Freakonomics Radio 642. How to Wage Peace, According to Tony Blinken
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Jul 25, 2025 
Antony Blinken, former U.S. Secretary of State, shares his profound insights on global diplomacy and international relations. He emphasizes the urgent need for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while reflecting on his family's history that shaped his worldview. Blinken discusses the impact of State Department layoffs on U.S. diplomacy and the challenges posed by China and Iran. Our dialogue weaves through the tensions of partisanship and the hopeful potential for human decency, alongside personal experiences from his tenure in leadership.
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Blinken's Family History of Survival
- Antony Blinken's grandfather fled pogroms and helped prove Israel's economic viability.
- His stepfather survived Nazi concentration camps, rescued by an African-American GI tank crew.
Loyalty and Empathy in Policy
- Blinken says his loyalty is to the US, not any country or group.
- His family history fuels empathy for all suffering, Jewish or Palestinian alike.
Changing Perceptions of Israel
- Israeli perception shifted from celebrated democracy to criticized settler colonialist.
- Much stems from historical rejection and wars with surrounding Arab countries and unresolved tensions.