PODCAST · society
Liberalism in Question | CIS
by Robert Forsyth | Centre for Independent Studies
Are you looking for sound, thought-provoking conversations on current affairs, politics, and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective? If yes, you are in the right place. Liberalism in Question engages some of our society’s most prominent researchers, political figures, and free speech advocates --finding out their views on the state of Classical Liberalism.
Episodes
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Culture, Multiculturalism and Immigration | Henry Ergas AO
Has Australia’s experiment with multiculturalism reached a breaking point? In this episode of Liberalism in Question, economist and public intellectual Henry Ergas AO joins the conversation to examine one of the most sensitive and consequential questions facing classical liberalism in Australia...
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What Would Adam Smith Think of Australia? | Joseph Healy
In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Joseph Healy examines what Adam Smith would make of modern Australia. Drawing on both The Wealth of Nations and The Theory of Moral Sentiments, he diagnoses today’s economic and social challenges and outlines a more balanced path forward. 👉 Support CIS...
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What are our shared values? | Rachael Kohn
What are our shared values? | Rachael Kohn From de Tocqueville to Lord Acton and beyond, the idea of Democracy has developed, not always ideally, and signs of its demise are evident in Australia, making its defence a priority. Rachael Kohn AO FRSN is an author, commentator, and award-winning...
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A Nation of Strangers: How a civic vacuum enabled antisemitism | Alex McDermott
👉 Key points: 🔹Civic decline and identity-based education have fuelled the rise of antisemitism in Australia. 🔹Antisemitism grows when Australians stop seeing each other first as equal citizens with shared civic obligations. 🔹Rebuilding civic knowledge and a common national identity…
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Is Islam Compatible with Classical Liberalism? Part 2 with Dr. Mark Durie
👉 Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/zhxJXyavYzI Is Islam compatible with liberalism? In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Dr Mark Durie joins the Centre for Independent Studies to examine the fundamental tensions between Islamic theology, sharia, and core liberal principles such as individual...
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Is Islam Compatible with Classical Liberalism? Part 1 with Dr. Samir Mahmoud
Is Islam Compatible with Classical Liberalism? | Dr. Samir Mahmoud What is the relationship between Islam and Classical Liberalism? Is there an incompatibility, or just a misunderstanding between manifestations of Islam on the margins? Dr. Samir Mahmoud is the Education Advisor to the Office of…
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The Temptations of Unfreedom Revisited | Dr Oliver Hartwich
Watch here: https://youtu.be/pfX-nzrgFPM "[Dahrendorf] had protected an idea: that intellectual work and practical engagement could combine without abandoning intellectual standards, that boundaries could be crossed with integrity intact." Join Dr Oliver Hartwich for a conversation about...
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What classical liberals get wrong about the rest of the World | Alexandre Lefebvre
What classical liberals get wrong about the rest of the World | Alexandre Lefebvre Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Sydney and author of Liberalism as a Way of Life, Alexandre Lefebvre explores how classical liberalism shapes not just politics, but our everyday values,...
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Is Australia Doomed? | Marian L. Tupy
People have a lot of opinions and a lot of anecdotes that may not necessarily be true. Politicians deal with feelings. Economists and analysts should deal with facts. We have looked at the data and things are becoming cheaper, more affordable, more abundant in Australia... 👉 Read more: 🔹...
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The Australian Dream is Dead | Parnell Palme McGuinness
Over the past several decades, Australian society has undergone profound economic, social, and cultural change. Education pathways have lengthened, housing costs have far outpaced wages, family formation has been delayed or disrupted, and government intervention has expanded across nearly every...
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Education Reform in Australia | Jennifer Buckingham
Join us on Liberalism in Question for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Jennifer Buckingham, former Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies and a leading voice in Australian education policy. From critiquing barriers in public schooling to advocating for phonics-based…
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Australia's Liberal Odyssey: Tracing Freedom's Path | Dr Greg Melleuish
In this thought-provoking episode of Liberalism in Question, we delve into the rich tapestry of Australia's liberal history with esteemed guest Dr Greg Melleuish, Associate Professor of History and Politics at the University of Wollongong. Explore how liberalism shaped Australia's political...
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A Case for Helpful Government Intervention | Emma Dawson
In this thought-provoking episode of Liberalism in Question, we welcome Emma Dawson, Executive Director of the progressive think tank Per Capita (and formerly of the Chifley Research Centre), to offer a contrasting social democratic perspective. Challenging classical liberal skepticism toward...
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Indigenous Expectations are Skewed | Senator Kerrynne Liddle
Join us on Liberalism in Question as Senator Kerrynne Liddle shares her insights on why one-size-fits-all policies fall short in a diverse nation like Australia. Liddle critiques excessive bureaucracy, advocating for greater personal and community responsibility to drive real progress and...
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"People are just sick of it" | Alexander Downer
Get your tickets to see Alexander Downer in Sydney: https://events.humanitix.com/alexander-downer-leadership-between-allies-and-the-region In this episode of Liberalism in Question, former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer joins us to dissect the ever-shifting landscape of political...
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A Short History of Liberalism in the Middle East | Joshua Landis
Watch: https://youtu.be/xWVre38e0qQ In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we dive deep into the complex and often overlooked history of liberalism in the Middle East with renowned expert Joshua Landis. As a professor of Middle East history at the University of Oklahoma and director of the...
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Trump and the red wave | Dave Rubin
From Donald Trump to the lockdowns, Dave Rubin sits down with Robert Forsyth to discuss classical liberalism in the American context. 👉 Support CIS Research: 🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/ 🔹 Make a donation: https://www.cis.org.au/support/donate/today/ 🔹 Learn...
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The Tradition of Liberty | Senator James Paterson
Senator James Paterson joins Liberalism in Question to discuss the core principles of classical liberalism — individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law — and how they apply to Australia’s current political debates. The conversation explores where liberalism is being...
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The Tension Between Classical Liberalism and Conservatism | Gray Connolly
Watch here: https://youtu.be/NVFhjvDxGX4 From surrogacy to free speech, Rob Forsyth and Gray Connolly discuss the differences between classical liberalism and conservatism in the Australian context. 👉 Support Sound Research: 🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/ 🔹 Make…
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Rebuilding the Open Society | Roger Partridge
👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/bGv018CfXg8 In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we dive into Roger Partridge's provocative Quillette essay, "Classical Liberalism Without Strong Gods", where he challenges the rise of "strong gods" like religion and nationalism as antidotes to liberal...
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Peter Costello on the Legacy of Reform and the Road Ahead
Watch here: https://youtu.be/ybqWLEwL28Y From economic reform and rising government spending to cultural shifts and the decline of liberalism, Costello reflects on the ideas that shaped the Howard years and what’s needed to renew them today. 👉 Support Sound Economic Research: 🔹 Become a member:...
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The Erosion of Australian Values | Mark Leach
Listen to our new show, The Stutchbury Sessions on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM or listen on your browser. Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/sv9pXQxa9bo In this episode of Liberalism in Question, host Robert Forsyth engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Mark…
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Democracy’s Silent Guardian: Education | Trisha Jha
In this episode, Rob sits down with Trisha Jha, a policy analyst at the Centre for Independent Studies, to explore the relationship between liberalism and education. They discuss how liberal principles, like individual freedom, pluralism, and limited government, may require an educated population...
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The Hidden Cost of Big Government | Robert Carling
Watch here: https://youtu.be/DgqdELXU4BI In this episode of Liberalism in Question from the Centre for Independent Studies, economist Robert Carling discusses the alarming rise in Australian government spending and its long-term consequences. 👉 More from Robert Carling: 🔹 Leviathan on the...
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National Identity vs Moral Diversity: Can Australia Hold Together? | Peter Kurti & Jude Blik
Watch here: https://youtu.be/9bFoGoxcuQY When Peter Kurti published "The Ties That Bind: Reconciling Value Pluralism and National Identity in Australia", Jude felt compelled to disagree vehemently, though only in a rhetorical sense! “Australia’s multicultural democracy is under increasing…
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The Freedom Trap: The Chains of Choice | Priyan Max Jeganathan
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/29qPdsxMHss “Freedom or death!” The rallying cry of revolutions, constitutions, and rights movements shaped the modern world — and liberalism was its architect. Built on the belief that individuals should be free to choose their paths, pursue their dreams, and speak...
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Grounded Liberty: Liberalism’s Moral Roots | Michael Bird
Watch here: https://youtu.be/-NaJolceTlI Robert Forsyth interviews Dr. Michael Bird, who reflects on the relationship between liberalism and Christianity. Bird acknowledges the strengths of liberalism—its emphasis on individual liberty, pluralism, and democratic governance—but warns that when...
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The science of learning will set students free | Glenn Fahey
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRlHwPrD850 Robert Forsyth interviews Glenn Fahey, director of the education program at the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), who explores why a classical liberal think tank is deeply engaged in education policy. Fahey argues that education is the...
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In Defence of Jordan Peterson | Rohan McHugh
Watch here: https://youtu.be/o6TVilPFQxo Robert Forsyth speaks with Rohan McHugh, who contends that the liberal tradition’s “contest of ideas” — though vital for intellectual refinement — does not conflict with the enduring boundaries that have sustained Western civilization for millennia. These...
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Liberalism in the Shadows: The Intellectual Dark Web and the Struggle for Free Thought | Jamie Q. Roberts
Watch here: https://youtu.be/9kHg5sDRbHE In this episode, we delve into the controversial world of the Intellectual Dark Web (IDW) with guest Jamie Q. Roberts, a political theorist and commentator on digital discourse and dissent. We unpack the origins of the IDW, a loose network of academics,...
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Faith and Freedom: Evangelical Christianity in Liberal Australia | Stuart Piggin
Watch here: https://youtu.be/m1-tzuQjbFc In this episode, we explore the history of evangelical Christianity in Australia with guest Stuart Piggin, a leading historian and author on the subject. Drawing on his extensive research, Piggin unpacks the complex relationship between evangelicalism and...
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The Economic Philosophy of Liberalism | Eamonn Butler
In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we’re joined by Eamonn Butler, Director of the Adam Smith Institute, to discuss the economic philosophy of liberalism. From Adam Smith’s "invisible hand" to modern free-market principles, we explore how liberal economic thought has shaped prosperity,...
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Trump’s Tariffs Hurt Consumers | Johan Norberg
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/K_OzhR8wSX0 Author and historian of ideas Johan Norberg dives into Donald Trump's tariffs, the ongoing challenges to liberty, and the future of free market capitalism. From protectionism and populism to innovation and global trade, Norberg brings clarity, context, and...
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The History of Liberalism (Part 2) | Simon Heffer
Watch here: https://youtu.be/0jUZKIoyDPY In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Rob sits down with historian and journalist Simon Heffer to explore the rich and complex history of liberalism. From the intellectual breakthroughs of the Scottish Enlightenment to the enduring influence of Adam...
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The History of Liberalism (Part 1) | Simon Heffer
Watch here: https://youtu.be/TgeMnPeo-Tc In this episode of Liberalism in Question, Rob sits down with historian and journalist Simon Heffer to explore the rich and complex history of liberalism. From the intellectual breakthroughs of the Scottish Enlightenment to the enduring influence of Adam...
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Liberalism and Education | Andrew Norton
Watch here: https://youtu.be/2kHEZVcYaQA In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we welcome Andrew Norton, who has worked in higher education policy since 1997. We talk about the cycles of liberalism and also tackle a crucial debate: Are universities champions of liberal ideals, or have they...
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Trump, TikTok, and the new face of global power | Senator James Paterson & Emilie Dye
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/z8KS8QucurA Emilie Dye sits down with Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cybersecurity, to discuss the challenges facing democracies in an increasingly digital world. Should the government attempt to regulate against misinformation? Is TikTok...
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Navigating the Ethics of Colonial History | Nigel Biggar
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/V1g0cQQFSOc This philosophical exploration delves into the ethical complexities of warfare, euthanasia, and colonialism. It examines the morality of self-defense, the right to end one's life, and the lasting impacts of colonial dominance. The analysis encourages...
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The Sexual Revolution & the Role of Families| Mary Eberstadt
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/T6Ga9mjdFhs All our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies In this compelling interview, Robert Forsyth engages in a deep conversation with Mary Eberstadt, acclaimed author and social commentator, on the profound effects of the sexual revolution and the...
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The Tension Between Freedom, Liberty, and Responsibility | David Kinley
In this episode of Liberalism in Question, David Kinley, Chair of Human Rights Law at the University of Sydney, joins us to explore the relationship between freedom, liberty, and responsibility. As the author of The Liberty Paradox, David delves into the distinctions between these core concepts…
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Power of Individualism | Ron Manners
In this episode of Liberalism in Question, we are joined by Australian businessman, entrepreneur, and free-market advocate Ron Manners. As the founder of the Mannkal Economic Education Foundation and a vocal proponent of individual liberty, Manners shares his perspective on the evolution of...
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North Korea: The Origins of Its Unique Family Dictatorship | Nicholas Eberstadt
In this eye-opening interview, Robert Forsyth sits down with Nicholas Eberstadt, a leading expert on North Korea and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect the origins and implications of North Korea's unique family dictatorship. The conversation delves into how the Kim...
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From Conversion to Classical Liberalism: The Influence of Ludwig von Mises | Dr. Jonathan Cole
Join Robert Forsyth in this enlightening interview with Dr. Jonathan Cole, a distinguished scholar and passionate advocate of classical liberalism. Dr. Cole shares his personal journey of conversion to classical liberalism, tracing the profound impact Ludwig von Mises had on his intellectual...
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The History of Liberalism in Iran | Behnam Ben Taleblu
In this thought-provoking interview, Robert Forsyth sits down with Behnam Ben Taleblu, a renowned Iran expert and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to discuss the evolving landscape of liberalism in Iran. Together, they explore the complexities of Iran's political...
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The Strange, Recent But Understandable Triumph of Liberalism in Australia | Bob Catley
The Australian nation began as one of the world's first social democracies. Today its political axis has shifted to make it one of the world's leading liberal countries, enjoying unparalleled prosperity - according to today's guest Bob Catley. Listen here…
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Jimmy Lai’s Son Speaks Out | Sebastian Lai & Caoilfhionn Gallagher
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, owner of the independent newspaper Apple Daily and pro-democracy and human rights defender, has been detained and subjected to multiple Kafkaesque trials for fighting for freedom of speech and democracy in Hong Kong. His son, Sebastien Lai, and human rights lawyer...
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Why the 2023 Voice Referendum Failed | Damian Freeman
Reflecting on his pivotal role in the development of a proposal to recognise Australia’s Indigenous peoples in the Constitution, Damien Freeman explains how something that started off as an exercise in settlement politics ended in a failed referendum. Damien Freeman is a visiting scholar at the…
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American Liberalism and the Middle East | Bret Stephens
What would have happened if Israel did nothing on October 8th? Can the "war" in Gaza be called a "moral war"? Bret Stephens argues on this week's episode of Liberalism in Question that the "war" in Gaza is an "existential war" for the survival of Israel of the safety of Jewish people...
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Is the market more efficient than the government? | Robert Carling
Robert Carling is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies. Robert is researching and writing about fiscal policy, taxation and federalism. Prior to joining the CIS, Robert was Executive Director, Economic and Fiscal at the New South Wales Treasury from 1998 to 2006. Previous…
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Being a Rational Optimist in a Woke World | Matthew Ridley
Matthew Ridley is a British science writer, journalist and businessman. He is known for his writings on science, the environment, and economics, and has been a regular contributor to The Times newspaper. Ridley was chairman of the UK bank Northern Rock from 2004 to 2007. Ridley is a libertarian,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you looking for sound, thought-provoking conversations on current affairs, politics, and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective? If yes, you are in the right place. Liberalism in Question engages some of our society’s most prominent researchers, political figures, and free speech advocates --finding out their views on the state of Classical Liberalism.
HOSTED BY
Robert Forsyth | Centre for Independent Studies
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How many episodes does Liberalism in Question | CIS have?
Liberalism in Question | CIS currently has 95 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Liberalism in Question | CIS about?
Are you looking for sound, thought-provoking conversations on current affairs, politics, and culture from a Classical Liberal perspective? If yes, you are in the right place. Liberalism in Question engages some of our society’s most prominent researchers, political figures, and free speech...
How often does Liberalism in Question | CIS release new episodes?
Liberalism in Question | CIS has 95 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Liberalism in Question | CIS is created and hosted by Robert Forsyth | Centre for Independent Studies.
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