Ari Shavit, an esteemed Israeli journalist known for his insights on Israeli politics, delves into the fervent protests erupting in Israel as Prime Minister Netanyahu reignites the Gaza conflict and moves to dismiss key security officials. He discusses the escalating tensions and the implications for governance in Israel. The conversation also draws parallels between Israel’s political turmoil and broader global crises, highlighting the challenges of leadership in times of unrest.
The podcast emphasizes the constitutional crisis posed by President Trump's use of presidential power, particularly regarding aggressive deportations and selective obedience to court orders.
It also explores the protests in Israel against Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions, highlighting the tension between governance and societal unrest in democratic contexts.
Deep dives
The Fragility of the Manufacturing Comeback
The discussion highlights President Trump's overarching goal of reviving American manufacturing as a means to transform the economy socially and politically. However, the reality is that this ambition is increasingly unrealistic given the significant economic shift towards a service-based economy. While many may romanticize manufacturing as a key to wealth, it has become evident that services dominate economic activity, accounting for over 80% of non-farm jobs in the U.S. The focus on resurrecting manufacturing jobs fails to recognize that modern economies thrive on innovation and services, which generate higher profits and job growth.
Challenging the Views on Executive Power
The podcast features a debate among legal experts regarding the constitutional clash over presidential power in the Trump administration. One professor argues that the country is indeed facing a constitutional crisis due to assertions of authority that contradict established laws and court rulings. In particular, aggressive deportations are cited as a clear example where the executive branch’s actions stray from constitutional norms. The dialogue underscores a fundamental tension in how presidential powers intersect with the judiciary, focusing on whether the executive can selectively obey court orders.
The Political Climate in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's recent actions, including the dismissal of security leaders and resumption of military operations in Gaza, have sparked widespread protests and unrest among the populace. The protests are influenced by public perception of Netanyahu's motivations, raising questions about the intersection of governance and societal unrest. This turmoil reveals a deeper constitutional crisis, where the struggle between national identity and democratic governance is becoming increasingly pronounced. The tensions echo those seen in the United States, reflecting a global conversation about democracy's definition and integrity.
Perspectives on Negotiating Peace in Ukraine
The complexity of the conflict in Ukraine is highlighted, emphasizing the need for the United States to approach it as a mediator rather than adopting Russian positions. One expert discusses how Russia's long-term interests seem to undermine any immediate intentions toward peace, suggesting that their objectives extend beyond territorial gains. The ongoing dialogues illustrate a struggle to balance support for Ukraine while also assessing how to move toward a ceasefire without conceding to Russian demands. This situation poses significant challenges for international relations as both sides navigate a path forward amidst ongoing hostilities.
Today on the show, Fareed is joined by two law professors, Leah Litman and Saikrishna Prakash, to discuss the questions surrounding President Trump’s contentious use of presidential power.
Next, Israeli journalist Ari Shavit speaks with Fareed about the protests sweeping Israel as Prime Minister Netanyahu restarts the war in Gaza and moves to dismiss his country’s attorney general and domestic security chief.
Finally, Richard Haass joins the show to discuss the latest in negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine as American, Ukrainian, and Russian delegations travel to Riyadh for talks.
GUESTS: Leah Litman (@LeahLitman), Saikrishna Prakash, Ari Shavit (@arishavit), Richard Haass (@RichardHaass)