Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

#387 - Politics & Power

Oct 15, 2024

In a riveting discussion, Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to President Obama and current U.S. ambassador to Japan, delves into the complex state of global politics. He explores Japan's unique economic paradox and its cultural influences, alongside the rising tensions between the U.S. and China. Emanuel also candidly addresses the Democratic Party's identity crisis and its disconnect with immigrant communities. The conversation then shifts to Israel, discussing its diplomatic challenges and the prospects for peace in the region, highlighting the intricate balance of security and political dynamics.

01:09:47

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Episode guests

Rahm Emanuel

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Japan's diplomatic engagement signifies its readiness to play a larger global role amidst complex U.S.-China relations and regional tensions.

The Democratic Party faces urgent challenges to realign its values with voter concerns on immigration and crime, emphasizing transparent communication.

Israel's complex position in the world highlights a need for diplomatic solutions and a two-state approach for long-term regional security.

Deep dives

Ambassadorial Insights on Japan

The ambassadorship of Japan presents a notable opportunity for engaging with a prosperous yet complex society. The current diplomatic efforts demonstrate Japan's readiness to enhance its role on the global stage, particularly in the context of U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The emphasis on trilateral cooperation involving Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. highlights a shift in strategy aimed at fostering stronger regional alliances. Additionally, cultural observations reveal a significant respect for safety and communal responsibility in Japanese society, raising questions about American societal norms regarding childhood and public safety.

Intro

2min

Insights from the Japanese Diplomacy

4min

Exploring the Paradox of Japan's Stagnant Yet Prosperous Economy

4min

Geopolitical Dynamics: U.S.-China Rivalry and Alliances

13min

Shifting Political Landscapes and Cultural Dynamics

22min

Navigating Israel's Diplomatic Challenges

20min

Envisioning Peace: The Future of Israel and Its Neighbors

2min

Voting Dynamics and Israel's Security in American Politics

3min

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Sam Harris speaks with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel about the state of world order and American politics. They discuss the mystery of Japan’s economic health, U.S. competition with China, possible conflict over Taiwan and the Philippines, the significance of the South China Sea, the history of the Japan-U.S. friendship, how the Democratic Party lost its way, immigration, whether Vice President Harris needs a “Sister Souljah moment,” whether she should explain her changes of position better than she has, the standing of Israel in the eyes of the world, antisemitism, the Abraham Accords, Hamas, the West Bank, the influence of the religious right in Israel, a possible war with Iran, Netanyahu and Israeli security, a two-state solution, whether a Harris administration would reliably support Israel, and other topics.

Rahm Emanuel is currently the U.S. ambassador to Japan. He was a senior advisor to President Bill Clinton before being elected to represent Illinois in the House of Representatives in 2003. He was also President Barack Obama’s chief of staff from 2009 to 2010. In 2011, he was elected mayor of Chicago, where he served until 2019.

Twitter: @RahmEmanuel, @USAmbJapan

Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.

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