Ep 318: The Reality and Prospects for U.S. Secession, with Ryan McMaken
03/17/23 • 45 min
In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by author Ryan McMaken to discuss his book Breaking Away: The Case for Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Politics. After exploring the roots and history of secessionist movements, the conversation moves to a more conceptual discussion where Ryan explains the meaning of decentralization, its associated benefits, and alternatives. Doug then asks Ryan to elaborate on the relationship between localism and federalism and how the tension impacts universal rights.
Acknowleding the recent relevance of secession, Doug and Ryan turn to practical considerations, rounding out the episode with a discussion on nuclear weapons, national debt, and the potential role of blockchain technology.
Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute and co-hosts the Radio Rothbard podcast. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and master's degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado.
Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 06:20 Is secession an American or un-American idea? 08:44 What does it mean for the world to be “decentralized?” 10:50 Benefits of decentralization 14:19 Alternatives to secession 17:09 Was the original constitution secessionary? 19:05 Universal rights versus localism 22:13 Localism versus federalism 22:06 The case for secession 29:38 What are the common arguments against secession? 33:06 Christians for Liberty Network plug 33:35 Practical considerations: what about the nukes? 39:00 What happens to the debt? 41:44 Blockchain technology and it’s impact on geopolitical governance
Additional Resources: - https://mises.org/library/breaking-away-case-secession-radical-decentralization-and-smaller-polities - https://twitter.com/ryanmcmaken
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com
★ Support this podcast ★In this episode, Doug Stuart is joined by author Ryan McMaken to discuss his book Breaking Away: The Case for Secession, Radical Decentralization, and Smaller Politics. After exploring the roots and history of secessionist movements, the conversation moves to a more conceptual discussion where Ryan explains the meaning of decentralization, its associated benefits, and alternatives. Doug then asks Ryan to elaborate on the relationship between localism and federalism and how the tension impacts universal rights.
Acknowleding the recent relevance of secession, Doug and Ryan turn to practical considerations, rounding out the episode with a discussion on nuclear weapons, national debt, and the potential role of blockchain technology.
Ryan McMaken is a senior editor at the Mises Institute and co-hosts the Radio Rothbard podcast. He earned his bachelor's degree in economics and master's degree in public policy and international relations from the University of Colorado.
Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 06:20 Is secession an American or un-American idea? 08:44 What does it mean for the world to be “decentralized?” 10:50 Benefits of decentralization 14:19 Alternatives to secession 17:09 Was the original constitution secessionary? 19:05 Universal rights versus localism 22:13 Localism versus federalism 22:06 The case for secession 29:38 What are the common arguments against secession? 33:06 Christians for Liberty Network plug 33:35 Practical considerations: what about the nukes? 39:00 What happens to the debt? 41:44 Blockchain technology and it’s impact on geopolitical governance
Additional Resources: - https://mises.org/library/breaking-away-case-secession-radical-decentralization-and-smaller-polities - https://twitter.com/ryanmcmaken
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com
★ Support this podcast ★
Previous Episode
Ep 317: Prophetic Witness as a Faithful Antidote to Christian Nationalism, with Nilay Saiya
In this episode, Doug Stuart speaks with Nilay Saiya, author of The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation. They discuss the two primary ways Christians approach politics and what those errors are. Nilay discusses these approaches in juxtaposition to so-called "Christian Nationalism." He posits a third approach which he believes is aligned with historic Two Kingdoms theology and borrows from Catholic social teaching. He called this approach, Prophetic Witness.
Nilay Saiya is assistant professor of public policy and global affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His research concerns the influence of religion on global politics. He is author of the book Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (2018). He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.
Main Points of Discussion: 00:00 Introduction 04:19 How is Christian nationalism distinct from Christians having a voice in governance? 05:56 Why can't much political theology cannot be reconciled with the teachings of Christ? 09:53 Is there a proper way to "take America back for God?" 14:00 How does the church see itself? Is it the new (nation) Israel? 15:43 Living as strangers and exiles; Christianism; political detachment 19:43 Two kingdoms theology - kingdom of the world and of the cross 26:46 Third approach: prophetic witness and faithful presence 29:07 The value of Catholic social teaching 29:45 When confusing prophetic witness with political activism (dual citizenship) 32:49 Godless people elected to power and the Christian response 36:37 Do we need elected officials who will listen to Christians? 39:40 Are the Sojourners Christian nationalists but on the left? 42:50 How do we live out the prophetic witness? 44:28 Closing thoughts
Additional Resources: - https://sites.google.com/site/nilayjsaiya/home?authuser=0 - The Global Politics of Jesus: A Christian Case for Church-State Separation: https://amzn.to/3ZLxLrd
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com
★ Support this podcast ★Next Episode
Ep 319: Modern Villains, with Connor Boyack
In this episode, author Connor Boyack joins Doug Stuart to discuss the latest edition in the well-known Tuttle Twins book line. "The Tuttle Twins Guide to Modern Villains" highlights the nastiest villains throughout recent history, with notable figures including Adolf Hitler, Karl Marx, and Woodrow Wilson. If you're interested in knowing why Connor chose the villains he did or if you just want to know more about the background and writing process of the Tuttle Twins series, this is the episode for you!
Connor Boyack is the founder of the Libertas Institute and has authored nearly 40 books, including the Tuttle Twins series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies. Connor graduated from Brigham Young University and has since been named one of Utah’s most politically influential people by The Salt Lake Tribune.
Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com
★ Support this podcast ★If you like this episode you’ll love
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