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New Frontiers

New Frontiers

By The Optimistic American

Our podcast is dedicated to highlighting the incredible advancements being made across technology, public policy, science, medicine, and much more, that will set current and future generations up for success. Join our host, Paul Johnson, as he interviews remarkable Americans who embody the spirit of hope and possibility, and learn from their optimistic point of view about the present and future of our country.
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War Gaming the Possibility of World War III. The Worlds Leading Expert.

New FrontiersMar 25, 2024

00:00
58:22
War Gaming the Possibility of World War III. The Worlds Leading Expert.

War Gaming the Possibility of World War III. The Worlds Leading Expert.

Join Paul Johnson and Professor Henry Thompson as they delve into a compelling discussion with Colonel Mark Cancian about the potential of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Through over 24 war games conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), we gain unparalleled insights into military strategies, readiness, and the implications of such a conflict on global power dynamics. This episode sheds light on the complexities of naval and air force operations in the Pacific, the importance of deterrence strategies, and the crucial role of allies in maintaining a free and autonomous Taiwan.

Topics Discussed in the Video

- The War Game: Explore the meticulously conducted war games by CSIS that simulate a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Understand the strategic planning, potential outcomes, and the high costs associated with such a conflict from a military standpoint.

- U.S. Military Readiness & Strategy: Dive deep into the United States' preparedness for a potential conflict in the Pacific. Discuss the importance of strategic locations, the role of allies, and the necessity for hardened shelters and surge capabilities in the defense industry.

- The Role of Deterrence & Nuclear Policy: Unpack the complexities of deterrence strategies in preventing conflict escalation. Learn about the nuances of nuclear deterrence, tactical vs. strategic nuclear weapon use, and how these doctrines compare between global powers.

- Insights from Ukraine & Historical Conflicts: Draw parallels between the current situation in Ukraine, historical conflicts, and how they inform military strategy and preparedness today. Discuss the lessons learned and how they apply to potential future conflicts in the Pacific.

Chapters: 

00:00 - Introduction 

03:14 - The War Game

13:55 - The Projected Losses for the U.S. 

16:23 - Reminisce of Pearl Harbor? 

18:30 - Deterrence 

25:46 - Failed Attacks 

29:47 - Nuclear Deterrence

36:15 - The U.S. vs the 3 Spheres of Influence 

46:09 - Results & Possible Outcomes 

48:03 - What Congress Should Be Doing 

53:40 - Optimistic or Pessimistic about the U.S.? 

56:54 - Final Remarks & Conclusion 

Mar 25, 202458:22
Election 2024 Deep Dive: Biden vs. Trump, DEI, and Global Politics

Election 2024 Deep Dive: Biden vs. Trump, DEI, and Global Politics

Join us on this episode of New Frontiers, where host Paul Johnson sits down with syndicated columnist Rob Robb and history professor Henry Thompson. Together, they delve into the intricacies of current political landscapes, leadership dynamics, and the critical issues shaping the presidential campaign. 


Topics Discussed In This Episode:

- State of Affairs: Dive deep into the complexities of Joe Biden's strategies and Donald Trump's campaign maneuvers. Discover how their approaches are influencing the political sphere and what it means for the future of leadership in America.

- Global Perspectives: Unpack the situation in Ukraine, the strategic implications for the U.S., and the international response to Russia's actions. Explore the balance between support and strategy as the world navigates these chaotic times.

- Economic Insights: Addressing the challenges of federal budget deficits, interest rates, and the economic policies that are shaping the nation's future. Listen as our panelists discuss the delicate dance of fiscal responsibility in today's economic climate.

- The Road Ahead: Contemplate the future of politics, leadership, and governance in the United States. From foreign policy to economic strategies, learn about the critical decisions and policies that will dictate the direction of the nation.

Chapters: 

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Analyzing the Presidential Campaign

26:44 - Navigating Ukraine and Economic Challenges  

42:42 - Party Affiliation Themes 

44:39 - Leadership and the Future of American Politics 

49:23 - Foreign & Domestic Policies 

1:00:31 - DEI Movement

1:07:08 - Donald Trump, a Victim? 

1:25:55 - Final Thoughts & Conclusion


Mar 16, 202401:25:43
Politics of Pessimism - The Impact on Society and National Identity

Politics of Pessimism - The Impact on Society and National Identity

Join Paul Johnson, Robert Robb, and Henry Thompson as they delve into Henry's new book on authoritarian governments and its relevance to contemporary political landscapes. From Vladimir Putin's influence to the shifting dynamics within the Republican party, nuclear threats, global isolationism, and the upcoming U.S. election, this New Frontiers episode promises insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives. Tune in for a captivating exploration of current events and the enduring optimism for the future of the United States. 

Topics Discussed in This Video:  

Secret Police Agencies: Discover the intriguing insights of the secretive world of the secret police. Henry reveals that the control of secret police goes beyond institutional structure, relying on elite consensus on its purpose. Examples from Poland and Putin's regime underscore their impact on political landscapes. Covert agencies often possess a coherent ideology and strict code of honor. The historical role of secret police has shaped politics and contested notions of freedom and control.

Western vs World Economies: Explore the impact of Western liberal economies on global societies, highlighting the significance of open markets, property rights, civil rights, and human rights. Examples like South Korea's adoption of free markets and property rights versus North Korea's struggles demonstrate the importance of these values. The transition from authoritarian to democratic systems in countries like South Korea and Taiwan, during the shift towards consumer-driven economies, underscores the role of liberal economic principles in societal progress and growth.  

Putin’s Leadership: Discover the influence of Putin within the Republican party and its implications on current political races in the United States. The conversation examines the influence of Putin's religious beliefs, authoritarianism, and admiration for governments like Hungary and El Salvador. The discussion reflects on the consequences of the Republican party's fascination with authoritarians and its potential impact on the political landscape and ongoing races in the United States.

A Changing Global Landscape: The Panelists shed light on Vladimir Putin's unsettling threat to utilize nuclear weapons. The discussion explores the global implications of such threats and the potential consequences for international stability. The conversation also highlights the United States' shifting outlook towards isolationism, which has significant ramifications for Europe and the rest of the world. As the U.S. pulls back from global prominence, questions arise about the vacuum it leaves behind and the power dynamics that will shape the multipolar world. The impact on alliances, such as NATO, and the need for other nations to step up in the absence of American leadership are intricately examined, offering a thought-provoking analysis of the changing global landscape.

Biden vs Trump: Paul contrasts the personas of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, as well as the upcoming election. The conversation acknowledges the significance of the election and its potential impact on the nation, with implications for various issues like domestic policies and foreign relations. As the discussion evolves, it becomes evident that the outcome of the election will influence the direction in which the United States heads, leading to speculation and anticipation about the future leadership and trajectory of the country.

Political Pessimism: Learn about the underlying issues in politics. The panel discusses how primaries attract a small subset of voters who are often driven by anger and pessimism. Ultimately, this prompts the bigger issue the United States faces, questioning whether the country's remarkable history and contributions to the world are being overshadowed by the politics of pessimism. 

Mar 11, 202401:25:43
ESA, STEM, Heterodoxy, and Higher Education

ESA, STEM, Heterodoxy, and Higher Education

Join Paul Johnson, Governor Doug Ducey, and Professor Henry Thompson, as they delve into pressing issues within the education system. In this episode of New Frontiers, the panel discusses the challenges faced in improving education programs and the potential solutions. They explore controversial topics such as intentional separation within the education system and the need for heterodoxy on college campuses. Explore the dynamic conversation on improving education programs, tackling controversies, and paving the way for a brighter future through education.


Topics Discussed in This Video:

  • Reforms and Challenges: Paul Johnson and Doug Ducey talk about the reforms passed in Arizona to help improve education. Paul brings up the fact that there are certain challenges faced with proposed programs including, correct data collection, improving the actual standards, and fraud. Doug addresses these concerns with current results, comparisons, and the possible solutions to avoid such issues.
  • The Important Things to Education: Paul talks about the five things he believes are important to education which include adequate funding, principals and superintendents with a vision, choice and competition, teachers having control of classrooms, and testing. Henry agrees with Paul that testing is crucial and questions Doug about “School Choice” and what is next for it in the hopes to improve education.
  • Shutting Down & Consolidating Schools: Paul makes the statement that he believes schools should shut down if they are not doing good enough and if students are failing and not graduating. He then references Marty Schultz, who talks about a consolidation of school districts to help save money and dirtubute it better. Doug expresses that a consolidation of school districts may or may not work, but that there are easier alternatives.
  • An Intended Separation: Paul makes the claim that the education system is intentionally driving a separation of people biased upon the post modernist or post colonialist types of ideas. Henry follows up and discusses all success and failures from all sorts of different cultures, and the fact that there are models still being taught in school and that mainstream economics and political economy are being discredited.
  • Heterodoxy: Paul, Doug, and Henry make it evident that fostering heterodoxy within universities is crucial for student growth and societal advancement. Encouraging diverse perspectives and confronting ideas rather than resorting to cancel culture enables a richer academic environment that ultimately contributes to economic prosperity and marketplace innovation. Addressing barriers to expansion, such as funding limitations and overlooking the significance of intellect diversity, is essential for universities to thrive.
  • On a Good Path: Ending the video, the panel makes it certain that while challenges persist, the commitment to improving the education system indicates a promising trajectory for future progress, referencing the American Civics Act in Arizona which signifies positive steps towards enhancing education and societal awareness.

Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - The Phoenix Open 07:51 - Education 08:07 - Reforms in Arizona 12:34 - Challenges We Face 21:56 - The Budget 23:23 - Voting on Education 27:48 - The 5 Important Things in Education 30:58 - School Choice in Arizona 33:33 - A lighting Round 38:30 - Shutting Down Schools 39:04 - A Consolidation of School Districts 42:07 - Driving for a Separation 47:35 - Heterodoxy in Colleges 52:04 - Universities & Economic Development 57:20 - DEI Issues in Universities 1:02:09 - Expanding University Campuses 1:08:57 - The Ken Griffins of The World 1:13:23 - On a Good Path 1:15:27 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

Feb 20, 202401:18:10