GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History & Geopolitics

Hoover Institution

GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History, & Geopolitics is a flagship videocast from the Hoover Institution where senior fellows John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H.R. McMaster cut through the noise, challenge conventional wisdom, and explain what’s driving markets, power, and public policy. Drawing on rigorous economic analysis, deep historical perspective, and national security leadership at the highest levels, these leading thinkers deliver clear, trusted insight into the challenges facing the United States while debating the forces shaping the modern world.

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100 episodes
Updated July 13

Episodes100

Newest first

May 17, 2023 · 56 min
There’s Nothing Stopping You Now: Coleman Hughes on Race and Poverty in America | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
California weighs reparations for slavery’s descendants as America approaches the three-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd—a Black man killed by a White police officer—in Minneapolis. Coleman Hughes, a columnist and podcaster who specializes in issues related to race and public policy, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and H.R. McMaster to discuss the legacy of Floyd’s death, the historical teaching of race, and the feasibility of a “color-blind” society. Plus, Niall and H.R. handicap the odds of a second Trump presidency and what that would portend for “Cold War 2” and the war in Ukraine. Also, General Funkenstein is in ‘da house!
May 3, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Charles In Charge: God Save the King with Douglas Murray | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Does the Shakespearean adage “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” still apply to today’s United Kingdom? British author and journalist Douglas Murray joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss King Charles III’s coronation and the monarch’s relevancy in modern times, plus the fragile state of the West given unbalanced alliances, threats to free markets, and strained social fabrics. But before that: the three “Goodfellows” remember the recently deceased John Raisian, director of the Hoover Institution from 1990 to 2015.
Apr 20, 2023 · 59 min
Rage Against The Machine: The Good Fellows Discuss AI | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Is artificial intelligence a global killer or an emerging technology which, if properly harnessed, can improve mankind? And what’s the significance of a low-level National Guard member being able to expose US military secrets? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the promise and perils of ever-improving AI and what if any damage came from the so-called “Geeky Leaks” scandal, plus their views on marijuana legalization as the world braces for the annual “420 Day” celebration.
Apr 11, 2023 · 45 min
Viewer Mail, Part II: Empires, War Crimes, and Bad Facial Hair | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
In this second installment of audience questions, viewers and listeners from nearly three dozen nations spanning six continents ask Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane about the durability of America’s “empire,” Putin’s war crimes, Henry Kissinger’s worldview, and the future of Western universities. Preceding all of that: an on-the-ground report from Cochrane in Tokyo, who is amazed that “it’s possible to run a city that is not a zombie apocalypse.”
Mar 28, 2023 · 46 min
Viewer Mail, Part 1: Banks, Tanks, Prizes, And A Singing Serpent | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
The first of two episodes devoted solely to questions from the audience—viewers and listeners from nearly three dozen nations spanning six continents—who ask Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane whether a protracted war favors Russia or Ukraine; what is China’s geopolitical interest in the conflict; what are financial risks associated with Silicon Valley Bank’s travails; plus each GoodFellow’s first act if they were elected president of the United States.
Mar 14, 2023 · 58 min
Three Good Fellows and Not Enough Babies: A Conversation with Demographer Nicolas Eberstadt | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
What do long-term demographic trends suggest about the world moving forward? American Enterprise Institute fellow Nicholas Eberstadt joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a conversation about shifting populations and societal behavior, followed by the three “GoodFellows” addressing the fallout from Silicon Valley Bank’s implosion and All Quiet on the Western Front’s strong showing at the 95th Academy Awards.
Mar 1, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Weathering the Storms: Bjorn Lomborg on Climate Change, Global Priorities | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
While erratic weather and apocalyptic prophecies keep climate change in the headlines, a set of arguably more pressing global concerns goes less noticed. Bjorn Lomborg, a Hoover visiting fellow and president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, discusses what his cost-benefit analysis says about curbing HIV/AIDS, malaria, and hunger, and the role of free trade and economic development in improving living conditions in Africa and impoverished lands.
Feb 8, 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
Super Bowl, Shmooper Bowl with Victor Davis Hanson | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
A Chinese “civilian airship” wafts across the US heartland. Vladimir Putin ramps up the saber-rattling as the one-year anniversary of his Ukraine invasion nears. And could a single platinum coin be America’s debt elixir? Victor Davis Hanson, the Hoover Institution’s Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss “eyes in the sky,” ground warfare, plus one soccer-and-rugby-loving fellow’s super disgust with the super-sized spectacle that is the Super Bowl.
Jan 27, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
Tanks for the Memories | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
GoodFellows celebrates its 100th episode with Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane reflecting on social, economic, and geopolitical lessons learned since their first conversation nearly three years ago. Also debated: the merits of the World Economic Forum in Davos, the spectacle of climate-change bloviation, plus the strategic implications of sending American heavy tanks to Ukraine (Lt. Gen. McMaster knowing a thing or two about the topic, having led armored cavalry regiments into combat).
Jan 18, 2023 · 1 hr 8 min
Sticks, Carrots...Baby Carrots: Rep. Mike Gallagher on the China Threat | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Is the United States in a new “cold war” with China, and if so, what steps should be taken to get the attention of the government in Beijing (a military buildup? banning TikTok in the US)? Wisconsin congressman Mike Gallagher, chair of the newly created House Select Committee on China, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane for a look at US-Sino relations.
Dec 14, 2022 · 54 min
The Year In Review, The Year Ahead: Ukraine’s Dominance, AI’s Emergence, “NapolElon’s” Waterloo? | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
What did the GoodFellows learn in 2022, and what do they anticipate for 2023? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane reflect on the war in Ukraine, cryptocurrency’s fall and inflation’s rise, ChatGPT’s upending of essay writing and other academic pursuits, plus whether Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter could prove to be his undoing—much like that of a 19th-century French emperor.
Nov 30, 2022 · 59 min
The BYO Show: China’s Totalitarian Gridlock, A Woke “Mind Virus,” And Futbal Vs. Football | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
A post-holiday Goodfellows features the panelists bringing their own curiosities to the table. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss China’s COVID-restriction protests and restoring academic freedom of college campuses. Plus two “Goodfellows” weigh in with differing views on American “football” vs. the more global “futbal.”
Nov 16, 2022 · 1 hr 4 min
Kale and Arugula? Kim Strassel on a New Congress, Old Challenges | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
A week after America’s midterm election, Washington faces the prospect of divided government for the next two years. Kimberly Strassel, the Wall Street Journal’s “Potomac Watch” columnist, joins Hoover senior fellows H. R. McMaster and John Cochrane for a reading of the midterm tea leaves and thoughts on what comes next in terms of congressional agendas, the war in Ukraine, the future oversight of cryptocurrency, and Elon Musk’s Twitter overhaul.
Nov 10, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
“Deep Thoughts”: Tyler Cowen on AI and the Future of Work | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson | Hoover Institution
A world where artificial intelligence completes your work and thoughts? And what’s the wiser bet: “short Meta” or “long Twitter”? Tyler Cowen, a George Mason University economist and coauthor of the Marginal Revolution blog, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson and John Cochrane to discuss whether technological advancements will improve the human condition.
Nov 4, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Pesci-ent Knowledge: Stephen Kotkin on Xi’s China, Putin’s Russia | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Can China’s current authoritarian model hold without destroying its economy, and what’s the near-term outlook for the war in Ukraine? Stephen Kotkin, the Hoover Institution’s Kleinheinz Senior Fellow and an authority on geopolitics and authoritarian regimes (and a Joe Pesci soundalike) joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the latest in Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Oct 26, 2022 · 1 hr 6 min
Unsolicited Advice For The Next Congress | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
With the US election approaching and apparently tilting Republicans’ way, the question is: What to do with their newfound power on Capitol Hill? Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss how a 118th Congress under new management might address aid to Ukraine, the China “Cold War 2.0” dilemma, plus America’s economic, energy, and health concerns.
Oct 19, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
The “BYO” Show: China, Iran, and Truss (but Vilify) | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Recorded on October 18, 2022 The British prime minister’s days seem numbered (yet again), as might those of Iran’s theocracy—and what to make of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s growing cult of personality? In a “bring your own topic” edition of GoodFellows, Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss these worldly matters as well the coming clash between a wintry COVID spike and pandemic-weary populations. ABOUT THE SERIES GoodFellows, a weekly Hoover Institution broadcast, features senior fellows John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, and H.R. McMaster discussing the social, economic, and geostrategic ramifications of this changed world. They can’t banter over lunch these days, but they continue their spirited conversation online about what comes next, as we look forward to an end to the crisis. For more in this series visit, https://www.hoover.org/goodfellows
Oct 6, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
“The Architect’s” Digest: Karl Rove On The 2022 Election And America’s Political Landscape | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Is history repeating itself, with America reliving the political rancor and upheaval of the late 19th-century Gilded Age? Karl Rove, political strategist and the “architect” of George W. Bush’s presidential campaigns, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the impact of economics, world events, and cultural concerns on this year’s midterm vote.
Sep 27, 2022 · 54 min
Upheaval and Change in Russia, Iran, and Italy | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
Britain’s new prime minister unveils a tax-cutting Rx for her ailing nation; Italy’s choice of a hard-right prime minister sends the media into a “fascist” tizzy; Iranians take to the street to protest a woman’s being killed after arrested for breaking that theocracy’s hijab law; and Vladimir Putin insists he’s “not bluffing” in threatening to go nuclear in Ukraine. Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the latest overseas news, including how to help Iranian resistors (send in Elon Musk’s Starlink) and Ukrainian warriors (send over more tanks).
Sep 23, 2022 · 44 min
Viewer Mail – Russia, Ukraine...And Noted Liberal George Washington | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution
This week’s episode is devoted to audience questions – viewers and listeners from nearly thirty nations spanning six continents asking Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster and John Cochrane for their thoughts on the war in Ukraine, future Napoleons, plus where they turn to for intellectual inspiration.

GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History & Geopolitics

There’s Nothing Stopping You Now: Coleman Hughes on Race and Poverty in America | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Charles In Charge: God Save the King with Douglas Murray | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Rage Against The Machine: The Good Fellows Discuss AI | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Viewer Mail, Part II: Empires, War Crimes, and Bad Facial Hair | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Viewer Mail, Part 1: Banks, Tanks, Prizes, And A Singing Serpent | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Three Good Fellows and Not Enough Babies: A Conversation with Demographer Nicolas Eberstadt | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Weathering the Storms: Bjorn Lomborg on Climate Change, Global Priorities | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Super Bowl, Shmooper Bowl with Victor Davis Hanson | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Tanks for the Memories | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Sticks, Carrots...Baby Carrots: Rep. Mike Gallagher on the China Threat | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

The Year In Review, The Year Ahead: Ukraine’s Dominance, AI’s Emergence, “NapolElon’s” Waterloo? | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

The BYO Show: China’s Totalitarian Gridlock, A Woke “Mind Virus,” And Futbal Vs. Football | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Kale and Arugula? Kim Strassel on a New Congress, Old Challenges | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

“Deep Thoughts”: Tyler Cowen on AI and the Future of Work | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson | Hoover Institution

Pesci-ent Knowledge: Stephen Kotkin on Xi’s China, Putin’s Russia | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Unsolicited Advice For The Next Congress | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

The “BYO” Show: China, Iran, and Truss (but Vilify) | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

“The Architect’s” Digest: Karl Rove On The 2022 Election And America’s Political Landscape | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Upheaval and Change in Russia, Iran, and Italy | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution

Viewer Mail – Russia, Ukraine...And Noted Liberal George Washington | GoodFellows: John Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster | Hoover Institution