As part of our ongoing partnership with the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, we spoke with Amy Zegart, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and co-director of Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation, about the effects of spy-themed entertainment on public opinion of U.S. security policies. She conducted two surveys, one informal with her students and another that was the first national poll of public attitudes toward torture techniques. Both had similar results: support of more severe techniques, assassination and indefinite detention increased with people who watched more spy-themed entertainment like James Bond, Jason Bourne and 24. In fact, this support has increased under the Obama presidency. What are the reasons and how do we close the gap in spy-themed entertainment and spy-themed education? Watch the video to find out.

In the final episode of the series for 2020, Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson, H. R. McMaster, and John Cochrane reflect on lessons learned from the pandemic, Donald Trump’s future, the ruinous state of the Golden State, how society will differ in 2021, plus what gets them through their daily routines—a mixtape of UK punk, Philly-brand funk, and the soothing sounds of “Sweet Baby James” Taylor.

HOOVER INSTITUTION NATIONAL SECURITY SYMPOSIUM

Wait for Election Day. Clinton or Trump may change your mind.

Enacting a carbon tax would free up private firms to find the most efficient ways to cut emissions.

Andrei Sakharov holds an honored place in the pantheon of the world's greatest scientists, reformers, and champions of human rights.

China’s Rise And Prospects For Security And Stability In The Indo-Pacific Region | 2020 Conference on Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region | Panel 6.

Indians cannot borrow money because their land held in trust by the federal government cannot be used as collateral and because tribal judicial systems may not consistently enforce contracts. Moreover, education rates lag behind the national average.

"Is Iran ready to become a democracy?" asked Larry Diamond, Hoover senior fellow, in opening the conference. Participants addressed this question through presentations and discussions in several panel sessions. In addition, Shirin Ebadi, recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, was the keynote speaker at a reception and dinner May 20.