Victor Davis Hanson Exposes the Crisis Facing Europe's Political Elite
Has Europe's political leadership lost control?
Victor Davis Hanson examines the unrest in France, Emmanuel Macron's response to violent protests, and the growing political and cultural divisions across Europe. Hanson argues that European leaders are struggling to confront the consequences of their immigration policies, economic stagnation, and dependence on the United States for military security.
In this edition of Victor Davis Hanson: Daily Highlights, Hanson joins Jack Fowler to discuss Macron's handling of France's political crisis, immigration and assimilation in America, the rise of antisemitism, and what he sees as the failures of Europe's political establishment.
The conversation also turns to former President Barack Obama and his criticism of political retaliation under Donald Trump. Hanson challenges Obama's record, revisiting the Russia investigation, federal agencies, and comments from Democratic leaders about Trump administration officials.
Finally, Hanson draws on his 21 years as a university professor to describe a troubling decline in students' reading abilities. From college students struggling to read aloud to the disappearance of classic literature from university classrooms, Hanson asks whether American higher education has abandoned its academic mission.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Macron and France's Growing Political Crisis
06:40 Immigration and America's Cultural Divide
12:22 Antisemitism and Europe's Decline
17:01 Obama, Trump and Political Retaliation
22:31 Why Americans Are Losing the Ability to Read
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does Victor Davis Hanson say about Emmanuel Macron?
Hanson criticizes Macron's response to unrest in France, arguing that the French president has failed to address deeper economic, immigration, and political challenges. He also compares Macron's political style to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Why does Victor Davis Hanson believe Europe is in decline?
Hanson points to economic stagnation, aging populations, immigration disputes, social welfare spending, and European dependence on American military protection. He argues that these challenges have weakened Europe's political institutions.
What does Victor Davis Hanson say about immigration and assimilation?
Hanson discusses the relationship between immigration, cultural assimilation, and national identity. He argues that immigration policies should encourage newcomers to participate in the shared civic culture of their adopted countries.
What does Victor Davis Hanson say about antisemitism?
Hanson warns against antisemitic rhetoric on both the political left and right, arguing that targeting Jewish communities and spreading antisemitic ideas can contribute to dangerous political and social tensions.
Why does Victor Davis Hanson criticize Barack Obama?
Hanson challenges Obama's criticism of potential political retaliation under the Trump administration, arguing that Obama's own administration engaged in politically motivated investigations and surveillance. These are Hanson's interpretations and allegations.
What did Victor Davis Hanson observe while teaching college students?
Drawing on 21 years of university teaching, Hanson describes encountering students who struggled to read assigned texts, pronounce unfamiliar words, and comprehend classic literature. He argues that declining academic standards and changing university curricula have contributed to a broader reading crisis.
Does Victor Davis Hanson discuss classic literature?
Yes. Hanson references Fahrenheit 451, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and other works while discussing the decline of reading and literary education in American universities.
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