In this engaging discussion, Robert Wright, a renowned author on evolution and society, teams up with Andrew Day, a scholar at the crossroads of psychology and philosophy. They dive into the intriguing concept of 'coconut conservatism,' revealing how traditional values mingle with modern social justice themes and Eastern philosophies. The pair also tackle the shifting political landscape, especially regarding Kamala Harris's candidacy and its foreign policy implications, scrutinizing the nuances of legitimacy and donor influence in democracy.
The podcast discusses Kamala Harris's potential as a presidential candidate and her ability to effectively communicate progressive values amid changing political dynamics.
The conversation highlights the cautious optimism surrounding Harris's foreign policy approach, particularly through her national security advisor's advocacy for restraint in international interventions.
Deep dives
Upcoming Changes for Non-Zero Members
A virtual Zoom call for paid subscribers of the newsletter has been rescheduled to August 7th due to a family-related issue. The discussion will primarily focus on foreign policy, allowing participants to engage with questions about the theme of progressive realism and its implications. This provides an opportunity for members to delve deeper into the topics that may affect future governance and global interactions. The hosts emphasize the importance of member participation in shaping the conversation.
Shifts in Political Landscape
The political discussion centers around the evolving dynamics of the presidential race, particularly the growing prominence of Kamala Harris against Donald Trump. There is a sense of optimism about her potential effectiveness as a candidate, as some believe she can communicate progressive values more clearly than Joe Biden. The discussion touches on the unusual circumstances surrounding Biden’s exit from the race and whether or not this approach undermines democratic legitimacy. Insights are shared on the attitudes people have towards the selection process and various candidates' abilities to capture voter sentiment.
Kamala Harris and Future Foreign Policy
Speculation regarding Kamala Harris' foreign policy approach suggests cautious optimism, driven by the expertise of her potential national security advisor, Philip Gordon. His past opposition to regime change wars during the Obama administration positions him as a possible advocate for restraint in foreign policy. The conversation highlights the general skepticism surrounding past interventions and the long-term consequences of such actions on global stability. There’s a belief that Harris could leverage Gordon’s viewpoints to redefine the U.S. involvement in international conflicts, particularly in light of the failures seen in Syria.