Stephen Kotkin is the Kleinheinz Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and one of the most preeminent historians in the world. In this installment of Five Questions for Stephen Kotkin, he explores the reelection of Donald Trump, debating whether it represents a fluke or a seismic shift in American politics, while contextualizing this within a broader discussion of global democracy, as 2024 saw significant elections across many of the world’s most populous nations.

The conversation also delves into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, analyzing Vladimir Putin’s strategic missteps, the challenges of authoritarian regimes, and the potential paths to resolution. Additionally, Kotkin addresses the rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s response, emphasizing the importance of strategy in achieving lasting peace. Throughout, Kotkin’s sharp historical perspective provides a nuanced analysis of the intersections between leadership, governance, and global stability.

Recorded on January 9, 2025.

Marc Andreessen is a prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and technologist and the cofounder and general partner at Andreessen Horowitz. This discussion covers Andreessen’s journey from his upbringing in rural Wisconsin, through his founding Netscape and the development of one of the first commercial internet browsers in his twenties, to his pivotal role in shaping Silicon Valley and now national politics.

The interview also delves into the technological and political evolution of Silicon Valley and Andreessen’s own shifting political affiliations from left to right, along with his vision for leveraging technology to drive societal progress, the role of innovation in addressing energy challenges, border security, and national defense.

Andreessen also discusses DOGE, a policy initiative focused on government efficiency (and the strategy DOGE may use to accomplish its goals), his “Techno-Optimist Manifesto,” and the imperative for revitalizing the US military’s technological capabilities to maintain global competitiveness.

Recorded on January 9, 2024.

Christine Rosen is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, cohost of the daily Commentary Magazine Podcast, and the author of The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World.

This wide-ranging discussion delves into the pervasive impact of technology on human experience, relationships, and societal norms. Drawing from themes in her book, Rosen critiques how digital devices and virtual realities have increasingly supplanted direct human interaction and embodied experiences. She reflects on societal shifts including rising loneliness, diminished face-to-face communication, and the normalization of screen-mediated interactions. The conversation addresses philosophical inquiries, such as philosopher Robert Nozick’s thought experiments on virtual reality and the risks of prioritizing simulated experiences over physical reality.

The conversation concludes with notes of cautious optimism about younger generations’ growing awareness of the trade-offs of technology. Rosen advocates for a more deliberate, community-driven approach to integrating technology, drawing inspiration from practices like those of the Amish. She calls for policies and cultural norms that prioritize humanity over convenience, aiming to preserve the richness of authentic human experience.

Recorded on November 20, 2024.