Neon Liberalism

Liberal Currents
  • 4.8 (28)
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A podcast from Liberal Currents (liberalcurrents.com) hosted by Samantha Hancox-Li, with commentary from a liberal perspective on politics, society, economics, media, culture, philosophy, academia, gender, identity, urbanism, books, education, and on and on.

  1. 5D AGO

    Why Did the Soviets Fail?

    As we stand on the brink of a new Cold War, it's time to look back at the first Cold War and try to understand why America won—and, more importantly, why the USSR lost. Samantha and guest Yakov Feygin, author of *Building a Ruin*, talk about the fundamental story of Soviet economic success, stagnation, and ultimate implosion. What does this have to teach us about China today? How can party states create economies that are simultaneously world-beating and profoundly dysfunctional? Feygin's book is available at https://bookshop.org/a/115699/9780674240995

    58 min

  2. DEC 13

    The Culture War Eats Foreign Policy

    Join Samantha and guest Joe Stieb, assistant professor at UNC Chapel Hill, as they talk about Donald Trump's 2025 National Security Strategy. This strange document treats the European Union as our enemy, Russia as an afterthought, and obsesses over the dangers of "DEI." Stieb argues that this reflects a fundamental belief that American strength is founded on White Christian nationalism, at home and abroad, and a fundamental break from previous Republican foreign policy. What does this mean for the future of the world order as we know it? Help us take Liberal Currents to the next level: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-liberal-currents-startup-fund And read Stieb's piece in Liberal Currents here: https://www.liberalcurrents.com/sovereignty-for-me-none-for-thee/

    49 min

  3. DEC 7

    Politics As Culture

    Has culture stagnated in the 21st century? Do the last twenty-five years feel like a blur? What can politics learn from the inherent dynamics of cultural change? And is Donald Trump the greatest kitsch artist of our time? Join Samantha Hancox-Li and guest W. David Marx, author of the just-released *Blank Space*, as they talk all of this and more. And if you like what we're doing here at Liberal Currents, consider supporting our fundraiser so we can continue our mission of reinvigorating liberal culture and politics: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-liberal-currents-startup-fund *Blank Space*: https://bookshop.org/a/115699/9780593833995

    1h 9m

  4. NOV 30

    An Army Is a Dangerous Thing to Play With

    Join Samantha and guest Kori Schake, author of The State and the Soldier, as they discuss the history of civil-military relations in America—and how that relationship is being pushed to the breaking point. National Guard units are deployed in the streets; DHS rappels from Black Hawks onto civilian homes. Why does George Washington still matter—and why was Samuel Huntington wrong about everything? Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on November 20, before some new details of the Venezuelan strikes had become public.

    1h 9m

  5. NOV 22

    Beyond Abundance?

    Join Samantha and guest Becky Chao, Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project, as they talk about the never-ending conflict between YIMBYs and anti-YIMBYs—and how we can get beyond it. Broken markets and broken incomes both shape American dysfunction. What can we do about it? https://economicsecurityproject.org/resource/affordability/

    1h 3m

  6. NOV 16

    The Furious Minds of the MAGA Right

    Join Samantha and guest Laura Field, author of the new book *Furious Minds*, as they discuss how ideas have driven history, from John Maynard Keynes to Abraham Lincoln to Project 2025. How did highly online right-wing weirdos become "the brain trust and influencer arm" of the Republican Party? What sects and factions are operating beneath the surface? And how do they marry grandiose philosophy, gutter racism, and relentless posting to rise to power? *Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right*: https://bookshop.org/a/115699/9780691255262

    1h 6m

  7. NOV 7

    The Meme Politics of "Hearts of Iron"

    Join host Samantha Hancox-Li as she explores the concept of "meme politics," which pervades the current Trump II administration, through the historical grand strategy game Hearts of Iron IV. In reality, society is an obscure, complicated, recalcitrant system. Meme politics asks: what if it wasn't? What if everything was simple, direct, and easy? By understanding this popular historical simulation game, we can better understand why the reactionary right approaches policy in such an ineffective way. Plus, you get to watch Samantha conquer China by 1938.

    1h 34m

  8. NOV 2

    Radical Liberalism?

    Join Samantha Hancox-Li and guest Alex Zakaras, author of Freedom for All, as they discuss the idea of liberalism as a radical political project, the differences (if any) between liberalism and (market) socialism, and the "playbook" for radical liberals in the age of Trump II. Freedom for All: https://bookshop.org/a/115699/9780300281767

    1h 9m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

A podcast from Liberal Currents (liberalcurrents.com) hosted by Samantha Hancox-Li, with commentary from a liberal perspective on politics, society, economics, media, culture, philosophy, academia, gender, identity, urbanism, books, education, and on and on.

Information

  • Creator
    Liberal Currents
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Liberal Currents
  • Show Website
    Neon Liberalism

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