Contra Mundum

Should we still trust the plan?

Coolidge was right about immigration

We revisit Calvin Coolidge’s immigration essay and apply it to the modern crisis. From cultural cohesion to policy failure, this episode explores why his framework still holds and what it means for America now.

The Southern Critics

A conversation with C.Jay Engel and Glenn Arbery on the Southern critics, what they opposed, what they defended, and how their arguments challenge the modern American order.

Unconditional Surrender as the End of Christian Peace

This episode looks at how the rise of the United States helped unravel the Westphalian system built after the Peace of Westphalia. While the system began to weaken after World War I and World War II, it was the U.S. that reshaped it.

Discussion: Lee Cogdon on Soviet Containment Strategist George Kennan

Wide-ranging conversation with C.Jay Engel and Lee Cogdon unpacking the life and legacy of George Kennan the architect of Soviet containment. We explore Kennan’s role in shaping early Cold War strategy, the intellectual foundations of containment, and how his ideas were interpreted (and often misapplied) by U.S. policymakers.

Discussion: Sean McMeekin - Stalin and the Second World War

In this episode, CJay sits down with historian Sean McMeekin to discuss Joseph Stalin, the Soviet Union, and the true dynamics behind World War II.

Discussion: Allan Carlson - The Family in American Society

In this episode, C.Jay sits down with Allan Carlson to discuss his intellectual journey, his concept of the “Natural Family,” and the decline of the traditional family in modern America. We explore the rise of neoconservatism, the distortions of radical individualism, the economic and cultural forces that have weakened family life, and whether the West has any real path toward renewal.Support the show: https://www.contramundumpod.com/

Special AMA Episode

In this special AMA episode, CJ and Andrew answer questions from their listeners and Gary.Support the show: https://www.contramundumpod.com/

Discussion: Josiah Lippincott - FDR’s Messiah Complex

In this episode, C.Jay sits down with Josiah Lippincott to discuss his college dissertation, where he makes the case that Franklin D. Roosevelt was among the worst presidents in American history.Support the show: https://www.contramundumpod.com/Follow Josiah Lippincott on Twitter: https://x.com/jlippincott_?s=21

Slavery

In this episode, C.Jay and Andrew examine how America’s history of slavery is frequently described as a uniquely western phenomenon and used as an excuse to destroy our way of life.Support the show: https://www.contramundumpod.com/