Discover the nuanced complexities of Taiwan-China relations and the unexpected preferences of their people towards peace, as we're joined by Raymond Kuo from the Rand Corporation and Professor Robert Koepp of Chapman University. Instead of the often-presumed march towards military conflict, we uncover a deeper narrative that highlights the Taiwanese public's recent electoral choices favoring a reduction in tensions with China. Our guests bring to light the intricate economic interdependencies that may be the true linchpins of stability in the region, as well as the strategic wisdom behind Taiwan's bolstering of its defenses—not for war, but as a steadfast deterrent to uphold the peace that both sides of the Taiwan Strait deeply value.

Then, let's unravel the intriguing theory by Dale Copeland on trade expectations and peaceful international relations, a perspective that might just redefine major power dynamics. We scrutinize the idea that the promise of burgeoning trade could be more influential in maintaining harmony than the current trade volume itself. If countries view the future of trade as bright, they're motivated to keep the peace; but if they foresee a trade downturn, the scales could tip towards conflict. This notion of the 'shadow of the future' provides a captivating lens through which we analyze state behavior on the global stage, and could very well be the key to understanding how economic foresight shapes international policies and alliances. Join us for a compelling exploration of these critical global issues with our esteemed experts.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Embark with us as we traverse the complex terrain of higher education alongside our distinguished panel—Rick Hess, Justin Dyer, and Dean Andrew Moser. Together, we scrutinize the waning public confidence in academic institutions, dissect the legislative counteracts to campus culture, and address the impending demographic shift that predicts a drop in college-age students. Our conversation circles around the importance of alumni, legislative bodies, and political engagement in remedying the challenges that plague both public and private universities. We confront the monoculture in academia, especially within the humanities, and how this ideological conformity, coupled with a culture of self-censorship, stifles the dynamism of campus life.

The debate intensifies as we shift focus to the idea that education has become too specialized, potentially at the cost of a citizenry well-versed in civics and the broader societal context. The University of Texas' bold steps with their new school of civic leadership shines as a beacon of hope amidst this specialization trend. We dissect the hurdles of weaving together a diverse student fabric while maintaining the integrity of civic understanding. Our dialogue spans the necessity for interdisciplinary studies and the pursuit of wisdom over narrow expertise, recognizing the societal forces at work even within K-12 education that influence these trends.

In our closing reflection, we turn to the timeless virtues of a liberal arts education, and how grammar, logic, and rhetoric remain indispensable in a modern workforce that prizes critical thinking and complex problem-solving. Drawing from personal experiences as a professor, I underscore the significance of engaging with challenging ideas to better equip students for a fluid job market. We conclude with an optimistic vision of education reform, inspired by a collective drive to enhance learning at every level and the potential for a reinvigoration of educational institutions evocative of the 19th century’s rich array of academic choices. Join our insightful dialogue that leaves us hopeful and charged for the future of learning.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Could our current education system really be churning out a generation that's less learned than the last? Joel and I grapple with this unsettling possibility as we investigate the shifting tides within educational institutions, from the revered halls of Harvard to the vibrant classrooms of primary education. As 2024 dawns, we're pulling back the curtain on the existential role of learning in a society saturated with social media and disrupted hierarchies. This candid conversation unravels the future of university degrees and vocational training against the backdrop of AI’s encroachment into the job market, while also spotlighting the potential of apprenticeships and learning by doing to forge a new educational paradigm.

In an era where fresh infrastructure projects are often glorified, we cast a critical eye on the untapped value of upgrading what's already in place. The allure of new development is dissected, with a focus on the economic drivers that favor groundbreakings over renovations, and we ask whose interests are really being served. By examining cases such as Southern California's train services and New York's Second Avenue subway, Joel and I emphasize the importance of steering infrastructure improvements toward the practical needs of communities. Join us as we dissect these pressing issues, promising a stimulating dialogue that's sure to ignite conversation and reflection on the future of our economy and education systems.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

How has the mosaic of European politics been recast by the relentless waves of immigration? This pressing question takes center stage as Ambassador Ron Spogli and deputy editor Fraser Myers join me to unravel the complex tapestry of populism's ascent in the West. With the spotlight on Georgia Maloney's prime ministerial triumph in Italy, we peel back the layers of public sentiment that propelled her to power. The narrative reveals a populace not driven by xenophobia but by a fervent desire for reform and sovereignty over their borders, a sentiment echoing across the continent from France to Sweden.

Our conversation takes a stark turn as we grapple with the troubling undercurrents of anti-Semitism and right-wing populism's magnetic pull on the younger generation, particularly among white males. The societal upheaval, marked by protests and unrest, sends ripples through the political arena, influencing electoral outcomes and challenging our collective sense of security. It's a delicate balance for governments to uphold free speech while maintaining order, and we dissect how this tension is reshaping the socio-political fabric of Western democracies.

Peering into the crystal ball, we explore the shifting sands of European integration and the potential resurgence of nationalism over the next half-decade. We draw parallels with the assertive leadership of Putin and Xi and their possible impact on Europe's political climate. History serves as our guide, from the EU Constitution's rejection to the seismic jolt of Brexit, as we speculate on the continent's future trajectory. Ambassador Spogli and Fraser Myers leave us with a wealth of insights to ponder until their next visit to the Feudal Future podcast, where the dialogue on these ever-evolving issues will undoubtedly continue.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Education, the cornerstone of our future, teeters on a precipice of change. Former California State Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and retired superintendent Mike Christensen join us to dissect the intricate web of challenges plaguing California's schools—from the scapegoating of teachers and the undervaluation of family engagement to the contentious rise of charter schools and the debate over the high school exit exam. Their expertise illuminates the tangled tapestry of responsibility and reform needed to empower educators, involve parents, and ultimately, shape our children's destiny.

The political battlefield of education is marked by the influence of teachers unions and the polarization over teacher tenure. Amid this fray, Gloria and Mike unravel the complexities, advocating for a balanced view that separates the dedication of individual teachers from the broader political maneuvers of unions. They provoke us to consider the merit of performance-based rewards and standardized assessments, challenging us to reflect on the true measure of educational success and the pursuit of excellence in our schools.

As we wrap up our journey through the educational landscape, we're left with a vision of hope and a promise of innovation. Our heartfelt thanks go to Gloria for her pioneering educational methods and to Michael for his invaluable insights, both of which have stoked the fires of optimism for the future of K-12 education. Together, we have glimpsed the transformative power of diverse educational strategies and their potential to enrich the learning journey for every student. Join us as we continue to forge ahead, eager to uncover the next chapter in the evolution of education.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Our latest episode featuring Walter Russell Mead, foreign affairs expert, is an eye-opener that transcends typical narratives, providing a profound understanding of how this conflict influences the Middle East. We also unveil American energy independence's under-appreciated significance and how it shapes the region's geopolitics. 

No foreign affairs conversation is complete without delving into the complex dynamics of the Middle East. This episode takes an unflinching look at Iran's power plays and the Biden administration's strategies to negotiate these precarious waters. We spotlight the potential benefits and pitfalls of forging a strategic alliance with Israel and Saudi Arabia and hint at the economic rewards that a partnership between Israel and its Sunni Arab neighbors could yield.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Immerse yourself in a profound conversation with Sam Abrams and Daniele Struppa as we set sail into the stormy seas of cancel culture on American campuses. Ponder on the essence of freedom of expression, the intricacies of offensive language, and the implications of a trending phenomenon that is reshaping societal narratives. We dissect the potential hazards of a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion worldview that's propagated within our educational institutions.

Our discourse takes a turn towards academic freedom, a principle that could be endangered by personal biases. We underscore the urgency for developing critical thinking skills amongst students, fostering a sense of media literacy from an early age to discern divergent viewpoints. Striking a balance in presenting varying perspectives during classroom discussions is deemed crucial, as we delve into the role of administrators in ensuring this practice.

As we navigate the contemporary education landscape, we confront the challenges posed by decreased student attention spans, attributed to the allure of social media, and the need for instilling factual groundwork within the classrooms. A noticeable shift from a traditional academic standpoint to advocacy is scrutinized, with a focus on teaching students to think independently rather than spoon-feeding viewpoints. Listen in as we explore the role of technology in enhancing student engagement, the necessity of including historical context in the curriculum, and expressing gratitude for the enlightening insights gained through these conversations.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Ready to uncover the startling contradictions in the green energy movement? Promising a journey into the intricate ecosystem of sustainable power, our episode with Jennifer Shaigec and Robert Bryce will have you questioning what you thought you knew about the transition to alternative energy sources. We discuss the irony of advocating for green energy while simultaneously obstructing the very processes that make it possible - the mining and extraction of essential minerals. We also look at how this power shift is impacting economies globally, from the First Nations protests in the Ring of Fire to coal-dependent nations like Indonesia.

Ever wondered why there's such a divide in global sentiment towards nuclear power? Join us as we take a deep dive into the differing attitudes and unique challenges that each country faces when it comes to harnessing nuclear energy. We examine the perception of risk in Canada, the growing interest in Europe and Japan, and the complexities of implementing a unified policy. But we don't stop at nuclear - we're also scrutinizing the potential influence of corporations on the green energy movement and evaluating the financial implications for the everyday consumer.

Our conversation wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the elephant in the room - labor shortages. From mining to electric linemen, we shine a light on the pressing issue of blue-collar labor scarcity. We discuss the potential implications of introducing environmentalism into school curriculums and question the influence of the super wealthy on the transition to green energy. With so much at stake, the future of energy costs remains uncertain, but one thing's for sure - you'll be thinking about the green energy movement in a whole new light after this episode. Join us, along with Jennifer Shaigec and Robert Bryce, for a vital dialogue about the real costs and implications of going green.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Are you aware that the decline in marriage rates could be silently and profoundly shaping our society? Today, we're joined by Sam Abrams and Brad Wilcox, esteemed visiting fellows at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this pressing issue. We deliberate on how the health of marriage could determine the economic mobility of less fortunate children and how the increasing sense of loneliness in society could be linked to this very decline. 

Intrigued by how the world of politics is influencing marriage? We explore how political heavyweights, specifically mayors like Blasio, Bloomberg, and Giuliani, harness their platforms to address this societal shift. Yet, their personal narratives often reveal a different story. We further touch upon the reluctance of progressive politics to grapple with the topic of marriage and propose policy solutions that could potentially help reintroduce marriage into the mainstream. 

Ever consider how the rising trend of premarital cohabitation might be redefining traditional family structures and influencing marriage rates? We're examining just that, along with the intriguing role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes towards marriage and premarital cohabitation. Join us for this riveting exploration of changing cultural norms and their potential long-term implications. A rewarding listen for anyone interested in understanding the intricate interplay of marriage, politics, and social institutions.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.

Ever marveled at the staggering trends of youth unemployment and labor participation across the globe? Each region presents its unique set of challenges and as we unfold the layers of this discussion, our guests, John Russo of Georgetown University and Rob Koepp of Chapman's Asia-Pacific Geoeconomics and Business Initiative, bring their insights to the table. We tackle the phenomenon of 'lying flat' in Asia, the impact of the pandemic on the US workforce, and dissect the intriguing employment structures prevalent in both regions.

In the fascinating realm of work ethics, the Asian and American landscapes couldn't be more different. China's gender-specific clampdown on youth and America's blue-collar MAGA supporters provide a compelling comparison. Is the older generation making the future generation its enemy? With Rob and John, we journey through these complex issues, exploring the socio-economic implications and potential future scenarios.

As we draw to a close, we offer a thought-provoking take on the growing disconnect between corporate behemoths and the everyday worker. From the veneration of wealthy entrepreneurs to the potential for a declining workforce, we explore how individual decisions and corporate structures are shaping the future of work. Join us as we delve into these critical issues. This conversation promises to be a captivating and insightful exploration of the changing face of global labor participation.

Support Our Work
The Center for Demographics and Policy focuses on research and analysis of global, national, and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time. It involves Chapman students in demographic research under the supervision of the Center’s senior staff.

Students work with the Center’s director and engage in research that will serve them well as they look to develop their careers in business, the social sciences, and the arts. Students also have access to our advisory board, which includes distinguished Chapman faculty and major demographic scholars from across the country and the world.

For additional information, please contact Mahnaz Asghari, Associate Director for the Center for Demographics and Policy, at (714) 744-7635 or [email protected].

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feudal-future-podcast/

Tweet thoughts: @joelkotkin, @mtoplansky, #FeudalFuture #BeyondFeudalism

Learn more about Joel's book 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism': https://amzn.to/3a1VV87

Sign Up For News & Alerts: http://joelkotkin.com/#subscribe

This show is presented by the Chapman Center for Demographics and Policy, which focuses on research and analysis of global, national and regional demographic trends and explores policies that might produce favorable demographic results over time.