GoodFellows: Conversations from the Hoover Institution

Facing hot wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and a prolonged cold war in East Asia, how does America adapt its military strategy and resources—and in which direction? Elbridge Colby, former Defense Department assistant secretary and cofounder of the Marathon Initiative, which studies great-power competition, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and H.R. McMaster to discuss his contention that rearming America’s military in anticipation of an eventual Chinese move on Taiwan takes priority over conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. Following that: the fellows weigh in on the merits of a forced sale of TikTok by its Chinese owners, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s calling for an early election in Israel, plus how to find one’s soulmate offline (plot spoiler: try attending an intellectual “slap up” dinner, or getting concussed in a rugby match).

Following Super Tuesday’s results, with the US presidential election still the better part of eight months away, a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump is all but certain. Victor Davis Hanson, the Hoover Institution’s Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow and author of the soon-to-be-released book The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation, joins Hoover senior fellows John Cochrane and H.R. McMaster to discuss where Biden and Trump stand on “shrinkflation” and the US economy, America’s involvement in overseas conflicts, plus the likelihood of Democrats replacing a struggling Biden at their August national convention and Trump running a disciplined campaign despite his legal travails.

Why did Vladimir Putin call for an “inter-Palestinian meeting” in Moscow? And has Israel drawn a red line regarding a hostage release and an assault on the Gazan city of Rafah? Dan Senor, host of the Call Me Back podcast and author of two books on Israel, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson (live from Jerusalem) and John Cochrane to discuss the moving parts and global ramifications of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Following that: remembering the late Alexei Navalny and what the future holds for Russian political opposition amid Putin-brand fascism; America’s “trust” credit rating as it reneges on promises to friends and allies; plus George Washington’s recent demotion to third-greatest of all US presidents.

While the American reprisal against Iranian proxies across the Middle East is impressive in its harnessing of firepower, technology, and intelligence, does it advance the goals of deterrence and de-escalation? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster discuss the pros and cons of the current US strategy and their concerns over the lack of an apparent end game. Following that: a conversation about Donald Trump’s  appeal to voters and his detractors’ inability to understand his populist resonance (the subject of a recent John Cochrane Wall Street Journal op-ed); how best to revitalize African nations; plus Niall’s annual abhorrence of Super Bowl Sunday (spoiler alert: he’s not a “Swiftie”).

This installment of GoodFellows is devoted to audience questions—viewers and listeners putting Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster through their intellectual paces. Among the topics broached: a possible re-embrace of Western heritage; the same pre–World War I mentality that dismissed the likelihood of a global conflict potentially enabling a third world war; India and Pakistan’s economic and geostrategic outlooks; Donald Trump’s second-term objectives, should he be reelected; and Argentinian president Javier Milei’s pro-market “shock therapy” and his World Economic Forum “special address” dressing down Davos attendees. Viewers also asked: Why not a fellows’ blues band? Might Niall consider adding a little profanity to his profundity?

The new year begins with a continuation of three topics that figured prominently in 2023: escalating hostilities in the Middle East; a possible return to more traditional higher education after shake-ups at several elite American universities; plus the uncertainty of certain economic assumptions (in 2023, a much-prophesied recession that never materialized). Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane also discuss the odds of Cold War 2 morphing into World War III; whether economic conditions will overshadow fearmongering in a grim Trump-Biden referendum (in Niall’s words: the choice of “empire or republic”); the best use of this leap year’s spare day; plus why King Charles III would choose to break with tradition by spending a “dry” January in a very wet Scotland.

Failing to unequivocally denounce students’ calls for Jewish genocide has cost one university president her job and raises questions as to whether the current levels of anti-Semitic vitriol and political activism inside America’s elite schools suggests parallels to Nazi Germany. Bari Weiss, founder of the Free Press and host of the Honestly podcast, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss when and why America’s universities went astray and how to separate scholarship from political agendas.

As the US prepares for a presidential vote (Iowans caucusing in fewer than 50 days) and a temporary truce halts the Israel-Hamas conflict, long-term uncertainty seems the order of the day. Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal political columnist and the “architect” behind George W. Bush’s presidential runs, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson. H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the odds of a Biden-Trump rematch. Next the three fellows analyze the latest in the Middle East, including the peril of a broader regional conflict and the potential for eradicating Hamas. Finally, a “lightning round“ explores Vladimir Putin’s peace overtures, Sam Altman’s return to OpenAI, an ascendant Right on two continents, plus the legacy of the soon-to-be-touring Rolling Stones (Niall having no sympathy for any devil who doesn’t recognize the Stones as the greatest rock band).

Two conflicts present two challenges: a Ukrainian counteroffensive turned stalemate; and Israel’s survival as it confronts Hamas (and possibly Hezbollah and Iran). Russ Roberts, Hoover’s John and Jean De Nault Research Fellow and president of Jerusalem’s Shalem College, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson. H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss Israel’s morale and strategic choices amid a month-long wartime crisis. Then Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of US Army Europe, makes the case for anticipating a positive outcome—Ukraine expelling Russian forces, winning back its land—in a war nearing its 21-month mark.

Ian Rowe, an American Enterprise Institute senior fellow and cofounder of the Bronx-based Vertex Partnership Academies, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to discuss the future of public education and charter schools’ role in the quest for better outcomes.

What lessons does a virtues-based public charter high school in New York City offer to the ideal of education as a path to life success? Ian Rowe, an American Enterprise Institute senior fellow and cofounder of the Bronx-based Vertex Partnership Academies, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to discuss the future of public education and charter schools’ role in the quest for better outcomes. After that: Niall and John weigh in on the potential for economic turmoil in a time of global instability; a hypothetical outsider as House Speaker; plus their like and dislike of the Olympic Games.

As Israel and Ukraine struggle for survival, a newer “axis of ill will”—formed by Russia, China and Iran—sows discord around the globe. Stephen Kotkin, the Hoover Institution’s Kleinheinz Senior Fellow and a vaunted historian, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to assess options abroad and parallels to the past (are we reliving the 1930s, the 1970s, or both?). The trio then dons their speechwriters’ hats to suggest how President Biden can capture the moral high ground. The trio then discusses how President Biden can capture the moral high ground when he makes public statements about the crisis and America’s response to it.

Recorded live at the Hoover Institution’s fall retreat: Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss unfolding events in the Middle East—Israel’s response, failures in intelligence gathering, plus America’s strategic choices vis-à-vis a complicit Iran. The trio then reflects on what an anti-Israeli backlash on the campuses of America’s elite universities—students and faculty denouncing the initial victims as aggressors, university leaders offering only lackluster “word salads”—says about the current state of higher education in the United States. 

The US Supreme Court seems headed for a showdown with social media platforms over content and censorship; the United Nations’ 78th General Assembly underscores that body’s inability to curb totalitarian aggression. Eugene Volokh, a soon-to-be Hoover Institution senior fellow and a First Amendment law professor at UCLA, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to discuss free speech in the Information Age and what comes next for universities following the court’s rebuke of race-factored admissions. This is followed by Niall and John discussing whether 20th-century international agencies remain true to their charters. On a lighter note, John and Niall also weigh in on government-run groceries, dress codes, and tipping servers (waiters yes, baristas no).

In a special “mailbag” episode, Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster answer viewers’ questions, ranging from global geopolitics to American domestic affairs. Among the topics: Is China headed for an economic or military tipping point? What do the commentariat make of doomsaying Cassandras? And would two of the GoodFellows follow their colleague to the White House?

Former president Donald Trump faces at least four criminal trials that could overshadow the Republicans’ presidential nominating process—and maybe fatally wound him in a general election—while a legal cloud hangs over President Biden due to an ongoing investigation into his son’s business affairs. Andrew McCarthy, a National Review contributing editor and former federal prosecutor, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster to discuss how “lawfare” became a weaponized part of American politics and the corrosive effects it’s having on national elections and institutional trust.   

On the 78th anniversary of the only wartime use of nuclear weapons, is the human race at another moral crossroads, fearing what artificial intelligence (AI) breakthroughs might unleash? Fei-Fei Li, co-director of Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered AI, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, John Cochrane, and H.R. McMaster to discuss AI’s promise and peril, followed by the three “GoodFellows” revisiting Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bombs in 1945. Just as crucial to mankind’s future: they debate the likely winner in an as-yet-unscheduled MMA bout pitting Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg against X’s Elon Musk.  

This week, the self-moderating GoodFellows (Bill Whalen is on vacation) ponder why the much predicted recession hasn’t materialized—at least not yet. The Fellows also discuss the national security implications of a recession and why some economists may be a little too optimistic about economic conditions in the near future. Then, we check back in on the war in Ukraine and close with some thoughts about summer, featuring a cameo appearance from General Funkenstein himself.

A tumultuous 24 hours in Russia—ordinarily pro-Russia armed mercenaries marching on Moscow, Vladimir Putin’s whereabouts unknown—reveals the fragility of that wartime autocracy. Dmitri Alperovitch, founder of the Washington, DC–based think tank Silverado Policy Accelerator and host of the Geopolitics Decanted podcast, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and H.R. McMaster to discuss the reasons behind the Wagner Group mutiny, Vladimir Putin’s job security, and the impact the insurrection will have on the prosecution of the now 16-month war in Ukraine.  

California weighs reparations for slavery’s descendants as America approaches the three-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd—a Black man killed by a White police officer—in Minneapolis. Coleman Hughes, a columnist and podcaster who specializes in issues related to race and public policy, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and H.R. McMaster to discuss the legacy of Floyd’s death, the historical teaching of race, and the feasibility of a “color-blind” society. Plus, Niall and H.R. handicap the odds of a second Trump presidency and what that would portend for “Cold War 2” and the war in Ukraine. Also, General Funkenstein is in ‘da house!

Does the Shakespearean adage “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” still apply to today’s United Kingdom? British author and journalist Douglas Murray joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss King Charles III’s coronation and the monarch’s relevancy in modern times, plus the fragile state of the West given unbalanced alliances, threats to free markets, and strained social fabrics. But before that: the three “Goodfellows” remember the recently deceased John Raisian, director of the Hoover Institution from 1990 to 2015.

Is artificial intelligence a global killer or an emerging technology which, if properly harnessed, can improve mankind? And what’s the significance of a low-level National Guard member being able to expose US military secrets? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the promise and perils of ever-improving AI and what if any damage came from the so-called “Geeky Leaks” scandal, plus their views on marijuana legalization as the world braces for the annual “420 Day” celebration.

In this second installment of audience questions, viewers and listeners from nearly three dozen nations spanning six continents ask Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane about the durability of America’s “empire,” Putin’s war crimes, Henry Kissinger’s worldview, and the future of Western universities. Preceding all of that: an on-the-ground report from Cochrane in Tokyo, who is amazed that “it’s possible to run a city that is not a zombie apocalypse.”

The first of two episodes devoted solely to questions from the audience—viewers and listeners from nearly three dozen nations spanning six continents—who ask Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane whether a protracted war favors Russia or Ukraine; what is China’s geopolitical interest in the conflict; what are financial risks associated with Silicon Valley Bank’s travails; plus each GoodFellow’s first act if they were elected president of the United States.

What do long-term demographic trends suggest about the world moving forward? American Enterprise Institute fellow Nicholas Eberstadt joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a conversation about shifting populations and societal behavior, followed by the three “GoodFellows” addressing the fallout from Silicon Valley Bank’s implosion and All Quiet on the Western Front’s strong showing at the 95th Academy Awards.

While erratic weather and apocalyptic prophecies keep climate change in the headlines, a set of arguably more pressing global concerns goes less noticed. Bjorn Lomborg, a Hoover visiting fellow and president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, discusses what his cost-benefit analysis says about curbing HIV/AIDS, malaria, and hunger, and the role of free trade and economic development in improving living conditions in Africa and impoverished lands.

A Chinese “civilian airship” wafts across the US heartland. Vladimir Putin ramps up the saber-rattling as the one-year anniversary of his Ukraine invasion nears. And could a single platinum coin be America’s debt elixir? Victor Davis Hanson, the Hoover Institution’s Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss “eyes in the sky,” ground warfare, plus one soccer-and-rugby-loving fellow’s super disgust with the super-sized spectacle that is the Super Bowl.

GoodFellows celebrates its 100th episode with Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane reflecting on social, economic, and geopolitical lessons learned since their first conversation nearly three years ago. Also debated: the merits of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the spectacle of climate-change bloviation, plus the strategic implications of sending American heavy tanks to Ukraine (Lt. Gen. McMaster knowing a thing or two about the topic, having led armored cavalry regiments into combat).   

Is the United States in a new “cold war” with China, and if so, what steps should be taken to get the attention of the government in Beijing (a military buildup? banning TikTok in the US)? Wisconsin congressman Mike Gallagher, chair of the newly created House Select Committee on China, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a look at US-Sino relations.

What did the GoodFellows learn in 2022, and what do they anticipate for 2023? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane reflect on the war in Ukraine, cryptocurrency’s fall and inflation’s rise, ChatGPT’s upending of essay writing and other academic pursuits, plus whether Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter could prove to be his undoing—much like that of a 19th-century French emperor. 

A post-holiday Goodfellows features the panelists bringing their own curiosities to the table. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss China’s COVID-restriction protests and restoring academic freedom of college campuses. Plus two “Goodfellows” weigh in with differing views on American “football” vs. the more global “futbal.”  

A week after America’s midterm election, Washington faces the prospect of divided government for the next two years. Kimberly Strassel, the Wall Street Journal’s “Potomac Watch” columnist, joins Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane for a reading of the midterm tea leaves and thoughts on what comes next in terms of congressional agendas, the war in Ukraine, the future oversight of cryptocurrency, and Elon Musk’s Twitter overhaul.

A world where artificial intelligence completes your work and thoughts? And what’s the wiser bet: “short Meta” or “long Twitter”? Tyler Cowen, a George Mason University economist and coauthor of the Marginal Revolution blog, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to discuss whether technological advancements will improve the human condition.  

Can China’s current authoritarian model hold without destroying its economy, and what’s the near-term outlook for the war in Ukraine? Stephen Kotkin, the Hoover Institution’s Kleinheinz Senior Fellow and an authority on geopolitics and authoritarian regimes (and a Joe Pesci soundalike) joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the latest in Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia.  

With the US election approaching and apparently tilting Republicans’ way, the question is: What to do with their newfound power on Capitol Hill? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss how a 118th Congress under new management might address aid to Ukraine, the China “Cold War 2.0” dilemma, plus America’s economic, energy, and health concerns.  

Recorded on October 18, 2022

The British prime minister’s days seem numbered (yet again), as might those of Iran’s theocracy—and what to make of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s growing cult of personality? In a “bring your own topic” edition of GoodFellows, Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss these worldly matters as well the coming clash between a wintry COVID spike and pandemic-weary populations.

ABOUT THE SERIES

GoodFellows, a weekly Hoover Institution broadcast, features senior fellows John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H.R. McMaster discussing the social, economic, and geostrategic ramifications of this changed world. They can’t banter over lunch these days, but they continue their spirited conversation online about what comes next, as we look forward to an end to the crisis. For more in this series visit, https://www.hoover.org/goodfellows

Is history repeating itself, with America reliving the political rancor and upheaval of the late 19th-century Gilded Age? Karl Rove, political strategist and the “architect” of George W. Bush’s presidential campaigns, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the impact of economics, world events, and cultural concerns on this year’s midterm vote.  

Britain’s new prime minister unveils a tax-cutting Rx for her ailing nation; Italy’s choice of a hard-right prime minister sends the media into a “fascist” tizzy; Iranians take to the street to protest a woman’s being killed after arrested for breaking that theocracy’s hijab law; and Vladimir Putin insists he’s “not bluffing” in threatening to go nuclear in Ukraine. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the latest overseas news, including how to help Iranian resistors (send in Elon Musk’s Starlink) and Ukrainian warriors (send over more tanks).

This week’s episode is devoted to audience questions – viewers and listeners from nearly thirty nations spanning six continents asking Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane for their thoughts on the war in Ukraine, future Napoleons, plus where they turn to for intellectual inspiration.

GoodFellows presents an abbreviated episode, with Hoover senior fellow Niall Ferguson on the ground in Ukraine (but not sporting an olive-green tee) as he joins senior fellow John Cochrane to discuss the war’s progress, the outlook for Zelenskyy and Putin, plus what the future holds for Britain’s national identity and the House of Windsor in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

Recorded on September 10, 2022

Is this the “Chinese Century? Not necessarily, given that nation’s long-term demographic challenges (an aging population overtaking a contracting workforce). Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane discuss the geopolitical consequences of a China in decline – if it accelerates a move against Taiwan; should America be engaging in détente or a military buildup?

Recorded on August 24, 2022

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi heads a congressional delegation to Taiwan, prompting an angry backlash from Beijing and an escalation of tensions. In an abbreviated version of GoodFellows, Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss what, if any, impact the Speaker’s visit will have on US–Sino strategy and relations and the global balance of power moving forward.

Recorded August 3, 2022

As promised, the GoodFellows (that’s John H. Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H. R. McMaster) take a break from their summer hiatus to discuss what has transpired in the world since their last appearance on YouTube. Topics covered include the war in Ukraine, the economy and inflation, and the hot topic of the moment: the climate and Europe’s search for reliable energy. Also, the GoodFellows make some summer reading suggestions!

Recorded July 12, 2022

Recorded June 1, 2022

As the Russia–Ukraine conflict approaches the 100-day mark, is any kind of resolution in sight? Condoleezza Rice, former US secretary of state and the Hoover Institution’s Tad and Dianne Taube Director, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a conversation encompassing the war in Eastern Europe, its impact on US-Sino policy, plus what the scourge of gun violence says about America’s social and cultural divides.

As the fighting in Ukraine continues, what’s the wisest strategy for the United States—keep sending weapons, help the Ukrainians broaden their operations, or advocate for a peaceful settlement? Victor Davis Hanson, the Hoover Institution’s Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow, joins senior fellows John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H. R. McMaster for a spirited debate regarding the breadth of American involvement overseas, Donald Trump’s sway over election outcomes, plus California’s drought and its impact on Victor’s farm in the San Joaquin Valley.

Recorded May 20, 2022

As the war in Ukraine passes the 70-day mark, questions abound as to whether Russia will soon escalate the brutality, how far Ukrainian forces intend to take the fight, plus the West’s long-term appetite for supplying arms and aid. Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commanding general, US Army Europe, joins Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss what to expect next in Eastern Europe’s war zone.

Recorded May 3, 2022

A “potluck” edition of GoodFellows this time around, with Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane “bringing their own” topics for group discussion. These include an examination of an anticipated tank battle in Ukraine’s Donbas that’s yet to materialize, China’s disastrous “zero COVID” policy, what a post-Ukraine economic and military order might resemble, plus Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter and Florida governor Ron DeSantis’s takedown of Disney and university faculty in the Sunshine State.

For more information on the Hoover publications mentioned in this video, please visit the links below:

Strategika: https://www.hoover.org/Strategika
China’s Global Sharp Power Weekly Alert: hoover.org/CGSPWeeklyAlert

Recorded April 26, 2022

The GoodFellows return to economics this week, coinciding with news of America’s worst inflation in over 40 years. Lawrence Summers, former US Treasury secretary and Harvard University president emeritus, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss Federal Reserve policy, government spending, and the war in Europe as contributors to America’s economic woes. They also cover the soaring national debt, a possible supply-chain crisis, economic competition with China, plus academic freedom under fire in elite universities.

Recorded April 12, 2022

The war continues in Ukraine while peace talks go forward in Istanbul – the outcome of both endeavors anyone’s guess. Michael McFaul, a Hoover senior fellow and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss the chances of a settlement that’s mutually beneficial to the two warring parties and the West, Vladimir Putin, plus the possibility of hostilities escalating.

Recorded April 4, 2022

This week, H .R. McMaster mans the moderator chair for Bill Whalen, and our guest is Matt Pottinger, the former deputy national security advisor and current distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution. We cover President Biden’s call with Chinese president Xi Jinping; discuss what lessons China may be taking from Russia’s experience in Ukraine with regards to its own ambitions in Taiwan; and debate what the end game may look like between Russia and Ukraine and when we might expect that to play out.

Recorded March 22, 2022

This week’s episode is devoted to audience questions—viewers and listeners from over two dozen nations and five continents asking Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for their thoughts on the war in Ukraine, America’s future involvement in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, China’s plans for Taiwan, plus the impact of Russia’s acts of aggression on oil prices and global economics.

Recorded March 15, 2022

Have “false flags” given way to false hope in Ukraine? Despite the images of bold resistance, will Russian military setbacks eventually lead to a bad outcome for the citizens of that nation? Rep. Mike Gallagher, a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence committees, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the latest news in Eastern Europe, US strategic choices, the war’s economic ramifications, plus China’s short-term (as peacemaker?) and long-term (to absorb Taiwan) aspirations.

Recorded March 8, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine produces a ripple effect across the globe militarily, diplomatically, and economically. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss a vaunted Russian war machine that’s seemingly slipped a cog, an altered geopolitical landscape, plus the effectiveness of economic sanctions in ending both Russia’s presence in Ukraine and Vladimir Putin’s tsarist ambitions.

Recorded March 3, 2022

Drug overdoses kill more Americans annually than vehicle crashes and gun deaths combined, with the intake of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl rampant across social and economic lines. Retired army major General Barrye Price, president and CEO of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, joins Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss how the US can kick its drug habit, plus a few thoughts on Critical Race Theory and better avenues to equality of opportunity as the nation celebrates Black History Month.

Recorded February 22, 2022

How to navigate the shoals of cancel culture when the p.c. mob comes your way? Bari Weiss, proprietor of the Common Sense newsletter and “Honestly” podcast, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss Joe Rogan’s Spotify drama and Substack’s role as journalistic haven, plus her belief that COVID restrictions constitute a “catastrophic and moral crime” upon the younger generation.

Recorded February 15, 2022

As opposed to the fictional exploits of James Bond and Jason Bourne, what are the realities of modern-day intelligence-gathering—and how does the US compete in a new age of cyber-espionage? Amy Zegart, the Hoover Institution’s Morris Arnold and Nona Jean Cox Senior Fellow and author of the newly released Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H .R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a closer look at intelligence gathering, national security, and geopolitics.

Recorded February 1, 2022

Britain’s party-throwing prime minister may soon be thrown out of office; Ukraine and Russia are seemingly on the brink of an armed conflict that could throw the entire continent into tumult; and how to deter Russian aggression (other than sanctions)? Andrew Sullivan, proprietor of Substack’s Weekly Dish and Dishcast podcast, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a closer look at UK politics and European geopolitics.

Recorded January 25, 2022

As gun sales soar in pandemic-stricken America, the GoodFellows ask, Who’s entitled to possess a firearm? What restrictions should there be? And how would an international right “to keep and bear arms” affect the world order? Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review senior writer and Second Amendment proponent, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss America’s fascination with firearms.

Recorded January 18, 2022

The new year begins by opening the viewer mailbag. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane answer questions from viewers in more than 20 countries. They range from the likelihood of hostilities in Ukraine to academic freedom and the present health of American democracy—plus which of the Beatles they see themselves as, given that one viewer thinks the show is “fab.”

Recorded January 6, 2022

Inflation arrived, COVID stuck around in its various forms and the world became a lot more complicated in terms of nations edging to the brink of hostilities. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane ring out the old and ring in the new, offering their takes on what transpired in 2021 and what to expect in the new year.

Recorded December 14, 2021

A brighter future of better education and scientific breakthroughs? Or a dystopian future of technology-driven chaos? Eric Schmidt, former Google chairman and CEO and coauthor of the newly released The Age Of AI: And Our Human Future, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss where artificial intelligence is leading mankind and the AI competition between the US and China, plus the feasibility of the “metaverse” and the nexus between work and longevity.

Recorded November 23, 2021

This week, distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution and professor of economics at Brown University Glenn Loury joins the GoodFellows to discuss the Rittenhouse verdict and the controversies about race, the media, and guns that arose from the trial and the coverage of the verdict. They also discuss media coverage after Darrell Brooks allegedly drove a car into a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Finally, as this episode is top loaded with economists (Cochrane and Loury), the fellows debate the causes and some possible solutions to the supply-chain issues currently plaguing the country and the world.

Recorded November 23, 2021

Cryptocurrency’s future, fossil fuels and alternate energy sources, the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, a new university devoted to academic freedom emerging deep in the heart of Texas, plus ethnic food as the gateway to a better understanding of economics and immigration: all are part of a multicourse intellectual feast featuring Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane, with their guest, George Mason University  economist/blogger/podcaster/foodie Tyler Cowen.

Recorded November 9, 2021

The latest on the pandemic front: kids ages 5–12 receiving vaccines and a federal deadline for private employers to comply with new vaccine rules set for January. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University School of Medicine professor, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a wide-ranging conversation on COVID-19, encompassing mask sensibility, vaccine efficacy, and where Anthony Fauci and public health officials went astray.

Recorded November 4, 2021

Live from the Hoover Institution’s Fall Retreat: Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discussing think tanks’ role in today’s world, Washington’s absurdist tax proposals, Facebook’s rebrand, and China’s hypersonic missile test as a Sputnik-like wake-up call—plus one GoodFellow’s affinity for the B-52’s (the band, not the bomber).

Recorded October 29, 2021

The late Colin Powell’s story is one of an immigrant’s son who rose to prominence based on a quality public-school education and enrollment in college ROTC. Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster, John Cochrane, and guest Caroline Hoxby discuss whether today’s generation stands to benefit the same as Powell’s, what role teachers play, how elite universities can better connect to lower-income students, plus COVID’s effect on the workplace in terms of remote work and concentrated workforces.

The 60th episode of the series includes a first: the three “Good Fellows” mixing it up in person, in the same room, on the grounds of the Hoover Institution. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss Congress’s handling of the Afghanistan debacle, pushback against COVID vaccine mandates, the present supply-chain “crisis,” and Facebook’s uncertain future—plus one fellow’s deep disdain for the music of Pink Floyd.

Recorded October 13, 2021

As Washington mulls trillions in “human infrastructure” spending and remains at an impasse over raising the federal debt ceiling, what are the economic consequences? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane are joined by economic historian Tyler Goodspeed, Hoover’s Kleinheinz Fellow and a former acting chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, to discuss the latest DC drama, the present supply-chain crisis and cryptocurrency’s future.

Recorded October 6, 2021

In this week’s episode, we dove into our mailbag of viewers’ letters. The end result: Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane answering questions ranging from the future of US-Sino relations, sovereign debt, vaccine stockpiling, and bitcoin to advice for young students, the fellows’ favorite scholars, and movies related to their respective fields.

Recorded September 28, 2021

Recorded September 21, 2021

Pre-COVID, California governor Gavin Newsom touted his state’s policies as “America’s coming attractions.” Does that apply to the Golden State’s recall election—its overtones of vaccine mandates, abortion rights, and championing progressive ideals setting the stage for upcoming elections? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss California’s outlook and whether the pendulum currently swings left or right in America and around the globe.

Recorded September 14, 2021

The approaching twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the American homeland is a time to remember the fallen and reflect on lessons learned from that terrible day, including America’s readiness for a similar event. Condoleezza Rice, the Tad and Dianne Taube Director of the Hoover Institution and President George W. Bush’s national security advisor at the time of the attacks, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to relive the White House’s response that day and shares her concerns about US national security moving forward.

Recorded September 9, 2021

America’s inability to adequately game-plan and execute a clean withdrawal from Afghanistan brings into question the foresight and competency of the nation’s political and foreign policy establishment. Hoover Institution senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss what went wrong in Kabul, the harm done to US prestige, and whether the image of a weakened America at odds with its NATO allies opens the door to Chinese and Russian aggression.

Recorded August 24, 2021

America’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the onset of the Delta variant raise questions as to the success of the war on terror and the war on COVID-19. Hoover Institution senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss what all has gone wrong of late on those respective battlefields, plus a few thoughts on the rise and fall of New York governor Andrew Cuomo.

Recorded August 10, 2021

To the adage of repeating the past, does a stretch of inflation at home, the end of prolonged military involvement in a faraway land, and a president lamenting a nation in crisis suggest a return to the America of the 1970s? Hoover Institution senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the differences between then and now—after sharing photos showcasing their ’70s finery.

Recorded June 25, 2021

Does elite thinking about the Black experience in America, as expressed via the teaching of critical race theory and the 1619 Project, benefit the descendants of slavery? Glenn Loury, a Hoover Institution distinguished visiting fellow and Brown University economist who writes frequently on racial inequality, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the historical and economic arcs of race in America.

Recorded May 25, 2021

It’s a complicated world—one in which an ascendant China threatens American concerns, fighting has recommenced in the Middle East, and the US government may not be suitably prepared for future cyberattacks. Robert Gates, secretary of defense in both the Obama and Bush 43 presidential administrations, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the state of world affairs, US cybersecurity, and America’s global vision (or lack thereof).

Recorded May 18, 2021

While many an American university has struggled with the pandemic and cancel culture, Indiana’s Purdue University seems the exception to the norm: a reopened campus with an ongoing commitment to civics literacy and intellectual diversity. Purdue’s president, former Indiana governor Mitch Daniels, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the state of higher education.

Recorded May 11, 2021

As it turns out, COVID-19 isn’t the first catastrophic event to plague mankind. Or so Niall Ferguson, the Hoover Institution’s Milbank Family Senior Fellow, reminds us in his new book Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe, a historical look at past disasters and their aftermaths. The author joins Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss why it is that we still struggle with disaster response and how to better prepare for future calamities.

Recorded May 4, 2021

For decades, America has struggled to make sense of whom to allow legally into the nation, whether to create pathways to citizenship for those who have slipped across the border illegally, and how to maintain the ideal of a welcoming society. Reihan Salam, president of the Manhattan Institute and author of 2018’s Melting Pot or Civil War? A Son of Immigrants Makes the Case Against Open Borders, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane to discuss the present crisis at the southern border and what a 21st-century version of immigration reform should resemble.

Recorded April 27, 2021

What to make of elite universities with scant conservative representation in their faculty ranks; mankind’s tendency to dwell on the negative; plus the question of whether this is indeed the best time to be alive? Harvard cognitive psychologist and best-selling author Steven Pinker joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane to make the case for optimism in this time of the “Great Awokening.”

Recorded April 20, 2021