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