Ed Luce, Chief U.S. commentator at the Financial Times and author, teams up with Karim Sadjadpour, a policy analyst and Iran expert. They dissect the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, weighing the risks of military conflict and nuclear threats. Luce delves into Trump’s unconventional foreign policy, likening it to a ‘real estate developer’s’ approach. Their discussion blends historical context with contemporary geopolitical challenges, questioning the implications of U.S. actions on global stability and the pursuit of democratic ideals in Iran.
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High-Stakes Israel-Iran Conflict
The current Israel-Iran conflict ranks an 8 out of 10 on a geopolitical Richter scale due to nuclear risks and regime instability.
The crisis could escalate rapidly, involving direct U.S. military intervention to destroy deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities.
insights INSIGHT
Risks of Military Action on Iran's Nukes
Military action against Iran's nuclear program risks triggering an Iranian arms race rather than halting nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu’s attack may have been designed to force U.S. President Trump into choosing direct military engagement.
insights INSIGHT
U.S. Hegemony in Decline
The U.S. is dismantling the post-WWII rules-based global order it created, leading to multipolar disorder and power vacuums.
Trump’s foreign policy is widely seen as unsuccessful and destabilizing on the world stage.
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In *The Shipwrecked Mind*, Mark Lilla explores the concept of political reaction and its influence on modern history. The book is structured into three sections: 'Thinkers,' 'Currents,' and 'Events.' It delves into the ideas of thinkers such as Franz Rosenzweig, Eric Voegelin, and Leo Strauss, and examines currents like American theoconservatism and the leftist turn to St. Paul. Lilla argues that reactionary intellectuals invoke the past to critique the present, seeing themselves as exiles from the flow of time. The book aims to expose the deep logic of reactionary thought and its impact on contemporary politics[3][4][5].
Trump: The Art of the Deal
Tony Schwartz
Donald J. Trump
This book is a mix of memoir and business advice, detailing Trump's professional and personal worldview. It outlines his approach to deal-making, including his eleven key elements for success, such as 'Think Big,' 'Maximize Your Options,' and 'Have Fun.' The book offers insights into Trump's business strategies, his interactions with various figures, and his approach to negotiating deals. It also provides a glimpse into his personal life and how he runs his organization[1][3][5].
How Countries Go Broke
Principles for Navigating the Big Debt Cycle, Where We Are Headed, and What We Should Do
Ray Dalio
In this book, Ray Dalio provides a groundbreaking analysis of the Big Debt Cycle, addressing critical questions about debt growth, the potential for a major reserve currency country like the US to go broke, and how to identify and mitigate debt-related risks. Dalio draws on his experience as a global macro investor and his study of 35 historical cases of governments facing financial crises over the past 100 years. He offers a template for identifying and managing debt problems, which he has discussed with treasury secretaries and central bankers worldwide. The book explains the mechanics of debt sustainability, potential government debt reduction strategies, and the role of central bank interventions in managing debt crises.
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
Zbig
The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet
Edward Luce
Edward Luce's biography chronicles Brzezinski's journey from Cold War strategist to presidential advisor, detailing his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy across multiple administrations. The book explores Brzezinski's intellectual contributions, including his influence on the Soviet Union's collapse and his geopolitical vision for America's global leadership. Through archival research and interviews, Luce positions Brzezinski as a transformative thinker whose ideas continue to resonate in contemporary international relations.
With Trump at the helm, U.S. foreign policy is in a perilous position. This week, Preet is joined by Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour to talk about the escalating war between Israel and Iran, and whether the U.S. will get directly involved.
Then, Financial Times columnist and policy expert Ed Luce joins Preet to discuss his new book Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet. They talk about Brzezinski’s role in American history, Trump’s “real estate developer" foreign policy, and the current state of the U.S. on the world stage.
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Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.
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