The podcast dives into the chaotic aftermath of a deadly missile strike in Ukraine, highlighting the fractured U.S. diplomatic stance. There's a sharp critique of Trump's handling of the Ukraine-Russia relationship and whether he understands Putin's intentions. The discussion also touches on NATO's role and the need for Europe to step up amidst ongoing aggression. Additionally, the hosts delve into themes of censorship and totalitarianism, exploring the psychological underpinnings of regime control, alongside lively conversations about significant literary works.
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insights INSIGHT
Trump's Blame Game
Donald Trump blames Biden and Zelenskyy for the war in Ukraine.
He rewrites history, echoing and exceeding Russian talking points.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Failed Ceasefire Attempt
Trump's envoy, Steve Wyckoff, had a five-hour meeting with Putin over the weekend.
Trump felt positive about a ceasefire, but Putin launched missiles on Sumy the next day.
insights INSIGHT
Wyckoff's Deal
Steve Wyckoff, a property developer with no diplomatic experience, is negotiating with Putin.
He envisions a deal involving territorial concessions, security protocols, and commercial opportunities.
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How the populist right is manipulating media and democracy
Ayala Panievsky
In 'The New Censorship', Ayala Panievsky examines the mechanisms by which the populist right manipulates media and democracy, using disinformation and strategic bias to undermine liberal norms. Drawing on empirical research and personal experience, she outlines strategies to counter these threats and protect democratic discourse.
The Nazi Mind
Laurence Rees
In 'The Nazi Mind', Laurence Rees delves into the motivations and mentalities of the Nazis and their supporters, using history and the latest psychological research. The book addresses perplexing questions about the Second World War and the Holocaust, such as how ordinary Germans tolerated the removal of Jews and why commandants of concentration camps oversaw mass murder. Rees traces the rise and fall of the Nazis through 'twelve warnings' and highlights signs to look out for in present-day leaders. The book includes previously unpublished testimony from former Nazis and in-depth psychological insights on obedience, authority, and the brain.
On Tyranny
Victor Gourevitch
Leo Strauss
Michael S. Roth
This book is a comprehensive analysis of Xenophon's dialogue Hiero, in which the tyrant Hiero and the poet Simonides discuss the advantages and disadvantages of exercising tyranny. The work includes a translation of the dialogue from its original Greek, Strauss's commentary on it, a critique of Strauss's commentary by Alexandre Kojève, and the complete correspondence between Strauss and Kojève. The discussion delves into the nature of tyranny, the distinction between tyrants and kings, and the philosophical implications of these concepts. The book also explores the debate between Strauss and Kojève on the role of philosophy in ruling the world and the concept of the Universal Homogenous State[1][3][5].
Wellness
Derrick Thompson
The night after one of the deadliest attacks on Ukrainian civilians since Putin's invasion, the American President has gone all block caps, tweeting: 'I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS WAR'. He's clearly a bit rattled. He'd been briefed over the weekend - following talks between his own envoy and Putin - that a ceasefire was significantly nearer. Things, he told us on Saturday, were heading in the right direction.
That was before Putin dropped his missiles on Sumy, a bustling city going to church on Palm Sunday. So does Donald Trump have no idea of Putin's mindset or moves? And should this tell us he has no way to bring about a ceasefire? We speak to the Ukrainian MP and youngest governor of Odessa Solomiia Bobrovska.
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