Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Q&A: Internal Challenge of Global Leadership

Published March 20, 2026

Global leadership ultimately depends on internal cohesion. In this Q&A section, Stephen Kotkin argues that social media, not foreign rivals, now poses the most serious test for open societies—raising urgent questions about trust, legitimacy, and the future of democratic self-government.

Check out more from Stephen Kotkin:

  • Read "The Weakness of the Strongmen" by Stephen Kotkin here.
  • Watch "Five Questions for Stephen Kotkin" from Uncommon Knowledge here.
  • Watch "Three Historians Debate the Era of Trump" from Uncommon Knowledge with Stephen Kotkin here.

Learn more about Stephen Kotkin here.

Recorded on August 14, 2025.

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The opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.

© 2026 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.

Cast

Stephen Kotkin

Stephen Kotkin

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