S3, Episode 4: An Interview with James Piereson

An Interview with James Piereson, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, and Trustee, Thomas W. Smith Foundation

The vigorous forces shaping American society, politics, and the economy today could have a transformative impact on the country’s future. Even amidst a sea of change and political realignments, our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, says that the Constitution will be an enduring structure that continues to guide us.  

James Piereson has dedicated his career to American history, Constitutional thought, and philanthropy. He shares his thoughts on the current environment in the US, the role of ideas in politics today, the state of the Constitution, and more. 

Topics Discussed on this Episode:

• Jim’s path to the study of American history and constitutional thought
• The current political and ideological realignment in the U.S.
• Whether the center right needs a “new fusionism”
• Areas around which conservatives can coalesce today
• The state of the Constitution
• How universities should be responding to the realities of today’s environment
• Philanthropy’s role in a polarized climate
• Ways in which philanthropy can address societal problems
• Reaction to receiving a Bradley Prize

About James Piereson:

James Piereson is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Policy, where he writes on philanthropy, higher education, and general political subjects.

Previously, he was president and trustee of the William E. Simon Foundation, which was a private grant-making foundation with interests in education and religion. Before that, Jim was the executive director of the John M. Olin Foundation, also a private grant-making foundation, which worked to advance conservative ideals.

He has served on the political science faculties of several prominent universities, serves on the board of many non-profit organizations, and is a distinguished published author.

He is also a 2025 Bradley Prize winner.