President Obama seems to think that every global policy problem is a result of misunderstanding, miscommunication, or mixed signals perpetuated through the Bush presidency.  If we could just get the world to like the United States, Obama argues, these problems will solve themselves.  Multiple unenforced ultimatums for Iran and Obama’s inflated faith in personal diplomacy fail to instill much confidence for the future.

Uncommon Knowledge all-star, Victor Davis Hanson, is back in our latest episode to take a tour of the world with Peter Robinson, discussing current major foreign policy concerns.  The topics discussed range from Europe and the irrelevancy of the EU to Mexico and immigration to Asia and its nuclear future.

Regarding Mexico, VDH sees little hope for the future.  Mexico’s statist, nontransparent economy and class-bound, racist culture naturally breeds unrest.  As for the immigration debate, VDH provides his proposed solution (involving both assimilation and deportation), but recognizes that it is unlikely to come about.  Who’s at fault?  The Chicano elite here in the US.

When it comes to Iran there are no good choices, only bad and worse.  Iran will have the bomb within 18 months.  What can/should we do about it?

To hear more on a dying Europe, a nuclear Asia, the Chicano elite and immigration, our future with Russia and dealing with Iran, watch the full episode, embedded below.

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Afghanistan and McChrystal top the conversation this week as Rob Long and Peter Robinson are joined this week by columnist James Lileks, John Yoo, and Victor Davis Hanson. Well, not all the time. Peter does manange to wedge in some discussion of soccer too. Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.
Run Down:

5:04 — James Lileks
25:55 — John Yoo
30:15 — Victor Davis Hanson
1:07:15 — Close

It’s a health care-palooza on the podcast this week. With Rob Long MIA deep in the San Fernando valley, Peter Robinson and  Mark Steyn  ably carry on and talk to Victor Davis Hanson and Indiana Governor (and possible presidential candidate Mitch Daniels about what happened, why it happened, and where to go from here. All that and David Frum too. Questions? Comments? Fan us on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes.  And war.  At least according to Victor Davis Hanson.

In VDH’s first 2010 appearance on Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson, he shares the thesis of his latest book with us, which is that war is the father of us all.

The issues discussed are varied.  Everything from the American style of war and its ineffectiveness in Iraq, George W. Bush’s missed opportunity to gain leftist support, and why Obama gets away with continuing Bush’s military strategy.

Check out this video below for highlights, or watch the full episode here.

“A Tri-Partisan Three-Way”

A March Madness super-size edition of the podcast and why not? It’s the return of Mark Steyn and we greet him with three amazing guests: Ricochet contributors Heather Higgins on heath care and the huge price she expects Democrats to pay for passing it, Victor Davis Hanson talks about the middle class and the real risk of California going down the tubes. Finally, we’re joined by our first Democrat, Mickey Kaus, newly announced candidate for the Senate and all around entertaining guy. Listen as Peter, Rob, and Mark helpfully give him some unsolicited campaign advice. Also, Mark Steyn reveals the true story of a particularly uncomfortable encounter involving himself, Barbara Boxer, and Strom Thurmond. Yikes. Questions? Comments? Fan us on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.