Shermer Says 4: Venezuela, ICE in Minnesota, UFOs & UAPs, and Social Norms Around Single-Sex Spaces

In this book, Natan Sharansky and Ron Dermer make a compelling case for the spread of democracy as essential for overcoming tyranny and terror. Sharansky, drawing from his experiences as a Soviet dissident, argues that democracy can thrive even in societies previously deemed unsuitable for it, citing examples from post-WWII Germany and Japan, as well as his own experiences in the USSR. The authors emphasize the importance of freedom and democratic principles in achieving peace and stability, particularly in the context of Arab-Israeli relations and global politics.

In 'Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations', Amy Chua argues that loyalty to groups often supersedes ideological affiliations. The book examines how this phenomenon affects both American foreign policy, particularly in cases like Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and domestic politics, including the rise of Donald Trump. Chua emphasizes that human beings are inherently tribal and that this aspect of human psychology is often overlooked, leading to missteps in policy and social interactions. The book also discusses the role of tribalism in various social movements and its implications for national unity and global stability.