Guest hosts Daniel Kurtz-Phelan and Rana Ayyub discuss Biden's tariffs on China, Russia's offensive in Kharkiv, protests in Georgia, Indian elections, Modi's impact on democracy, attacks on Muslims and journalists in India.
Biden's imposition of new tariffs on Chinese goods reflects a shifting approach in defining America's relationship with China.
India's election process highlights concerns over democratic integrity, media manipulation, and biased tactics affecting political outcomes.
Modi's campaign intensifying attacks on Muslims in India raises apprehensions about the country's future democratic principles and human rights protections.
Deep dives
The Enormity of India's General Election
India's ongoing general election, spanning over six weeks, involves hundreds of millions of voters, making it the largest democratic exercise in the world. Despite concerns over the erosion of democracy in India, the elections signify a sense of stake and responsibility among the populace in determining the country's leadership.
Political Dynamics and Modi's Stronghold
The political landscape in India heavily favors the incumbent Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and his Hindu nationalist BJP party, making them the clear favorites for victory. Modi's campaign rhetoric has intensified attacks on Muslims in India, portraying them negatively and engendering an atmosphere of religious tension.
Challenges to Democracy in India
The lengthy election process in India has sparked apprehensions about the democratic integrity of the country, particularly amidst actions to silence opposition voices, including arrests of key leaders and manipulation of media portrayal. The lack of a level playing field and questionable tactics cast shadows over the electoral process.
Implications for India's Future
The elections in India, marred by potential biases and the dominance of the ruling party, carry significant implications for the country's future political landscape and democratic ethos. Despite the democratic facade of the elections, concerns linger over the trajectory of democracy in India amidst escalating religious and political tensions.
Election Dynamics in India
The podcast delves into the intricacies of the Indian political landscape, highlighting the upcoming elections and the challenges faced by the opposition. It discusses the dominance of Hindu nationalist sentiments led by Prime Minister Modi, who is accused of undermining principles such as democracy and secularism. Despite opposition efforts, Modi's tactics of polarizing the electorate along religious lines have resonated with a significant portion of the population, showcasing the complex dynamics at play.
Implications of a Third Modi Term
The episode explores the potential consequences of a third term for Prime Minister Modi, focusing on his track record and policies targeting minority populations, particularly Muslims. It raises concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and human rights, highlighting instances of press censorship and marginalization. The discussion extends to Modi's international relationships, notably with leaders like Netanyahu, shedding light on the global implications of his leadership and the challenges posed to press freedom and democratic values.
Ben is joined by guest hosts Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, Editor of Foreign Affairs magazine and Rana Ayyub, global opinion columnist for the Washington Post. Ben and Dan discuss a regrouped Hamas in northern Gaza, Secretary Blinken calling out the Israelis for not having a long term plan, Biden’s new tariffs on Chinese goods, the struggle to define America’s relationship with China, Russia’s new offensive in Kharkiv, and protests in Georgia over a foreign agent law. Then Ben and Rana talk about the Indian election, what a third Modi term would mean for India’s democracy, and attacks on Muslims and journalists in the country.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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