Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Latest Episodes:

"We Are Not Chinese" w/Taiwanese Commentator Lōa Ēng Hôa Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

In my discussion with the popular Taiwanese figure Lōa Ēng Hôa, we explored various aspects of Taiwan. A key theme for Lōa is the importance of retaining the Taiwanese language, which he sees as vital in the face of Mandarin's dominance. (He views Mandarin as "the language of colonizers.") Lōa emphasizes that language is of ultimate importance and believes that the best way to wage war is through words.

We also discussed whether Taiwanese people consider themselves part of China or culturally Chinese, and how this perception impacts traditional Taiwanese culture. During my time in Taiwan, I observed the cleanliness and civility of society, especially in contrast to some leftwing cities in America, like Portland, Oregon and Los Angelos, California. Lōa posed an intriguing question: Is this civility a result of being "well-behaved," or is it a reflection of tyranny?

Watch this episode on YouTube.

"China Will Become the Next Superpower Immediately" | Jesús Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Jesús is a prominent cultural commentator and has one of the most popular Youtube Channels in Taiwan. His work includes man on the street interviews and insightful commentary on Taiwanese culture, immigration, and Taiwan's relationship with China. We discussed the troubling phenomenon that I describe as the "epidemic of cowardice," which is affecting not only the United States but the entire Western world—the consequence of this cowardice emboldens tyrants. Every time you fail to stand up you give away freedoms. It is particularly vital to not give into the fear tactics of any regime. Stand up for what is right. This is one reason we went to Taiwan, whose citizens live in fear of a Chinese invasion.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

How 'Power + Prejudice' Redefined Racism | Jake Klein Jan 15, 2025

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In my interview with Jake Klein, we discuss his book Redefining Racism: How Racism Became Power + Prejudice. I read a pre-release of Jake's manuscript some time ago, and I was struck by how thorough and well-researched it was. He does a fantastic job of really explaining the genesis of this concept and how it crept into our discourse.

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Is Science a Tool of Colonization? | Kendall Clements Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to interview Kendall Clements, a professor of biology at the University of Auckland. His name may sound familiar because, in 2021, Clements was the lead author of a controversial letter titled "In Defence of Science," published in The New Zealand Listener. The letter (commonly referred to as the "Listener Letter") was a direct response to a proposed curriculum that sought to promote the discussion and analysis of how science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views, including its role in the "colonization" of Māori peoples and the "suppression" of Māori knowledge.

The curriculum also proposed that science itself, as a Western European invention, could be viewed as a tool of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous groups. We discussed this and more.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Ditching Equity and Reclaiming Our Schools with Elizabeth Rata Jan 07, 2025

Show notes

While in New Zealand, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elizabeth Rata, a sociologist of education at the University of Auckland. Elizabeth is the Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU), within the School of Critical Studies at the Faculty of Education and Social Work—and she is based! Her research includes knowledge in the curriculum, knowledge politics, ethnic revivalism, Māori education, research methods, and the history of New Zealand education. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Echoes of Totalitarianism: Lessons from Soviet History | Audrey Unverferth Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

In today's conversation, I am joined by Audrey Unverferth, a visiting Fellow at Hungary's MCC, whose research specializes in Soviet totalitarianism. Audrey draws parallels between Russian totalitarianism and current trends in the United States and across the Western world, highlighting how Russian history serves as a stark warning about the perils of totalitarianism and the fragility of democratic republics. Watch this episode on YouTube.

"The First Battle has to be the Last Battle" | Wang Kai Chun Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

In this conversation with Wang Kai Chun (Steven), a foreign policy advisor at the Legislative Yuan R.O.C. in Taiwan, we discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, military preparedness, foreign policy, and the implications of a potential Trump presidency for Taiwan. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Government is CRIMINAL | Anarcho-Capitalism with Walter E. Block Dec 10, 2024

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I had a delightful conversation with Professor Walter Block, a prominent economist and staunch anarcho-capitalist. Renowned for his extensive publications and contributions to the field, Block offered insightful perspectives on anarcho-capitalism, explaining its core principles and their relevance to contemporary society. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Why Americans SHOULD Care About Taiwan with Lin Fei-fan Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In Taiwan, I sat down with Lin Fei-fan (DPP), the former Deputy Secretary-General of the DPP, who gained prominence as the leading student activist during the Sunflower Movement in 2014. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of a movement that changed Taiwanese politics for a generation. His activism has resulted in being barred from entering China and Hong Kong.

We discussed the resilience of Taiwan's defense against China, why Americans should care about Taiwan, the threats posed by China, the impact of Chinese sanctions, and the importance of retaining the Taiwanese culture amid rising immigration. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Taiwanese Military Defense Expert SPEAKS OUT: "Game of Deterrence" Against China Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

In this intense conversation in Taiwan, I engage with one of the leading expert in military defense technologies responsible for Taiwan's security. My guest is anonymous due to fears of being targeted (read: murdered) by Chinese spy agencies. We explore the complexities of China-Taiwan relations, emphasizing that these dynamics extend beyond who happens to be in politics at any particular time. Our discussion highlights the interconnections between economics, sanctions, technology, AI, drones, and semiconductors. This was an important conversation about a critical geopolitical issue that's of indispensable importance to the United States. Watch this episode on YouTube and let me know what you think in the comments.