Which Side of History?

Superpower Suicide: Global Impact of U.S. Policy Changes

In this episode of Which Side of History, Stanford University professor and Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer assesses democracy's uncertain future. His distinguished guests are former National Security Advisor to President Obama Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul, and Margrethe Vestager, former European Commissioner for Competition. They delve into the threats posed by Russia and China, America's shifting role in global politics, and the decline of democratic values. They also explore the impact of social media, the importance of international alliances, and the need for more regulation for digital platforms.    Just how uncertain is democracy's future? Listen to Which Side of History with Jim Steyer.   00:00 Introduction and Current Administration's Policies 00:58 Welcome to the Podcast 01:12 Introducing the Guests and Topic 01:49 State of Global Democracy 03:20 Rise of Autocracies and Global Dynamics 06:48 Challenges Facing the United Nations 08:02 Call to Action for Democracy 08:59 Impact of US Policy Changes 11:18 Superpower Suicide and Domestic Policies 17:15 Historical Context and Hope for Democracy 18:39 US Foreign Policy and Global Leadership 30:58 Evaluating US Engagement with Autocracies 34:56 Diplomatic Dynamics and Speculations 36:17 Russian Business Interests and Influence 37:56 European Perspective on the Conflict 40:53 Zelensky's Leadership and Challenges 43:52 US Inaction and Global Implications 50:53 Long-term Consequences for US Alliances 01:04:42 The Role of Social Media and AI 01:09:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Note: Jim Steyer's views are his own and do not reflect Common Sense Media.

Universities Confront Polarizing Times: Condoleezza Rice, Jon Levin

Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer engages with Stanford University President Jonathan Levin and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by American universities in today's polarized political climate. Key topics include the ongoing role of universities, the importance of maintaining academic freedom, the impact of federal government policies on higher education, and the critical need for diversity and representation in the post-affirmative action era.    Rice and Levin also emphasize fostering an environment where students can pursue innovative research and develop into well-rounded leaders. The episode underscores the significance of both institutional advocacy and collaboration to sustain the mission and relevance of universities in a rapidly-evolving landscape.   Just how much pressure do universities face? Listen to Which Side of History and find out.   The episode was recorded on the campus of Stanford University.   00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 00:57 Welcome to 'Which Side of History' 01:37 The Role of Universities in Modern Society 04:56 Challenges Facing Universities Today 24:47 The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education 35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Note: Jim Steyer's opinions are his own and do not represent Common Sense Media.

Rule of Law Under Siege: Pam Karlan, Rob Bonta, Ruth Marcus

Host Jim Steyer tackles the sweeping attempts to undermine the Justice Department. His esteemed guests include California Attorney General Rob Bonta, renowned journalist Ruth Marcus, and Stanford Law Professor Pam Karlan. The panel offers timely insights on the erosion of the rule of law, the weaponization of the Department of Justice, the challenges faced by career civil servants, and the significant cases the U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide.    How serious is the dismantling of the Justice Department? What's the potential damage? And how does this moment in time compare to Watergate?   Listen to this episode of Which Side of History and find out:   00:00 Comparing Watergate to Current Justice Department Issues 00:51 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic 01:34 Discussion with Rob Bonta on Rule of Law Challenges 07:30 Ruth Marcus on Checks and Balances 10:57 Pam Karlan on the Justice Department's Integrity 15:58 Rob Bonta on Political Weaponization of Prosecution 19:14 Historical Context and Future of the Rule of Law 29:15 Role of States in Upholding Democratic Principles 34:18 Lower Courts' Struggles and Reactions 36:36 Early Capitulation of Law Firms 39:13 Supreme Court's Role and Influence 43:30 The Shadow Docket and Key Cases 01:00:37 Birthright Citizenship and Legal Precedents 01:07:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications   The panel was recorded on November 3, 2025 at Stanford University. 

Public Service Turmoil: Michael Lewis, W. Kamau Bell, David Eggers

In this episode Stanford University professor Jim Steyer delves into the current state of American government, focusing on the experiences of federal employees amid ongoing political turmoil. His guests include best-selling author Michael Lewis, comedian and TV host W. Kamau Bell, and writer and educator Dave Eggers. They discuss the dedication of civil servants, the impact of political actions on public perceptions, and the broader ramifications for American institutions.    Despite all the turmoil in Washington, is there reason to be optimistic?   00:00 Introduction: The State of Affairs 00:52 Welcome to 'Which Side of History' 01:11 Introducing the Guests and the Topic 01:39 Michael Lewis on Public Perception vs. Reality of Government 02:36 Art Allen's Story: The Unsung Hero of the Coast Guard 11:46 Dave Eggers on NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory 19:06 Kamau Bell on Antitrust and Justice 26:39 The Impact of Government Layoffs 29:11 Trump's Approach to Government 35:33 The Problem with Cutting Deficits 36:25 Misguided Firing Practices 36:42 The Impact on Federal Agencies 38:07 Trump's Strategy and Consequences 40:13 Loss of Faith in Institutions 40:55 Idealism in Government Work 42:17 Challenges Faced by Teachers 46:23 Historical Context and Institutional Flaws 48:42 Potential Financial Crisis 51:49 The Role of Trust in Institutions 52:53 Crypto and Trump's Financial Interests 59:09 Comedians and Political Alignment 01:01:29 Messages of Hope and Optimism

Decoding America's Global Role: David Kennedy, Margaret Spellings, Niall Ferguson

In this episode Stanford University professor and Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer explores whether we're witnessing the end of the post-World War II global order.    Joining the debate are historian Sir Niall Ferguson, presidential scholar David Kennedy, and former U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. The discussion delves into America's response to the rise of China, the current state of U.S. institutions, the economic implications of the Trump administration's policies, and the enduring issues of income inequality and national debt.   The episode concludes with a very funny and important call-to-action.   00:00 Introduction: The Rise of China and Trump's Presidency 00:51 Welcome to the Podcast 01:10 The End of the New World Order? 02:09 Historical Context: Post-WWII America 02:55 America's Global Dominance in 1945 04:14 The Role of International Institutions 08:37 The Changing Geopolitical Landscape 12:48 Domestic Politics and the Rule of Law 16:00 Trump's Impact on American Politics 36:07 Trump and Nixon: A Historical Connection 36:57 Trump's Influence on the Federal Reserve 38:40 Trump's Strategy Against the Bureaucracy 40:28 The Disruptor in Chief: Polling and Public Opinion 43:25 State and Local Government Challenges 48:42 Economic Policies and Predictions 58:41 The Importance of Reading and Final Thoughts