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 Rampage: Government spending growth a threat to Australia’s economic future: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/leviathan-on-the-rampage-how-the-growth-of-government-is-draining-australias-economic-vitality/ ...
Aug 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 46
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 pressure, not only from economic uncertainty but from the moral and cultural disagreements that have intensified in recent years. Deep cultural and moral diversity presents both remarkable opportunities and pro...
Jul 23, 2025•46 min•Ep. 45
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 their minds, liberalism became the moral and political foundation of the 20th century. But in the 21st, the definition of freedom is expanding — and straining. We seek freedom not just from tyranny, but f...
Jun 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 44
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 liberalism becomes detached from its Christian moral and philosophical roots, it risks undermining the very values it seeks to uphold. He argues that a purely secular liberalism can drift into relativism or...
Jun 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 42
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 great enabler of freedom—central to the classical liberal vision of a society where individuals can shape their own lives. He explains that without access to high-quality education, people are denied the k...
Jun 11, 2025•50 min•Ep. 43
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 boundaries have been upheld by long-standing institutions and validated by their outcomes. While the classical liberal model deserves affirmation, McHugh argues it should be recognized as incomplete, esp...
Jun 03, 2025•30 min•Ep. 41
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, commentators, and public intellectuals who challenge mainstream narratives on culture, politics, and identity. Roberts explores how the IDW gained traction online, its appeal to audiences disillusioned wit...
May 20, 2025•35 min•Ep. 40
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 liberalism throughout Australian history. We examine how evangelical movements have shaped, and been shaped by, Australia's evolving political, social, and cultural landscapes—particularly the liberal va...
May 06, 2025•33 min•Ep. 39
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, innovation, and policy. How do Smith’s ideas on free markets, competition, and limited government remain relevant today? What lessons can we learn from classical liberal thinkers to tackle contemporary econ...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 37
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 compelling arguments about where we're headed—and why defending economic freedom matters more than ever. 👉 Support Free Markets! 🔹 Become a member: https://www.cis.org.au/membership-2-step-1/ 🔹 Make ...
Apr 08, 2025•36 min•Ep. 38
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 Smith, we trace the evolution of liberal thought and its impact on modern society. How did thinkers like David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill shape the principles of individual liberty, free marke...
Apr 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 36
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 Smith, we trace the evolution of liberal thought and its impact on modern society. How did thinkers like David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill shape the principles of individual liberty, free marke...
Mar 18, 2025•36 min•Ep. 35
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 become anti-liberal institutions? #LiberalismInQuestion #AndrewNorton #HigherEducation #UniversityDebate #Liberalism #AcademicFreedom #HigherEdPolicy #FreeSpeech #EducationMatters #UniversitiesAndLiberali...
Mar 04, 2025•26 min•Ep. 34
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 spying on us for China? What about manipulating our election? Is Australia on track to become a vasal state to China? Can we really trust the United States, particularly under a Trump administration? Th...
Feb 15, 2025•30 min•Ep. 32
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 reflection on the balance between justice, autonomy, and power, urging viewers to consider the deeper moral implications of conflict, control, and the value of human life. Nigel Biggar is Regius Professor Eme...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 31
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 critical importance of families in sustaining a healthy liberal democracy. Together, they explore how the cultural shifts of the 20th century have transformed societal norms, personal identity, and the p...
Feb 11, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 30
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 of liberalism and the responsibilities that come with exercising freedom. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how liberalism can navigate these tensions in today's world. Watch here: https://youtu.be/0...
Nov 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 29
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 classical liberalism, the role of free markets in society, and the current challenges facing economic freedom globally. Tune in as we explore the intersection of personal responsibility, limited government, a...
Nov 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 28
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 dynasty has maintained an iron grip on the country through a blend of political strategy and cult of personality. What are the roots of North Korea's dynastic rule? How has the regime's approach influenc...
Oct 10, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 26
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 transformation and understanding of economic and political philosophy. In this engaging discussion, Dr. Cole reflects on his intellectual evolution, the key principles of classical liberalism, and how Mises'...
Sep 26, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 25
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 culture, the rise of reformist and liberal movements, and the challenges posed by the ruling regime. What is the future of liberalism in Iran? Can the country embrace democratic values in the face of int...
Sep 12, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 24
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: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/ 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 eng...
Aug 29, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 23
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 Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, sit down to talk about the trail and the diminishing freedom in Hong Kong. Watch here: https://youtu.be/UtF9I1H2bNE Are you looking for sound, thought-provoking conversations on c...
Aug 01, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 22
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 PM Glynn Institute. He founded and directs the Governor-General's Prize for the Constitution Education Fund Australia. Together with Julian Leeser MP, he established Uphold and Recognise, a non-profit org...
Jul 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 21
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 internationally. Bret Stephens is an Opinion columnist for The New York Times, writing about foreign policy, domestic politics and cultural issues. Dive in as we explore the idea of liberalism in America and the gre...
Jul 05, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 20
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 positions have been with Commonwealth Treasury, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. He holds academic qualifications in economics and finance from the London School of Economics and Political Sc...
May 18, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 19
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, and a staunch supporter of Brexit. He inherited the viscountcy in February 2012 and was a Conservative hereditary peer from February 2013, with an elected seat in the House of Lords, until his retirement...
May 07, 2024•36 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, Rob chats with Marian Tupy, the editor of HumanProgress.org, a senior fellow the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, and co-author of The Simon Abundance Index. Marian argues that humanity has accomplished a great deal and can continue to do so if we continue to adhere to the values of classical liberalism. According to Marian, the argument that resources can’t keep up with human growth is simply not true. A cold, dispassionate look at the big picture sho...
Apr 03, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 17
On this episode, Rob engages in a compelling conversation with Sherelle Jacobs, a columnist for the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper. Sherelle contends that the Western world is at a tipping point, experiencing a decline marked by limitations on economic freedom, intellectual pursuits, and the freedom to demonstrate in the new millennium. The core question explored is whether the West is currently facing a decline that demands significant changes for its survival, and the prospects of liberalism i...
Mar 25, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Dr. Larry Marshall is a scientist, technology innovator and business leader with more than 25 years’ experience in creating new value and impact with science. Dr. Larry Marshall dismantles the myth of AI's destructive potential, highlighting its exponential growth and role in fostering prosperity. He advocates for essential regulation and unbiased education to address AI-driven cybercrimes and ensure responsible use. Dr. Marshall emphasizes that AI, currently grounded in algorithms, lacks consci...
Mar 07, 2024•23 min•Ep. 15
