Making Sense with Sam Harris #215 — A Conversation with David Miliband
Aug 21, 2020
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee and former British Foreign Secretary, shares insights from his humanitarian work. He addresses the growing crisis of refugees and the ethical responsibilities of wealthier nations. Miliband navigates the complexities of U.S. military interventions, emphasizing the need for political solutions. He discusses the balance between nationalism and global responsibilities, while advocating for collaborative efforts to tackle existential threats like climate change. A thought-provoking glimpse into global humanitarian challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Miliband's Role at IRC
- David Miliband leads the International Rescue Committee (IRC), founded by Albert Einstein in the 1930s.
- The IRC, initially rescuing Jews from Europe, now aids those affected by conflict and disaster worldwide.
Syrian Refugee Crisis and Political Fallout
- The Syrian refugee crisis highlighted the challenge of differentiating refugees from economic migrants.
- This distinction fueled political controversies and the rise of right-wing populism.
Assessing Refugee Status
- A well-founded system exists for assessing refugee status based on the 1951 Refugee Convention.
- Germany's handling of the 2015 refugee influx demonstrates that such a system can function effectively, even under pressure.