The Victor Davis Hanson Show: Europe's New Reality and Ukraine Peace Settlement

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler

Introduction

In the February 18, 2025 episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into pressing geopolitical issues, primarily focusing on Europe’s evolving stance amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the prospects for a peace settlement. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes, incisive political analysis, and critical perspectives on contemporary societal trends.

1. Removal of Henry Hyde’s Name from Courthouse

Timestamp: [07:08]

Jack Fowler opens the conversation by addressing the recent decision by DuPage County commissioners to remove Henry Hyde’s name from their courthouse. Hyde, a revered congressman from Illinois, is best known for the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortions.

Victor Davis Hanson expresses his disapproval of the name change, framing it as part of a broader trend of "iconoclasm" and "damnatio memoriae," likening it to ancient Roman practices of erasing historical figures. He states:

"They’re destroying an old precedence for tradition... It’s been a hollow name, durable Mexico for 400 years." ([08:11])

Hanson criticizes the left-leaning agenda for targeting historical figures based on selective aspects of their legacies, arguing that such actions undermine societal traditions and open the door for continuous deconstruction of established symbols.

2. J.D. Vance’s Speech in Europe and European Reactions

Timestamp: [14:00]

A significant portion of the episode centers on J.D. Vance’s recent speech at the Artificial Intelligence Conference and the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized European policies on free speech, anti-abortion movements, border security, and economic dependencies.

Victor Davis Hanson elaborates on Vance’s remarks, highlighting his contention that Europe is excessively interfering in internal affairs, particularly targeting anti-abortion advocates and those favoring stricter border controls. Vance’s critique extends to Europe’s economic policies, including:

• Military Spending: Europe’s commitment to NATO obligations remains low, with most countries not meeting the 2% GDP expenditure.
• Energy Dependence: High energy costs in countries like Germany and reliance on Russian energy sources.
• Demographic Challenges: Low fertility rates and high percentages of foreign-born populations contributing to societal strains.

Hanson notes Vance’s frustrations with European leaders, pointing out contradictions in their expectations of U.S. support while Europe itself falls short in fulfilling its NATO commitments. He remarks:

"They have tariffs, you get rich off us on trade. You don't trade reciprocally, you have to be subsidized by your defense." ([21:38])

Vance’s speech elicited strong negative reactions from European officials, who accused him of meddling in their domestic policies. Hanson draws parallels between Vance’s approach and Trump’s confrontational style at international forums, suggesting that both figures share a pragmatic yet abrasive stance on foreign policy.

3. The Disintegration of the Left

Timestamp: [08:45]

Hanson discusses the perceived fragmentation and decline of the political left in both the United States and Europe. He argues that the left has succumbed to an "adolescent mentality," lacking resilience and adaptability in the face of political challenges. Key points include:

• Erosion of Trust in the Masses: The left’s skepticism towards the general populace’s ability to make informed decisions leads to policies that undermine democratic principles.
• Censorship and Transparency Issues: European attempts to control information flow and suppress dissenting voices are seen as contradictory to the very values they purportedly uphold.
• Counter-Revolution Dynamics: Hanson posits that the left’s aggressive strategies to maintain power are backfiring, leading to public disillusionment and waning support.

He asserts:

"The left never feel that they're going to be out of power. So they break all these precedents... The left has degenerated into an adolescent mentality." ([08:15])

This analysis underscores Hanson’s belief that the left’s approach is unsustainable, both in policy formation and public perception, paving the way for a potential decline in their political influence.

4. European Immigration and Societal Strains

Timestamp: [41:41]

The discussion shifts to the contentious issue of immigration in Europe, exemplified by a recent incident in the UK where a hotel owner, John Mappin, declined to house migrants, fearing it would devastate his establishment and local employment. Hanson connects this to broader themes of immigration policies undermining national economies and societal cohesion.

He shares personal observations of the negative impacts of illegal immigration, including increased violence and property abandonment, arguing that preferential treatment of immigrants over native citizens fosters resentment and social instability. Hanson remarks:

"We give them preferences. We extend them laxity that we don’t to our own citizen. And that’s why people are so angry about it." ([46:55])

He criticizes the left for romanticizing illegal immigrants while neglecting the law enforcement and economic repercussions, suggesting that this double standard erodes trust and unity within societies.

5. North Korean Troops in Ukraine

Timestamp: [63:07]

Addressing the surprising involvement of North Korean troops in the Ukraine conflict, Hanson offers a strategic perspective on North Korea’s motivations. He explains that North Korea serves as an expendable asset for China and Russia, using its forces to wage warfare without bearing the direct consequences.

Hanson explains:

"North Korea has nothing that anybody wants. Nothing. They don’t produce anything. They’re a parasite on the Chinese economy, and they're a useful pit bull." ([63:08])

He contends that North Korea's participation is devoid of strategic benefit beyond supporting aligned regimes, highlighting the regime's disregard for human life in pursuit of foreign alliances and economic survival.

6. Jamie Dimon’s Critique of Remote Work and Employee Laziness

Timestamp: [07:08] and later sections

Jack Fowler brings up Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, who recently criticized remote work practices, labeling employees as "lazy" and unproductive. Hanson interprets Dimon’s remarks as a broader indictment of modern work culture and workforce discipline.

Dimon states:

"No, I'm just telling you...no creativity, you have no energy, you have no productivity. It’s a con. All your generation, you don’t know how to get up and get up in the morning, go to work and get dressed and be a person and a worker." ([36:43])

Hanson supports Dimon’s perspective, linking it to concerns about declining work ethics and the erosion of traditional employer-employee relationships. He suggests that Dimon’s stance could resonate with a segment of the workforce longing for structured and disciplined work environments, potentially sparking a reevaluation of remote work trends.

7. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Hanson shares personal stories that illustrate his viewpoints and experiences, adding depth to the discussion. Notably, he recounts his early teaching days, emphasizing the challenges of communicating classical studies to a diverse student body and the importance of relatable teaching methods.

He reflects on his upbringing and family history, highlighting the influence of his father in establishing vocational programs for immigrants, which underscores his commitment to education and community integration.

Conclusion

In this episode, The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a comprehensive analysis of Europe’s geopolitical challenges, the internal dynamics of the American political left, and contemporary societal issues such as immigration and workforce productivity. Hanson and Fowler provide a critical lens on prevailing trends, urging listeners to consider the long-term implications of current policies and political strategies. The inclusion of notable quotes and personal anecdotes enriches the conversation, making complex topics accessible and engaging for the audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Victor Davis Hanson:

  "They’re destroying an old precedence for tradition..." ([08:11])
  "The left never feel that they're going to be out of power..." ([08:15])
  "We give them preferences. We extend them laxity that we don’t to our own citizen." ([46:55])
  "North Korea has nothing that anybody wants. Nothing. They don’t produce anything." ([63:08])

• Jamie Dimon:

  "No creativity, you have no energy, you have no productivity. It’s a con." ([36:43])

Final Thoughts

This episode underscores Hanson’s unwavering stance on preserving traditional values, skepticism towards progressive agendas, and advocacy for disciplined societal structures. His insights into international politics and domestic issues provide listeners with a thought-provoking perspective on the current state of global and American affairs.