Best Institute for Liberal Studies Podcasts (2025)

1
Seth Kaplan - Why Are Neighbourhoods Important? 1:05:12

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4h ago1:05:12

1:05:12

In this coversation from 2023, Matt speaks with Seth Kaplan about his book Fragile Neighborhoods, and why a decision as simple as where we choose to live can often make the difference between lives of prosperity and lives of uncertainty and strife. Seth's book can be ordered here: https://a.co/d/aqUzRny…

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Jasmine Sun on Silicon Valley through a Chinese Mirror 1:11:18

4d ago1:11:18

1:11:18

This week on Sinica, co-host Tianyu Fang makes his debut on the show to join me in interviewing his Stanford classmate and talented writer Jasmine Sun, who studies the anthropology of disruption. This summer, she took a trip to China with a group of friends with different levels of China experience, from people raised in the country to total novice…

1
Yascha Mounk on China and Western Liberalism 1:22:03

9d ago1:22:03

1:22:03

This week on the Sinica Podcast, I chat with well-known author and public intellectual Yascha Mounk about his recent fascination with China, his approach to learning about the country and learning Chinese, and his thoughts on how China fits into the current crisis of Western liberal democracy. 7:15 – Yascha’s experience of living in China and learn…

1
Andrew Coyne - Why Is Canadian Democracy In Crisis? 1:13:49

7d ago1:13:49

1:13:49

In this episode, Alex speaks with journalist and author Andrew Coyne about why Canadian democracy is in crisis. Drawing from his book The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, Coyne explains how the concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s Office, the erosion of cabinet and caucus independence, and the iron grip of party discipline have hollowed out …

1
What Did the September 3 Parade Mean? 1:43:11

16d ago1:43:11

1:43:11

This week on Sinica, I speak first with retired Senior Colonel Zhou Bo, a frequent commentator on Chinese military and security affairs and a prolific writer now at the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, and with Rana Mitter of the Harvard Kennedy School and author of Forgotten Ally, a book about World War II in …

1
Tyler Cowen - Who Is The Greatest Economist Of All Time? 58:42

14d ago58:42

58:42

In this conversation from 2024, Matt speaks with Tyler Cowen about his recent book "GOAT: Who is the Greatest Economist of all Time and Why Does it Matter?", as they discuss the case for and against each of the top finalists, and the interactive AI features that Tyler has integrated into the book's online release. Episode Notes: The full book plus …

1
Kazu Haga: On Fierce Vulnerability 53:09

20d ago53:09

53:09

We are living in a world where the depths of division, violence, and destruction can no longer be ignored. Escalated forms of harm require an equally escalated response. Yet social movements often use tactics that tend to escalate an “us vs. them,” “right vs. wrong” worldview not conducive to healing. Activist, trainer, and practitioner of nonviole…

1
Aaron Powell - Is Fusionism Dead? 56:42

23d ago56:42

56:42

In this episode from 2022, Alex speaks with Aaron Powell about the origins of fusionism, where it stands today, and why non-traditional alliances might be the way of the future. References 1. Free Thoughts Podcast Link: https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/free-thoughts 2. ReImagining Liberty Podcast Link: https://www.reimaginingliberty.com/podc…

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What Does China Want? The Authors of a New Paper Challenge the DC Consensus 1:29:32

24d ago1:29:32

1:29:32

This week on Sinica, I chat with Dave Kang (USC), Zenobia Chan (Georgetown), and Jackie Wong (American University in Sharjah, UAE) about their new paper in International Security titled "What Does China Want?" The paper, which has generated quite a bit of controversy, takes a data-driven approach to examine the claim that China seeks global hegemon…

1
Mike Munger - What Is The Difference Between Directionalism and Destinationism? 50:32

1M ago50:32

50:32

In this conversation from 2023, Alex and Mike Munger discuss two strains of thought within the liberty movement - one concerned with philosophical purity and cohesion, the other with advancement towards a common ideal of greater freedom for all. Episode Notes: Mike's article "The Right Kind of Nothing": https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-right-k…

1
Trump's India Tariff Tirade: A Gift to Beijing? With Evan Feigenbaum 1:03:36

1M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

This week on the Sinica Podcast, I welcome back Evan Feigenbaum, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Evan served for many years as a State Department official, was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia among his numerous positions in government, and was instrumental in buil…

1
The Engineering State and the Lawyerly Society: Dan Wang on his new book "Breakneck" 1:32:43

1M ago1:32:43

1:32:43

This week on Sinica, I'm delighted to be joined by Dan Wang, formerly of Gavekal Dragonomics and the Paul Tsai Law Center at Yale University, now with the Hoover Institute's History Lab. Dan's new book is Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future, and it's already one of the year's most talked-about books. In this conversation, we go beyond w…

1
Pete Boettke - Is Hayek Still Relevant? 1:05:56

1M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Pete Boettke about the relevancy of Friedrich Hayek in the contemporary context, what it means to be a "Hayekian" and the curious tale of how Hayek came to be the focus of his latest book "F. A. Hayek: Economics, Political Economy and Social Philosophy" Episode Notes Pete’s book “F. A. Hayek: Economi…

1
Chinese and U.S. AI Applications in Public Administration: Lessons and Implications for Ukraine 1:18:46

1M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

Artificial intelligence has been a frequent topic on Sinica in recent years — but usually through the lens of the two countries that have produced the leading models and companies: the United States and China. We’ve covered generative AI, national strategies, governance frameworks, and the geopolitical implications of AI leadership. This webinar, b…

1
Robert Poole - What's Wrong With America's Highways? 47:04

1M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode, Alex speaks with transportation policy expert Robert Poole about his book Rethinking America’s Highways. Poole makes the case for replacing the current tax-funded, politically managed highway system with a customer-focused, market-based model. He outlines how tolling, public-private partnerships, and long-term concessions can impro…

1
Nuclear Weapons, Ukraine, and Great-Power Competition 1:12:49

2M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

Join me for a conversation with four fantastic panelists about nuclear safety and security issues brought on by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and more broadly on the state of nuclear security globally during this era of dramatic change. This program was made possible by the Ukrainian Platform for Contemporary China and the Center for Sla…

1
Carla Fernandez: On Renegade Grief 58:04

2M ago58:04

58:04

This is the CIIS Public Programs Podcast, featuring talks and conversations recorded live by California Institute of Integral Studies, a non-profit university located in San Francisco on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone Land. *Shaped by her own experience with the death of her father and her time co-founding The Dinner Party, a leading peer-support organiz…

1
Kevin Vallier - What Are The New Religious Threats To Liberalism? 1:09:24

2M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

In this episode from 2023, Alex speaks with Kevin Vallier about his new book "All The Kingdoms Of The World", in which he takes a global view of anti-liberal integralist strands in political thought and warns of the consequences of following them toward a rejection of liberal freedom and democracy. Episode Notes: The conversation focuses primarily …

1
The World AI Conference in Shanghai: Two tech veterans share their impressions 1:26:01

2M ago1:26:01

1:26:01

This week on Sinica, Paul Triolo of DGA Albright Stonebridge and tech investor Ryan Cunningham join to talk about their observations and insights from the World AI Conference (WAIC), held in July in Shanghai, and what it tells them about China's ambitions in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence. Don't miss this one! 04:21 - Ryan on his …

1
“Truth is a Pathless Land”: Krishnamurti and Revolutionary Spirituality with Connie Jones 1:41:12

2M ago1:41:12

1:41:12

In this episode, “Truth is a Pathless Land,” we speak with Transformative Inquiry Program faculty member Connie Jones to explore the micropolitical stakes of revolutionary spirituality through Krishnamurti’s challenge to religious prescription, psychological conditioning, and egoic identification. We discuss techniqueless meditation, the primacy of…

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Chinese Cooking Demystified: Chris Thomas and Stephanie Li visit Shaxi! 1:17:54

2M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

This week on Sinica: On my final two days in Shaxi in Yunnan, Chris Thomas and Stephanie Li, the hosts of the marvelous YouTube channel Chinese Cooking Demystified, joined me for some cooking and lots of chatting about food! We recorded this show together and focus our conversation on their heroic attempt at a taxonomy of different Chinese cuisines…

1
Brian Dijkema - Did Liberalism Fail? 1:04:08

2M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

In this episode, Matt speaks with Brian Dijkema of Cardus, about the moral limits of modern liberalism. Dijkema argues that while classical liberalism emerged from a tradition concerned with virtue and the common good, today’s liberalism often treats neutrality and technocratic governance as ends in themselves. They discuss the work of classical li…

1
Chandran Kukathas - What’s Wrong With Immigration Control? 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

In this episode from 2022, Alex speaks with Chandran Kukathas about the costs of limiting immigration and what effects there may be on policy if the question of who counts as an immigrant is itself unclear. References 1. “Immigration and Freedom” by Chandran Kukathas Link: https://www.amazon.com/Immigration-Freedom-Chandran-Kukathas/dp/0691189684…

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A Search for Wholeness – Integral Aspirations, Reflections, and Intersections of the Scholar-Practitioner 1:35:58

2M ago1:35:58

1:35:58

In this 50th episode, your hosts, Jonathan Kay and Stephen Julich, reflect on the intersections that shape the evolving path of the scholar-practitioner. This episode traces a search for wholeness through three vital crossings: • the intersection of thinking and doing, where lived practice challenges the silos of classical knowledge production; the…

1
Adam Tooze Climbs the China Learning Curve 1:03:28

2M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

I'm in Shaxi, a wonderful little town in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and I was joined here by the Columbia economic historian Adam Tooze, who shared his thoughts on what he sees happening on the ground in China. Adam's been in China for the last month and reflects on his experiences learning about the country — and even attempting the langu…

1
Pete Boettke — What Is The Curious Task of Economics? 1:19:44

2M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

In this conversation from 2020, Alex Aragona chats with Pete Boettke as he dives into what the curious task of economics is and relates it back to the work of Friedrich Hayek. References from Episode 40 with Pete Boettke You can purchase Pete Boettke’s book on F.A. Hayek on Amazon Canada here Check out Pete Boettke’s economics blog here…

1
Bruce Pardy - Freedom Or Virtue? 48:42

3M ago48:42

48:42

In this episode, Matt speaks with legal scholar Bruce Pardy about the deep tension between freedom and virtue. Pardy argues that “freedom people” - classical liberals and libertarians - see virtue as something that can only emerge when individuals are free to choose, while “virtue people” believe virtue must come first, even if enforced by the stat…

1
Jennifer N. Levin: On Generation Care 1:09:30

3M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.*More than 10 million millennials are caring for aging parents before they've been able to fully launch their careers and consider starting their own families, and that's not including the incalculable numbers of …

1
Ben Woodfinden - What Is Canadian Conservatism? 1:10:32

3M ago1:10:32

1:10:32

In this episode, Alex speaks with political theorist Ben Woodfinden about the meaning and complexity of Canadian conservatism. Drawing on his essay “A Tory Impulse and Anti-Laurentian Ideas Drive Canadian Conservatism”, Woodfinden explains why conservatism in Canada is not a single rigid doctrine but a pluralistic network of regionally rooted tradi…

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Carnegie's Tong Zhao on the Expansion of China's Nuclear Arsenal 1:10:21

3M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

This week on Sinica, in a show taped in early June in Washington, Kaiser chats with Tong Zhao (赵通) of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a leading expert on Chinese nuclear doctrine, about why the PRC has, in recent years, significantly increased the size of its nuclear arsenal. Zhao offers a master class in the practice of strategic e…

1
Jacob Levy - Is Liberalism Neutral? 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Professor Jacob Levy about the concept of neutrality within the history of liberalism and how many historical thinkers have approached the subject within that tradition. Episode Notes: Michael Oakeshott on “adverbial rules” https://lawliberty.org/forum/michael-oakeshott-on-the-rule-of-law-and-the-lib…

1
The Strange Afterlife of an American Football Story from China 45:20

3M ago45:20

45:20

In 2014, the writer Christopher Beam published a humorous, heartwarming story in The New Republic about an unlikely team of American football enthusiasts in Chongqing who went on to defeat their archrivals in Shanghai to win a championship. The piece was optioned by Sony Pictures, and had some big names attached, but was ultimately never made — not…

1
Bill Wirtz - Why Do Governments Hate Fun? 46:18

3M ago46:18

46:18

Episode Summary: Matt Bufton is joined by Bill Wirtz of the Consumer Choice Centre to explore why governments often crack down on fun—from drinking and smoking to gambling and vaping. They dive into the cultural and political roots of paternalistic policies, how public health rhetoric masks deeper control impulses, and why Canada offers a revealing…

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The Raider: China and the Life of Evans Carlson, with Historian Stephen Platt 1:22:06

4M ago1:22:06

1:22:06

This week on Sinica, I chat with Stephen Platt, historian at UMass Amherst and author, most recently, of the book The Raider: The Untold Story of a Renegade Marine and the Birth of U.S. Special Forces in World War II. Like his previous works, Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom and Imperial Twilight, it offers a compelling narrative history of an overlo…

1
Marc-William Palen - Were There Left-Wing Visions of Free Trade? 1:06:20

4M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

In this conversation from 2024, Alex speaks with Marc-William Palen about the evolution of left-wing visions of free trade from the mid-19th century through the Cold War, highlighting key movements and figures like the Anti-Corn Law League, Karl Marx, and the Fair Trade movement, and contrasting these with protectionist and imperialist policies of …

Institute For Liberal Studies Podcasts