The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Come Back, America! with Rory Stewart
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Apr 24, 2025 
Rory Stewart, co-host of The Rest is Politics and former British Cabinet Minister, joins for a lively discussion on the shifting tides of global power. They analyze the complexities of American foreign policy and its impact on democracy, examining the rise of populism and political extremism. Stewart shares insights on deindustrialization in the U.S. and its implications for swing states. They also highlight innovative solutions like unconditional cash transfers and reflect on rebuilding America with a mix of optimism and humor.
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US-Led World Order's Strength
- For 70 years, US-led world was defined by strong alliances and shared values like democracy and security.
- Europeans deeply respected American professionalism and idealism in global security efforts like NATO and Afghanistan.
Europe's Blind Spot on US Reliance
- European defense was long dependent on US, but no one planned for a US adversarial shift.
- Dependence on US without contingency plans was once unthinkable, highlighting NATO’s fragile trust.
System Failure Highlights Leader's Flaws
- When systems function well, leader psychology matters less; failure exposes reliance on individual traits.
- Trump's use of executive orders and focus on psychology reflects systemic breakdown in US governance.
