Quillette Cetera

What does it mean for a civilisation to turn against itself? In this episode, Quillette's Zoe Sankey speaks with philosopher and author Benedict Beckeld — whose 2019 Quillette essay on oikophobia remains one of our site's most popular pieces — about the recurring historical phenomenon he has spent his career documenting: the tendency of successful Western societies to denigrate their own culture, institutions, and inheritance. Drawing on his book Oikophobia: Our Western Self-Hatred, published by Cornell University Press, Beckeld traces the pattern from ancient Athens and Imperial Rome to contemporary Europe and the Anglosphere, arguing that cultural self-repudiation is not a modern aberration but a predictable feature of prosperous, secure civilisations. The conversation ranges widely: the assimilability of Islam, the distinction between monoethnicity and monoculturalism, the demographic significance of Israel, the theological differences between the three Abrahamic religions, and the question of whether the West can recover its civilisational confidence before external pressures force the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoe Sankey speaks with Andrew Bushnell — policy researcher, criminal justice expert, and fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs — about crime, justice, and some of the most urgent and uncomfortable questions in Australian public life. They start with the alleged murder of Kumunjayi, a five-year-old Aboriginal girl killed in the Northern Territory despite six child protection notifications in the two months before her death. What follows is a frank conversation about Indigenous offending rates, a justice system that too often fails its victims, and whether Australia has the political courage to apply its laws equally to everyone. Along the way: the Voice to Parliament, the Bao Phuc Cao voyeurism case, Melbourne's graffiti-covered streets, and the gang warfare driving a billion-dollar black market in cigarettes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Zoe Booth and Shany Mor discuss the complex interplay between Australia's reputation in relation to Israel, the impact of anti-Israel activism, and the cultural and intellectual anxieties that contribute to anti-Semitism. They explore the role of guilt in Western society, the challenges of identity and belonging in multicultural contexts, and the evolution of political discourse. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of radicalization, the nature of prejudice, and the future of democracy, particularly in the context of Israeli society and global fertility rates. Chapters 00:00 Australia's Protests and Israel's Perception 05:47 Understanding Anti-Israel Sentiment 07:58 The Role of Intellectualism in Anti-Semitism 10:27 Cultural Anxiety and Scapegoating 12:53 Oikophobia and Western Guilt 15:35 Moral Accounting and Identity Politics 18:04 The Impact of 9/11 on Western Discourse 20:27 Feminism and Cultural Symbols 23:01 The Transformation of Western Society 25:39 Radicalization and Immigrant Perspectives 28:14 The Role of Western Elites in Anti-Semitism 30:46 Media Narratives and Perceptions of Violence 30:54 Understanding Jewish Identity and Community Challenges 33:14 The Impact of Anti-Zionism on Academia 35:22 Cultural Myths and Their Influence on Society 36:59 Exploring Fertility Rates and Societal Values 42:08 Democracy in Crisis: The Referendum on Truth 47:56 The Legacy of the Post-War Order and Its Challenges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Zoe Booth and Adam Louis-Klein delve into the complexities of antizionism, exploring its ideological roots, the language used to propagate it, and its normalisation in contemporary society. They discuss the formation of the Movement Against Antizionism (MAAZ) and the importance of recognising antizionism as a distinct form of bigotry. The dialogue also addresses the historical context of antizionism, its evolution in academia, and the psychological warfare embedded in its rhetoric. Throughout, practical strategies are offered for countering antizionist claims—emphasising the need for clarity, courage, and a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Adam Louis-Klein is an anthropologist and PhD candidate at McGill University. His research focuses on Indigenous cosmologies in the Colombian Amazon and comparative forms of peoplehood. He is the founder of the Movement Against Antizionism (MAAZ), which challenges antizionist ideology as a distinct form of anti-Jewish hatred. His writing and advocacy explore the intersection of academic discourse, identity, and political propaganda. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Adam Louis-Klein and MAAZ 04:00 Interview begins: The Birth of MAAZ and Antizionism 09:10 Language and the Inversion of Reality 11:28 The Evolution of Antizionism 14:08 The Role of Academia in Antizionism 16:55 The Historical Context of Antizionism 19:21 Modern Antizionism and Its Global Impact 21:43 Government Responses to Antizionism 24:33 Understanding Antizionism vs. Antisemitism 27:18 The Psychological Mechanisms Behind Antizionism 29:50 The Australian Context of Antizionism 31:56 Personal Reflections on Antizionism and Academia 38:37 Indigeneity and Cultural Identity 42:22 The Complexity of Genocide Narratives 48:13 Understanding Whiteness and Cultural Concerns 52:47 Historical Atrocities and Political Violence 55:45 The Organisation of Antizionist Movements 01:04:58 The Movement Against Antizionism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chama Mechtaly is a Moroccan-American artist, activist, and policy advisor whose work sits at the intersection of cultural preservation, deradicalisation, and Middle Eastern diplomacy. Born in Casablanca in 1992 to a Muslim mother and a Jewish father of Amazigh heritage, she draws on her complex identity to promote dialogue and coexistence between Muslim and Jewish communities throughout North Africa and the Gulf. She recently organised the first-ever Abraham Accords Deradicalisation Summit, where she contributed to shaping cultural frameworks for regional integration in the wake of normalisation agreements. In today’s conversation, we discuss her recent Quillette essay examining Qatar’s ideological reach into Western institutions, the suppression of critical voices, and the broader ambitions of Islamist movements on the global stage. Drawing from her lived experience across Morocco, the Gulf, and the United States, Chama reflects on how Islamist actors have appropriated the language of democracy to undermine liberal values from within. What emerges is a sobering analysis of the soft power networks quietly reshaping our political and cultural institutions—and the steep cost of looking the other way. We also explore how culture is weaponised, how the West has failed to confront these forces, and what a path toward genuine peace and pluralism in the Middle East might look like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoe Booth speaks with Robert King, a psychology lecturer and researcher at University College Cork, whose work explores human sexual behaviour through the lens of evolutionary psychology and behavioural ecology. Their conversation centres on the evolution of female orgasm—its potential adaptive significance, its neglect within scientific literature, and the cultural forces that continue to shape women's sexual experiences. King discusses the use of animal models in studying human sexuality, the neurobiological mechanisms behind pleasure, and why evolutionary frameworks are still resisted in mainstream discourse. The discussion ranges widely, touching on female–female competition, the contested status of female ejaculation in both science and society, and the moral panic that often greets biological explanations for sex differences. Throughout, King makes the case for a more honest, curiosity-driven approach to understanding female behaviour—one that neither denies biology nor reduces it to determinism. His latest book Naturally Selective: Evolution, Orgasm, and Female Choice is available in paperback, hardcover or Kindle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Quillette Podcast, host Zoe Booth speaks with behavioural scientist Dr Dani Sulikowski about the sociocultural and evolutionary drivers behind collapsing fertility rates in Western societies. Drawing on emerging research and data from her own lab, Dr Sulikowski explores how intersexual competition among women, shifting gender norms, and declining testosterone levels in men may be contributing to a wider pattern of reproductive decline. Their conversation covers the psychology of modern mating preferences, the unintended consequences of social narratives around motherhood and career, and the cultural implications of pronatalist and antenatalist ideologies. They also discuss contentious issues such as surrogacy, abortion, and assisted dying—all within the context of civilisational health and long-term population sustainability. This episode offers a thought-provoking examination of the forces shaping human behaviour, fertility, and the future of Western societies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Quillette Cetera podcast, host Zoe Booth is joined by Anthony Rispo—a writer, independent researcher, and co-host of The Discourse Lab podcast. Anthony holds a degree in psychology from Columbia University, where he specialised in social cognition and sociopolitical behaviour. His academic research has explored narrative, perspective-taking, and autism, and he founded Columbia’s Heterodox Academy Campus Community to promote open inquiry and viewpoint diversity. Zoe first discovered Anthony on Instagram, where he shares nuanced, carefully reasoned commentary on culture and politics. His platform offers thoughtful, accessible videos on everything from identity and political behaviour to social psychology and group dynamics. In this conversation, Zoe and Anthony reflect on their own journeys through highly ideological phases—Anthony as a gay man in activist circles, and Zoe as a self-described vegan Marxist feminist. They discuss how those beliefs affected their personal lives, particularly family relationships, and what it took to step back from those frameworks while still extending empathy to those who remain within them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Andre Oboler—CEO of the Online Hate Prevention Institute and a global expert on antisemitism, hate speech, and online extremism—joins Zoe Booth to unpack the surge in antisemitic hate speech since October 7, 2023,. Dr. Oboler discusses recent antisemitic attacks on Australian synagogues, and his role as an expert witness in the landmark Wissam Haddad hate speech case, which tested the limits of Australia’s racial vilification laws. He critiques the failure of major social media platforms to moderate digital hate, and outlines the legal, educational, and community responses needed to address the rise in online antisemitism. The conversation also tackles a difficult but essential question: How do we protect free speech while holding people accountable for inciting hatred and violence online? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As missiles fly between Tehran and Tel Aviv, I’m joined by Iranian dissident Danial Taghaddos to make sense of a rapidly escalating war—and what it means for the future of Iran, Israel, and the region. Danial moved to Australia in 2018 and became politically active during the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. A royalist and advocate for a return to constitutional monarchy under the Pahlavi dynasty, he’s emerged as a compelling voice in the Iranian diaspora, challenging both the Islamic Republic and the Western narratives that often obscure the regime’s abuses.In this episode, we talk about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, what the regime actually wants from this war, and how Zoroastrianism and Persian identity shape Iranian views on Israel. We also unpack how the Iranian diaspora organizes abroad, why many Iranians support Israel despite the regime’s propaganda, and how the West continues to misunderstand the Islamic Republic. From public executions to political repression—and threat of Islamism and regime spies operating in the West—this conversation is a sobering look at the human cost of Tehran’s ambitions, and a hopeful one about the people resisting from within and without. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maarten Boudry is a Belgian philosopher of science and a prominent public intellectual known for his work on pseudoscience, secularism, and ideological bias. He is a research professor at Ghent University and a vocal advocate for free inquiry and Enlightenment values.In this episode, Zoe Booth speaks with Maarten Boudry about the growing discomfort around discussing Israel in academic settings—particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Maarten shares how the backlash to Israel's response prompted him to re-evaluate his own views and take a keener interest in the region.They explore why Israel has become a third-rail topic in universities, the role of antisemitism in shaping public narratives, and the broader challenges of defending liberal values in a climate of ideological conformity. The conversation covers academic boycotts, preference falsification among students, and the leftward shift in higher education. Zoe and Maarten also reflect on Quillette’s role in challenging dogma and protecting open inquiry from ideological capture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Zoe Booth speaks with Will Shackel, an 18-year-old energy advocate and founder of Nuclear for Australia, a youth-led campaign pushing for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. They discuss the rising cost of electricity and the structural challenges facing the national grid. Shackel makes the case for nuclear energy—particularly small modular reactors—as a reliable, low-emission solution. Together, they explore the history of Australia’s nuclear ban, the political divisions surrounding the issue, and the need for a science-based, bipartisan approach to energy policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Hanania is an American political scientist and commentator, known for his right-wing perspectives and as president of the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology. He faced controversy in 2023 when his past writings under a pseudonym advocating white nationalism resurfaced, which he has since disavowed. His book, The Origins of Woke, critiques identity politics and has sparked both praise and criticism. In this conversation, Richard shares his journey from academia to becoming a public commentator, discussing his views on nervousness, political identity, and the complexities of group differences. He reflects on his libertarian beliefs, the challenges of academia, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The dialogue explores the nuances of political views and the importance of individual liberty, while also addressing the market dynamics of controversial topics. In this conversation, Richard discusses his experiences with media, his views on political engagement, and the current state of American politics. He expresses concerns about the Republican Party's direction and reflects on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to peace in the region. Richard also shares insights on the implications of Trump's policies and the future of Middle Eastern relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices