'Tomorrow Is Yesterday' by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley offers a critical examination of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the history of failed peacemaking efforts. The book challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that the U.S. and other international actors have fundamentally misunderstood the conflict's dynamics. Agha and Malley provide new perspectives on the obstacles to peace, the roles of key players, and the underlying issues that perpetuate the conflict. By analyzing past failures, they seek to offer fresh insights into the possibilities for a more sustainable and just future for both Israelis and Palestinians. This book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on how to achieve peace in the region.
Mao's Last Revolution provides a detailed account of the Cultural Revolution, explaining why Mao launched it and his Machiavellian role in masterminding the movement. The book documents the chaos and terror that ensued, including power struggles among key figures like Lin Biao, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, and Jiang Qing. It also explores the aftermath, where Deng Xiaoping led China into a reform era following Mao's death.
The novel, set in 1327, follows Adso of Melk, a young Benedictine novice, and William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as they investigate a series of murders at an abbey in northern Italy. The story is framed by a complex narrative structure and involves debates on theology, science, and politics. The abbey's labyrinthine library, which houses a forbidden book, is central to the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, William and Adso uncover a conspiracy related to the library and a hidden manuscript that could undermine religious and societal order[2][3][5].
Zohran Mamdani created a new anti-establishment playbook — in his use of social video, his focus on affordability and his position on Israel.
His assumed victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, trouncing the former governor Andrew Cuomo, was one of the biggest political upsets in years. And while the electorate in this case is pretty specific, I think it still points to some tectonic changes in Democratic politics.
My friend Chris Hayes, the host of MSNBC’s “All In With Chris Hayes,” came on the show earlier this year to talk about his book “The Sirens’ Call,” which is all about how social media and the new attention economy are shaping politics. So I wanted to bring him back for a sequel, to get “The Sirens’ Call” take on Mamdani’s victory, and Hayes’s insights as a born-and-raised New Yorker, with a deep feel for both the city’s politics and the broader Democratic Party.
This episode contains strong language.
Book Recommendations:
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
Tomorrow Is Yesterday by Hussein Agha and Robert Malley
Mao's Last Revolution by Roderick MacFarquhar and Michael Schoenhals
Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.
You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.html
This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Rollin Hu and Jack McCordick. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota and Isaac Jones. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Marie Cascione, Elias Isquith, Marina King, Jan Kobal, Annie Galvin and Kristin Lin. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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