Dave Troy Presents
Dave Troy Presents

Dave Troy Presents

David Troy

Overview
Episodes

Details

Dave Troy is a technologist, historian, and researcher who has studied disinformation and extremism online since the earliest days of the internet.

Recent Episodes

Ghost Nation: Taiwan's Struggle for Survival with Chris Horton
JUL 29, 2025
Ghost Nation: Taiwan's Struggle for Survival with Chris Horton
<p>If you've been following world events, you know that Taiwan's future has become a major question, and a fulcrum for the future of democracy. Chris Horton is the author of "Ghost Nation: The Story of Taiwan and Its Struggle for Survival," a new book that offers a unique view into Taiwan's complex history, its precarious present, and its potential futures. "Ghost Nation" is a must read for those interested in the future of democracy, not just in Asia but around the world, and Dave's conversation with Chris is a great introduction to this complex set of topics.</p> <p>More info: https://chrishortonwriter.com</p> <p>Book: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Nation-Taiwan-Struggle-Survival/dp/1035034026" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Nation-Taiwan-Struggle-Survival/dp/1035034026</a></p> <p>00:00 Introduction to Taiwan's Complex History</p> <p>00:52 Meet Chris Horton: Author of Ghost Nation</p> <p>03:15 The Dutch and Spanish Colonization</p> <p>07:27 The Ming and Qing Dynasties</p> <p>17:53 Japanese Rule and Modernization</p> <p>23:48 The ROC and the 2-28 Incident</p> <p>48:18 Martial Law in Taiwan: A Dark History</p> <p>50:00 Democratization and Political Shifts</p> <p>51:39 Taiwan's Identity and International Relations</p> <p>01:00:56 Taiwan's Economic Transformation</p> <p>01:04:10 TSMC: Taiwan's Semiconductor Giant</p> <p>01:08:37 China's Military Threat and Taiwan's Defense</p> <p>01:23:34 US-Taiwan Relations and Strategic Ambiguity</p> <p>01:33:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p>
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94 MIN
Project Russia and the Future of Western Democracy with Jason Pack
JUN 11, 2025
Project Russia and the Future of Western Democracy with Jason Pack
<p>In this episode, we dive into geopolitical tensions, focusing on Russia’s influence on global politics and its ideological underpinnings. David Troy and Jason Pack from the Disorder Podcast discuss Russian nationalism, the continuity of Soviet-era tactics, and the extensive influence of Project Russia. The conversation also delves into the intersections with Western ideologies and strategies to combat disinformation, as well as the peculiar connection between Russian Cosmism and contemporary tech culture.</p> <p>The Disorder Podcast - <a href="https://linktr.ee/disorderpod" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/disorderpod</a></p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Overview</p> <p>00:51 Conversation with Jason Pack Begins</p> <p>02:18 Russian Nationalism and Historical Context</p> <p>03:40 Post-Soviet Russia and the KGB's Influence</p> <p>10:27 Challenges of Democratization in Russia</p> <p>18:24 Project Russia: Ideological Framework</p> <p>26:18 Western Misunderstandings of Russian Motivations</p> <p>29:10 The Essence of Project Russia</p> <p>30:06 Bannon's Vision and Russian Interests</p> <p>30:30 China's Role in the Ukraine War</p> <p>31:52 Introduction to Russian Cosmism</p> <p>32:40 The Origins and Ideas of Russian Cosmism</p> <p>34:32 Cosmism's Influence on Modern Tech</p> <p>37:51 Libertarian Ideologies and Russian Cosmism</p> <p>40:51 Trump's Actions and Russian Interests</p> <p>42:50 Chaos in Tariff Policies</p> <p>45:56 Strengthening Democracy in the West</p> <p>52:48 Engaging Global South Democracies</p> <p>53:49 Conclusion and Future Vision</p>
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57 MIN
The Nerd Reich with Gil Duran
MAR 21, 2025
The Nerd Reich with Gil Duran
<p>Journalist and political communications specialist Gil Duran joins Dave for a discussion of The Network State, the latest in a long line of Libertarian Exit ideologies. Based on the ideas of people like Patri Friedman, Balaji Srinavasan, and Curtis Yarvin, the movement ultimately aims to dismantle the American government in favor of a network of federated states, all competing for citizens. The ideology has found a home in the second Trump administration and is gaining momentum quickly. Dave and Gil discuss what it is, where it came from, and how to go about stopping its spread.</p> <p>Interview starts at 02:47</p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p> <p>00:05 Exploring the Network State Concept</p> <p>02:47 Mainstream Media's Reluctance</p> <p>03:40 Historical Context and Silicon Valley's Influence</p> <p>04:42 Local Politics and Billionaire Influence</p> <p>05:22 Acceleration of Network State Ideologies</p> <p>07:54 Freedom Cities and Corporate Dystopias</p> <p>11:59 Exit vs. Voice: Libertarian Ideals</p> <p>17:36 Cultish Movements and Apocalyptic Visions</p> <p>22:48 Autocracy Inc. and Global Implications</p> <p>33:12 Bitcoin and Right-Wing Politics</p> <p>34:02 Network State and Democracy</p> <p>34:29 Media and Political Awareness</p> <p>35:37 Democrats and Cryptocurrency</p> <p>43:51 Technocracy and Historical Parallels</p> <p>51:43 Substack vs. Ghost Platform</p> <p>55:00 Future Political Landscape</p> <p>01:02:45 Grassroots Movements and Conclusion</p> <p>Links:</p> <p>https://thenerdreich.com</p> <p>https://x.com/gilduran76</p> <p>https://theframelab.org</p>
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69 MIN
Henry Wallace and the World that Wasn't with Benn Steil
FEB 25, 2025
Henry Wallace and the World that Wasn't with Benn Steil
<p>Donald Trump wasn't the first presidential candidate to be groomed by the KGB to advance Russian interests. That dubious honor belongs to Henry A. Wallace, who ran for president in 1948.</p> <p>Dave interviews Benn Steil, an economist and historian from the Council on Foreign Relations. They discuss his latest book, 'The World That Wasn't, Henry Wallace and the Fate of the American Century.' The conversation explores Wallace's intriguing political and personal life, his contributions as Agriculture Secretary under FDR, his mystical beliefs, and his controversial political career. The discussion includes the impact of Wallace's policies, his interactions with and influence from historical figures like Nicholas Roerich, and his eventual fall from political grace leading up to the 1944 Democratic Convention. The guest also draws parallels between Wallace's complex legacy and contemporary political narratives, including potential influences on modern American politics.</p> <p>Links:</p> <p><a href="https://america2.news/donald-trump-isnt-the-first-presidential-candidate-groomed-by-the-kgb/" target="_blank">https://america2.news/donald-trump-isnt-the-first-presidential-candidate-groomed-by-the-kgb/</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/genuine-case-collusion?ref=america2.news" target="_blank">https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/genuine-case-collusion?ref=america2.news</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.cfr.org/expert/benn-steil" target="_blank">https://www.cfr.org/expert/benn-steil</a></p> <p><a href="https://x.com/bennsteil?lang=en" target="_blank">https://x.com/bennsteil</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/14/nyregion/nyc-911-calls-riverside-drive.html" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/14/nyregion/nyc-911-calls-riverside-drive.html</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.roerich.org/" target="_blank">https://www.roerich.org/</a></p> <p>Interview begins at 02:47.</p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Background</p> <p>00:20 Henry Wallace: A Counterfactual History</p> <p>02:27 Henry Wallace's Early Life and Agricultural Innovations</p> <p>06:39 Wallace's Mystical Pursuits and Political Controversies</p> <p>12:39 Wallace's Political Ideologies and Economic Views</p> <p>23:25 Wallace's Vice Presidency and Political Challenges</p> <p>29:06 Wallace's Diplomatic Missions and Downfall</p> <p>33:51 Manipulating Visits: The Russian Blueprint</p> <p>34:30 The DNC's Maneuvering for a New VP</p> <p>37:47 The 1944 Democratic Convention Chaos</p> <p>41:02 Wallace's Downfall and Truman's Rise</p> <p>45:50 Wallace's Post-VP Career and Conflicts</p> <p>48:43 Wallace's 1948 Presidential Run and Communist Ties</p> <p>54:40 Parallels Between Wallace and Trump</p> <p>58:38 The Masonic Dollar Bill Redesign</p> <p>01:00:49 Conclusion and Future Prospects</p>
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66 MIN
Money, Lies, and God with Katherine Stewart
FEB 20, 2025
Money, Lies, and God with Katherine Stewart
<p>Dave interviews Katherine Stewart about her new book 'Money, Lies, and God,' which explores extremist movements in the United States, particularly focusing on the rise of anti-democratic sentiment and Christian nationalism. Katherine shares her background in reporting over the past 16 years and discusses how she began investigating these movements after a 'Good News Club' appeared at her daughter's school. She categorizes the key players in these movements into 'funders,' 'thinkers,' and 'foot soldiers' and discusses how their interactions threaten the foundations of American democracy. The interview also touches on the disinformation campaigns, the international dimension of these extremist networks, and the importance of engaging in local politics and voting to sustain democracy.</p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Book Overview</p> <p>00:19 Katherine's Background and Initial Interest</p> <p>00:38 The Good News Club and Its Impact</p> <p>02:57 Researching the Legal Advocacy Groups</p> <p>04:03 The Larger Agenda and War on Public Education</p> <p>04:59 Categorizing the Networks: Funders, Thinkers, and Foot Soldiers</p> <p>07:45 Christian Nationalism and Its Political Machine</p> <p>12:51 The Role of Spirit Warriors and Spiritual Warfare</p> <p>16:56 Influence of Thinkers: Leo Strauss and Carl Schmitt</p> <p>22:02 The Concept of a Red Caesar</p> <p>31:24 Global Reactionary Movements and Religious Nationalism</p> <p>37:38 The Role of Funders and Money in Politics</p> <p>42:19 Pro-Democracy Initiatives and Individual Actions</p> <p>46:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p>
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50 MIN