Podcast

A Resilient Republic

Science, Social Sciences, Society & Culture

Is democracy broken? Are we a court decision away from losing our individual rights? Can free markets withstand protectionism and navigate the turbulence of technological progress? Can we trust any institutions, and if not, how do we rebuild them? And what, if anything, from the past can help us move forward? A Resilient Republic explores the research, stories, and ideas relevant to how free societies adapt to change, innovate under pressure, and emerge from disruption stronger than before. Hosted by Ben Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center, the podcast features conversations with public intellectuals and practitioners examining how markets, institutions, and communities can become resilient enough to preserve freedom without abandoning it.

https://www.benklutsey.com

Episodes
4
Releases
Monthly
Typical length
44 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
1 month ago

Episodes

4 episodes, newest first

  1. A Resilient Republic Episode 4: Debunking Economic Myths with Don Boudreaux

    Show notes

    Economist and professor Don Boudreaux joins the podcast to discuss his recent book, The Triumph of Economic Freedom. Boudreaux debunks common myths about the Great Depression and American trade deficits and offers an optimistic perspective on the rise of artificial intelligence, arguing that despite tradeoffs like job loss and uncertainty, free markets are the key to a resilient economy.

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.benklutsey.com

    45 min
  2. A Resilient Republic Episode 3: Whatever Happened to Fusionism? with Stephanie Slade

    Show notes

    Stephanie Slade joins the podcast to talk about her years of research on the evolving right and the eroding foundations of American conservatism. How can we preserve liberty and virtue at the same time? How does the next generation define the good life? And how can we resist the turn toward authoritarianism, big government, and even monarchism? We discuss the ideas of Hayek, Meyer, Kirk, Reagan, the dissident right, and why rebuilding a resilient society may require recovering the moral and intellectual foundations that once sustained it.

    Order or pre-order Stephanie's new book here: https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268211493/fusionism/

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.benklutsey.com

    43 min
  3. A Resilient Republic Episode 2: How Charisma Shapes our Societies with Molly Worthen

    Show notes

    Professor Molly Worthen wrote one of the most interesting books I've read. In this episode, we discuss her book, Spellbound, and her surprising argument that charisma isn't so much about charm or power. It's the ability to tell a story people want to live in. We unpack how different leaders build followings, why America is uniquely fertile ground for charismatic movements, and what kind of charisma can create a more resilient future.

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.benklutsey.com

    47 min
  4. A Resilient Republic Episode 1: Hamilton, Jefferson, and their Competing Visions of American Government with Jeff Rosen

    Episode 1

    Show notes

    In this very first episode, constitutional scholar Jeff Rosen joins the podcast to discuss his new book, The Pursuit of Liberty, the enduring disagreements between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and how their competing visions of government have shaped 250 years of American history, constitutional interpretation, supreme court justices, presidential powers, and civil discourse. Together, we learn why America's resilience has depended not on consensus, but on institutions capable of absorbing disagreement while preserving liberty.

    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit https://www.benklutsey.com

    41 min