Joel Kotkin | Elites: The New Ruling Class?

In this Direct interview, John is joined by American demographer, academic and author Joel Kotkin. John and Joel discuss some of the key theses of Joel’s widely-praised recent book, 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism'.

Joel shines the spotlight on the Western progressive elite or, as he terms them, the 'new clerisy', who sideline and silence anyone who speak or, increasingly, think against the orthodoxy. He paints a worrying comparison between this status quo, the Chinese experience of authoritarianism and the medieval feudalism known to Europe for hundreds of years.

Joel Kotkin is often described as “America’s uber-geographer”, and is an internationally recognised authority on global economic, political and social trends. Mr. Kotkin is the Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Orange, California and Executive Director of the Houston-based Urban Reform Institute.
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00:00 Intro
01:26 How does geography shape society?
05:03 The new feudalism
08:00 Parallels of ‘policing of views’ in China and America
12:07 What does the new aristocracy believe?
21:38 Realignment of the left and right
26:58 Intolerant progressive elites
32:41 Class divides
45:44 The benefits of liberal democratic capitalism
52:06 The erosion of our freedoms
53:20 Conclusion
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Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.

John believes proper, robust dialogue is necessary if we are to maintain our social strength and cohesion. As he puts it; "You cannot get good public policy out of a bad public debate."

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Joel Kotkin:

[Rosemary-bdul]

As John Anderson stated "you can't get good public policy without a good argument"
When debate is shut down our collective freedoms are lost.

[rizzobitz]

This is an incredible discussion. Thank you so much. ❤ I love when John said, "If you don't allow people to ask questions, to voice their concerns, they won't own the solution you push on them." ... Brilliant!

[ingerhayman]

What a joy this was. The importance of understanding history!

[jimluebke]

It's absolutely heartwarming to hear someone with John Anderson's demeanor, talking about keeping political debate alive.

[Bungadin]

I don’t know what sort of politician he was but John Anderson is one the best interviewers in the English speaking world now.

[michaelgiffin]

I think of John Anderson as a father figure, but he's a big younger than I am and we probably sat for the HSC the same year. I'm sorry his attempt to return to politics has been derailed, but what he does with these podcasts is probably more important. I'm proud to subscribe to this channel.

[DavidJ-izwl]

It’s neat that we can connect with others outside of our own countries who share the same ideas about society, social issues, etc.

[gedofgont]

Thank God for interviews like this.
It seems they are an increasingly rare event nowadays.

[djames]

People should be wary of working from home. If your work can be done remotely, it can be done from anywhere and there are likely human resource options "offshore" that are much, much cheaper. Your presence, in person, should be seen as a necessity.

[pluckydad]

John Anderson is one of my favorite interviewers. I love his interviews. I sure wish he would interview Thomas Sowell. That would be a real mind expander.

[tulkus]

Thank you again Mr Anderson.

I asked a friend recently if he watches your podcast. He just nodded, and said:

"He's a silent guardian. A watchful protector. A Dark Knight"

We just winked at each other quietly and carried on about our day. Safe in the knowledge that we two both at least, understood the importance of your wisdom at this place, in this time 🇦🇺

[tonykehoe]

It’s mind blowing how such a learned person should know exactly what we ALL know .

[davebellamy]

29:55 "Don't ask that question." The electricity will not be there. That will price the population out of cars and tax them out of gasoline. Good point also. When there are blackouts, your electric car won't get you out of there either.

[steenkigerrider]

"We will buy you off"
Sounds exactly like classical Roman times, "bread and games". One of the factors that contributed to the eventual collapse.

[johne]

"Don't know much about history, ..., don't know much geography ..." Thank you, Joel.

[dillanwendel]

I’m really confused as to why this channel doesn’t have more views

[clivefrear]

Wise words from two respected citizens who have earned the right to speak with authority

[DanHowardMtl]

Book reference: Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn't, and Why It Matters Hardcover – April 27, 2021 by Steven E. Koonin (Author)

[margaretgreenwood]

The Labour Party was always a “Jam Tomorrow “ party. I grew up in the London Docks. I’m 78. The working class have always been despised in the UK. We the working class who are far from stupid (that’s why they hate us) have seen today coming for decades now. We have no representation except the vote as a protest voice. People in glass houses should be careful throwing stones. Trump is a builder. ‘Trade’ to the Posh! He voiced, crudely or not, the fears of workers and we like him. It’s our frustration that says ‘🖕to you’. We are THE most tolerant of peoples as we are all ‘mongrels’ as my dad would say. We have taken in everybody. We know however that the reason they are flooding the country with migrants is to drive down wages and break up communities. I have a book called ‘Slavery in Ancient Greece’ (left by my daughter who studied The Humanities) which says “chose slaves of different cultures and beliefs so they can’t plot against you”.

[cyclist]

In the words of Victor Davis Hansen The new elites never have to live with the consequences of the decisions they make on our behalf.