Robert Wright's Nonzero Israel, Gaza, and Free Speech in America (Robert Wright & Glenn Loury)
Sep 23, 2025
Glenn Loury, a distinguished economist and public intellectual, dives into the complexities of self-censorship surrounding Israel and Gaza. He reflects on his emotional response to the Gaza conflict and discusses how labeling actions as 'genocide' or 'apartheid' has evolved. The conversation touches on how the Trump era has impacted free speech on campuses and the shifting perspectives of younger American Jews regarding Israel. Loury also critiques media standards, offering insights on Bari Weiss's work and the challenges of journalistic integrity.
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Manhattan Institute Sponsorship Fallout
- Glenn Loury recounts how the Manhattan Institute gradually cut funding and removed branding from his podcast after episodes featuring critics of Israel.
- He describes being asked to de-escalate association and ultimately losing the stipend, prompting a move to Hoover Institution.
Moral Disquiet Over Civilian Harm
- Loury says his moral reaction to Gaza is driven by seeing many civilian deaths and a tone of triumphalism from Israeli leadership.
- He feels American viewers aren't obliged to support what he views as disproportionate military actions.
Words Signal Broader Commitments
- The boundaries of terms like "apartheid" and "genocide" have shifted, affecting public discourse and inference about speakers' sympathies.
- Loury treats use of charged words as signals about broader stances, not purely technical legal claims.
