Which Side of History?

In this episode of Which Side of History, Stanford University professor and Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer assesses democracy's uncertain future. His distinguished guests are former National Security Advisor to President Obama Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul, and Margrethe Vestager, former European Commissioner for Competition. They delve into the threats posed by Russia and China, America's shifting role in global politics, and the decline of democratic values. They also explore the impact of social media, the importance of international alliances, and the need for more regulation for digital platforms. 
 
Just how uncertain is democracy's future? Listen to Which Side of History with Jim Steyer.
 
00:00 Introduction and Current Administration's Policies
00:58 Welcome to the Podcast
01:12 Introducing the Guests and Topic
01:49 State of Global Democracy
03:20 Rise of Autocracies and Global Dynamics
06:48 Challenges Facing the United Nations
08:02 Call to Action for Democracy
08:59 Impact of US Policy Changes
11:18 Superpower Suicide and Domestic Policies
17:15 Historical Context and Hope for Democracy
18:39 US Foreign Policy and Global Leadership
30:58 Evaluating US Engagement with Autocracies
34:56 Diplomatic Dynamics and Speculations
36:17 Russian Business Interests and Influence
37:56 European Perspective on the Conflict
40:53 Zelensky's Leadership and Challenges
43:52 US Inaction and Global Implications
50:53 Long-term Consequences for US Alliances
01:04:42 The Role of Social Media and AI
01:09:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections
 
Note: Jim Steyer's views are his own and do not reflect Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer engages with Stanford University President Jonathan Levin and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by American universities in today's polarized political climate. Key topics include the ongoing role of universities, the importance of maintaining academic freedom, the impact of federal government policies on higher education, and the critical need for diversity and representation in the post-affirmative action era. 
 
Rice and Levin also emphasize fostering an environment where students can pursue innovative research and develop into well-rounded leaders. The episode underscores the significance of both institutional advocacy and collaboration to sustain the mission and relevance of universities in a rapidly-evolving landscape.
 
Just how much pressure do universities face? Listen to Which Side of History and find out.
 
The episode was recorded on the campus of Stanford University.
 
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:57 Welcome to 'Which Side of History'
01:37 The Role of Universities in Modern Society
04:56 Challenges Facing Universities Today
24:47 The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education
35:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Note: Jim Steyer's opinions are his own and do not represent Common Sense Media.

Host Jim Steyer tackles the sweeping attempts to undermine the Justice Department. His esteemed guests include California Attorney General Rob Bonta, renowned journalist Ruth Marcus, and Stanford Law Professor Pam Karlan. The panel offers timely insights on the erosion of the rule of law, the weaponization of the Department of Justice, the challenges faced by career civil servants, and the significant cases the U.S. Supreme Court is about to decide. 
 
How serious is the dismantling of the Justice Department? What's the potential damage? And how does this moment in time compare to Watergate?
 
Listen to this episode of Which Side of History and find out:
 
00:00 Comparing Watergate to Current Justice Department Issues
00:51 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic
01:34 Discussion with Rob Bonta on Rule of Law Challenges
07:30 Ruth Marcus on Checks and Balances
10:57 Pam Karlan on the Justice Department's Integrity
15:58 Rob Bonta on Political Weaponization of Prosecution
19:14 Historical Context and Future of the Rule of Law
29:15 Role of States in Upholding Democratic Principles
34:18 Lower Courts' Struggles and Reactions
36:36 Early Capitulation of Law Firms
39:13 Supreme Court's Role and Influence
43:30 The Shadow Docket and Key Cases
01:00:37 Birthright Citizenship and Legal Precedents
01:07:18 Concluding Thoughts and Future Implications
 
The panel was recorded on November 3, 2025 at Stanford University.

In this episode Stanford University professor Jim Steyer delves into the current state of American government, focusing on the experiences of federal employees amid ongoing political turmoil. His guests include best-selling author Michael Lewis, comedian and TV host W. Kamau Bell, and writer and educator Dave Eggers. They discuss the dedication of civil servants, the impact of political actions on public perceptions, and the broader ramifications for American institutions. 
 
Despite all the turmoil in Washington, is there reason to be optimistic?
 
00:00 Introduction: The State of Affairs
00:52 Welcome to 'Which Side of History'
01:11 Introducing the Guests and the Topic
01:39 Michael Lewis on Public Perception vs. Reality of Government
02:36 Art Allen's Story: The Unsung Hero of the Coast Guard
11:46 Dave Eggers on NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
19:06 Kamau Bell on Antitrust and Justice
26:39 The Impact of Government Layoffs
29:11 Trump's Approach to Government
35:33 The Problem with Cutting Deficits
36:25 Misguided Firing Practices
36:42 The Impact on Federal Agencies
38:07 Trump's Strategy and Consequences
40:13 Loss of Faith in Institutions
40:55 Idealism in Government Work
42:17 Challenges Faced by Teachers
46:23 Historical Context and Institutional Flaws
48:42 Potential Financial Crisis
51:49 The Role of Trust in Institutions
52:53 Crypto and Trump's Financial Interests
59:09 Comedians and Political Alignment
01:01:29 Messages of Hope and Optimism

In this episode Stanford University professor and Common Sense Media founder Jim Steyer explores whether we're witnessing the end of the post-World War II global order. 
 
Joining the debate are historian Sir Niall Ferguson, presidential scholar David Kennedy, and former U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings. The discussion delves into America's response to the rise of China, the current state of U.S. institutions, the economic implications of the Trump administration's policies, and the enduring issues of income inequality and national debt.
 
The episode concludes with a very funny and important call-to-action.
 
00:00 Introduction: The Rise of China and Trump's Presidency
00:51 Welcome to the Podcast
01:10 The End of the New World Order?
02:09 Historical Context: Post-WWII America
02:55 America's Global Dominance in 1945
04:14 The Role of International Institutions
08:37 The Changing Geopolitical Landscape
12:48 Domestic Politics and the Rule of Law
16:00 Trump's Impact on American Politics
36:07 Trump and Nixon: A Historical Connection
36:57 Trump's Influence on the Federal Reserve
38:40 Trump's Strategy Against the Bureaucracy
40:28 The Disruptor in Chief: Polling and Public Opinion
43:25 State and Local Government Challenges
48:42 Economic Policies and Predictions
58:41 The Importance of Reading and Final Thoughts