John Anderson: Conversations

Victor Davis Hanson joins John after President-elect Trump’s victory to explore why his direct style resonated with middle America. Hanson examines the economic and social factors driving Trump’s appeal, from rising inflation and border insecurity, to the sense of exclusion felt by many Americans. This interview highlights the stark divide between global elites and everyday citizens, examining how media and institutions underestimated public frustration.

Hanson argues that Trump’s policies address real concerns, fostering a lasting loyalty among voters. In addition to domestic dynamics, Hanson assesses Trump’s assertive approach to foreign policy, from NATO to trade relations, and its effect on global alliances.

Historian Niall Ferguson joins John to discuss the challenges facing Western societies, the geopolitical landscape, and cultural issues. He reflects on the shifting nature of Western academic institutions, which he believes have moved away from intellectual diversity and become dominated by progressive orthodoxies, prompting him to support the creation of a new university in Austin dedicated to open debate and the fearless pursuit of truth.

Ferguson also addresses U.S. political dynamics, examining the impact of Donald Trump on American foreign policy and his influence on public discourse regarding China and globalism. He further explores the geopolitical threats posed by the rise of authoritarian states like China and Iran, advocating for a renewed focus on national security, fiscal responsibility, and technological innovation in the West.

Shawn Ryan, former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, joins John to discuss politics, war, and the psychological toll of military service. Shawn reflects on his experiences in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, the rise of his podcast “The Shawn Ryan Show,” and how it resonated with listeners craving authenticity amidst a media landscape they no longer trust. He shares his personal struggles, including battling alcoholism, and how transparency and vulnerability became central themes on his platform, especially for veterans reintegrating into civilian life.

Shawn and John explore the state of the world today, touching on societal unrest in the US, the dangerous rise of extremism, and the challenges posed by foreign adversaries like China. Shawn also highlights the importance of critical thinking, the influence of money in politics, and the vital need for America to “get its house in order” before it can effectively handle global threats.

Patrick Bet-David joins John to reflect on his inspiring journey from immigrant to thriving entrepreneur. He shares personal stories about the challenges and successes that shaped him, from his early life to his rise in the business world. Bet-David highlights how discipline, self-reliance and resilience have been crucial for him in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Bet-David wants people to know that they can take charge of their lives despite the unpredictability of today’s world. He encourages a focus on growth, personal responsibility, and perseverance as the keys to navigating life’s challenges.

Dale Ahlquist, President of the G.K. Chesterton Society, joins John to discuss the lasting relevance of Chesterton’s works in today’s world. Ahlquist highlights how Chesterton’s observations on issues like government power, the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and the decline of reason in modern society, remain remarkably pertinent. With his trademark wit, Chesterton was able to tackle profound topics while remaining accessible, blending humour with intellectual depth to appeal to both casual listeners and thoughtful readers. Ahlquist emphasises how Chesterton’s wisdom speaks to the challenges of our time, offering timeless insights.

Ahlquist also explores Chesterton’s distinctive views on education and localism. As a strong critic of modern educational practices, Chesterton advocated a return to traditional wisdom and decentralised power, arguing for more personal control over local issues. Ahlquist discusses the success of the Chesterton Academy model, which embodies these principles by promoting a classical education focused on truth, beauty, and the interconnectedness of knowledge. Throughout the interview, Ahlquist showcases Chesterton’s ability to critique modern thought with both seriousness and wit, offering a hopeful and lighthearted perspective on life’s biggest questions.

Victor Davis Hanson joins John to explore the 2024 presidential election and the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Hanson criticises President Joe Biden, suggesting his cognitive decline has left a power vacuum in the American government. He also sees Vice President Harris’ policy shifts as strategic rather than genuine, causing confusion among voters about where she truly stands.

Hanson addresses the evolving situation in the Middle East, arguing that Israel must act disproportionately to reestablish deterrence, given Iran’s extensive backing of terror groups like Hezbollah. Hanson warns that Iran’s nuclear ambitions continue to be a destabilising factor, which may lead to a larger global conflict if left unchecked.

Major-General Tim Cross joins John to discuss his experiences in the military amidst global security challenges. Reflecting on his involvement in the 2003 Iraq invasion, he acknowledges the failures of the post-war period, criticising the poor decisions that undermined lasting nation-building efforts. He also examines the growing threats from authoritarian regimes like Russia and China.

Cross argues that the West is facing a leadership crisis and must embrace morally courageous decision-making to survive. He advocates for a strategic defence posture that enhances military capabilities to address modern threats, while also defending the core democratic values that are increasingly under pressure in the West.

Join John as he speaks with Oxford Professor John Lennox about the intriguing connections between science, religion, and modern cultural shifts. Lennox reflects on how figures like Jordan Peterson have opened the door for renewed dialogue between Christianity and science. He argues that historical scientific pioneers were driven by their faith in a divine lawgiver, a perspective that has regained traction in modern intellectual discussions.

The conversation also touches on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and society’s growing struggle with truth in the age of deepfakes. Lennox emphasises the unique hope Christianity offers through the resurrection of Jesus, contrasting it with secular movements like transhumanism, which promises immortality but fails to address deeper human questions.

John sits down with Professor Steve Tsang, a political scientist and historian of China, to discuss Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party.

Professor Steve Tsang describes Xi Jinping’s leadership style as “Sinocentric Consultative Leninism”: absolute control by the Communist Party. This control is maintained through surveillance, ostensible ‘anti-corruption’ campaigns, nationalism, and the educational ‘shaping’ of the people. Xi aims to expand China’s global influence, using economic leverage and Taiwan to achieve his vision of national rejuvenation.

In this episode, John sits down with Justin Brierley, an English academic, writer, podcaster, and Christian apologist. They explore cultural shifts in the West, particularly the rise and decline of New Atheism, and how recent years have seen a surprising resurgence of interest in Christianity, even among secular intellectuals.

Brierley discusses his experiences hosting debates between Christians and atheists during the peak of New Atheism, noting how the movement eventually splintered and lost momentum as it became increasingly dogmatic. He highlights the rise of figures like Jordan Peterson and Tom Holland, who have challenged secular narratives and reintroduced Christian ideas into mainstream discourse. The interview also touches on suffering, the resurrection of Jesus, and Christian sexual ethics.