The speakers delve into the factors that drive society into crisis, such as popular immigration and elite overproduction, discussing the consequences of declining living standards and intense competition for power positions. They question the potential worsening of the situation and ponder a solution that involves personal elites prioritizing society's interests. The lack of understanding and focus on addressing deep-rooted problems by political leaders, as exemplified by increasing the minimum wage, is also criticized.
Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern is Kara's co-host as Scott-free August comes to an end. They explore how Trump's mugshot is spawning merch from the right and the left, and what to expect from the upcoming iPhone 15. Then, Joanna's investigation into the best EVs on the market and why a group of Silicon Valley elite is buying up land in northern California. Our Friend of Pivot is Professor Peter Turchin, author of "End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration." He explains why the U.S. is in a state of social upheaval and sees a few paths that could get us out of it.
You can follow Joanna at @JoannaStern and read her column at WSJ.com.
Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial.
Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast.
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices