Political Views:
Soros speculates that his political views might be different if he had grown up in the United States instead of Europe due to his experiences with Nazism and communism. He is particularly concerned about the erosion of open discussion and critical thinking in society, which he sees as essential for an open society.

Expectations of America:
Soros came to the United States seeking freedom and the opportunity to make money.

Wealth and Philanthropy:
Soros is known for his financial success as well as his extensive philanthropic efforts. Some critics argue that his wealth gives him undue influence over politics and society. Soros believes that philanthropy is a form of social justice and that the wealthy have a responsibility to give back to society.

Views on Capitalism:
Soros believes that capitalism is a powerful force for good but that it needs to be regulated to ensure that it benefits all members of society. He argues that unchecked capitalism can lead to inequality and social unrest.

Investment Philosophy:
Soros follows a unique investment approach that involves identifying imbalances and inefficiencies in the market. He is known for his bold and often contrarian investment decisions.

Philanthropic Focus:
Soros’s philanthropic efforts are focused on promoting open societies, human rights, and education. He has established several foundations and initiatives to support these causes.

Controversies:
Soros has been the subject of criticism and conspiracy theories due to his wealth, his involvement in politics, and his support for progressive causes. He is often portrayed as a shadowy figure with undue influence over world events.

Making Money and Philanthropy:
George Soros emphasizes that money-making and philanthropy are inspired by the same ideas. He established his foundation long before becoming a billionaire, indicating a longstanding commitment to giving back. Making money was initially an exciting challenge but later became strenuous and lacked the satisfaction he found in philanthropy.

Finding Fulfillment in Giving:
Soros experienced a life-threatening situation that prompted him to reflect on the meaning of his wealth. He finds greater satisfaction and fulfillment in giving away his wealth than in acquiring it. Engaging in activities that potentially put his life at risk provides him with a sense of completeness.

Addressing Oligarch Accusations:
Soros acknowledges being labeled an oligarch for his involvement in electoral politics. He prefers the term “philanthropic oligarch” to emphasize his focus on supporting democratic causes. His political donations align with campaign finance reform efforts, which aim to limit special interests’ influence.

Campaign Finance Regulations:
Soros argues that his activities comply with both the letter and spirit of campaign finance laws. The regulations were designed to deny special interests access to political processes, not eliminate money from politics. Supporting organizations like 527s and super PACs does not provide access or influence and is challenging to garner support for.

Re-examining Campaign Finance Regulations:
The recent election experience warrants a review of campaign finance regulations. Soros suggests considering if soft money should be allowed through parties or if there should be more free access to media. Allocating a significant amount of airtime to candidates, as seen in Brazil, could reduce the influence of money in elections.

The Importance of Public Broadcasting:
Soros advocates for more robust public broadcasting to provide non-commercial and informative media. He recognizes the critical role institutions like NPR play in providing reliable information. While he does not financially support NPR, he supports its mission in principle.

Globalization and Sovereignty:
The world is interconnected like never before, with global markets playing a significant role. However, the current system faces challenges due to the tension between global markets and the principle of sovereignty. Increased interdependence means internal political developments in one country impact others.

Internal Political Developments and Their Impact:
Poverty and misery worldwide often stem from bad governance, including repressive regimes, corruption, and failed states. The question arises: how to address these issues when sovereignty is the prevailing principle?

Modifying Sovereignty:
The concept of sovereignty is being modified due to emerging universal principles. The idea of absolute sovereignty is outdated, originating from the era of kings and subjects. The French Revolution shifted sovereignty to the people, leading to the rise of nation-states.

Need for International Intervention:
Elected or non-elected governments may abuse the sovereignty entrusted to them. In such cases, the international community needs to intervene to protect human rights and prevent abuse of power. The concept of “responsibility to protect” and the principle of supporting democracy in other countries are steps in this direction.

The US Role and the Current Administration:
The United States should lead the movement towards international intervention to protect human rights. However, the current US administration believes that international relations are based on power, not law. This approach is dangerous as it gives the US the right to impose its will on the world, leading to a less civilized world.

Bush Doctrine and American Supremacy:
George Soros criticizes the Bush administration’s foreign policy, particularly the Bush doctrine, which advocates for absolute military superiority globally and the right to preemptive military action.

Two Levels of Sovereignty:
The Bush doctrine creates a world with two levels of sovereignty: the United States, whose sovereignty is inviolable, and the rest of the world, which is subject to the doctrine of preemptive action.

Comparison to Animal Farm:
Soros compares the Bush doctrine to Orwell’s Animal Farm, where “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

Consequence of Endorsement:
If the United States endorses the Bush doctrine, it must accept the consequences, including the erosion of its moral authority and the potential for increased conflict.

Soros’s Project:
Soros believes it is crucial to reject the Bush doctrine and return to a more humble foreign policy.

Political Fundamentalism:
Orville Schell asks Soros about the origins of the political fundamentalism that has influenced American politics.

Extreme Fundamentalism:
Soros believes that political fundamentalism has become dominant and has been taken too far, leading to the excesses of the Bush doctrine.

Fundamentalism in the US Government:
George Soros discusses the presence of various forms of fundamentalism in the US government, including market fundamentalism, religious fundamentalism, and the belief in American supremacy. He highlights the neo-conservative project for a new American century, which advocated invading Iraq in 1998, as a dangerous addition to the mix. Soros emphasizes the contrast between these fundamentalist forces and the more moderate views held by the State Department.

Bush Administration’s Actions:
Soros acknowledges that not everything the Bush administration has done is negative, citing support for the Millennium Challenge account and efforts to combat AIDS as positive steps. However, he criticizes the administration’s actions in invading Iraq, which he believes were driven by a small group within the government that gained power after 9/11.

Correcting Mistakes and the Role of the United Nations:
Soros believes that the Bush administration is beginning to correct its mistakes in Iraq by turning to the United Nations for assistance in creating a democratic government. He recognizes the challenges and tensions involved in this process, particularly in addressing the rights of different ethnic groups.

The Challenge of Democratic Learning:
Orville Schell raises the concern that the world cannot afford to have US presidents with a steep learning curve when it comes to foreign policy. George Soros acknowledges this challenge as a penalty of democracy and changes in government, citing examples of leaders who had to learn difficult lessons during their tenure.

Imperfection of Political Systems:
Soros emphasizes that even in systems with longer-term leadership, such as Margaret Thatcher’s 10-year tenure as prime minister in England, leaders can overstep their bounds due to excessive success. He concludes that there is no perfect system to prevent leaders from making mistakes, but democratic processes provide opportunities for course correction.

Democracy and Its Imperfections:
George Soros acknowledges that no government is perfect and mistakes are inevitable.

Belief in the Democratic Process:
Soros maintains a fundamental belief in the democratic process, despite its ups and downs.

Churchill’s Quote on Political Systems:

Soros references Churchill’s quote: “It’s the worst political system except all the others.”

Open Society and Informed Electorate:
An open society relies on a well-informed electorate that exercises reasonable judgment.

Orwellian Truth Machine in the United States:
Soros identifies an Orwellian truth machine operating in the United States, manipulating information and facts.

Twisting Information and Facts:
Soros notes that twisting information and facts is not new in politics, and Orwell warned about the dangers of propaganda in 1984.

Ministry of Truth vs. Free Media:
Unlike Orwell’s fictional ministry of truth, the United States has free media, yet facts are still twisted to influence opinion.