington, author of Feminism Against Progress, joins Yascha Mounk to discuss second-wave feminism, the unintended effects of industrialization and contraception, and the commodification of female sexuality. They also explore the impact of technology on the women's movement and question the notion of progress in feminism.

Philip Pettit, Professor of Politics and Human Values at Princeton University, discusses small-r “republicanism” and how to make sure people don’t suffer from domination. Topics include intellectual traditions of liberalism and republicanism, freedom from domination versus freedom from interference, and the role of the state in making people free.

Tara Isabella Burton, author of 'Self Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians,' joins Yascha Mounk to discuss the rise of à la carte spirituality, challenges of creating community, and pursuing self-creation while fulfilling our obligations as citizens of a liberal society. They also explore cultural appropriation, Kardashianism's impact on society, redefining religion and identity, and the need for models and guidance in constructing a worthwhile life.