Amanpour: Nina Khrushcheva, Richard Haass, George Packer and Salman Rushdie
Jun 18, 2021
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Nina Khrushcheva and Richard Haass assess US-Russian summit rhetoric. George Packer warns about America's internal divisions. Salman Rushdie talks about freedom of speech and cancel culture.
The Biden-Putin summit aimed to establish a more stable relationship by prioritizing strategic stability, constructive dialogue, and understanding each other's positions while defending democratic values and respecting Russia's domestic affairs.
Author George Packer's book 'Last Best Hope' highlights the fractures within American society, urging the embrace of equal America to bridge divisions, reduce inequality, protect free speech, and combat cancel culture for a healthier democracy.
Deep dives
Biden-Putin Summit: Constructive Talks Aimed at Strategic Stability
US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held historic talks in Geneva, the first meeting between US and Russian leaders in Geneva since 1985. Both leaders expressed a desire for strategic stability and constructive dialogue. While acknowledging divergent positions, they showed determination to understand each other and converge on certain issues. President Biden emphasized the importance of defending democratic values and human rights, while Putin maintained that Russia's domestic affairs should be respected to avoid confrontation. Cybersecurity was also a topic of discussion, with questions raised about the limits of free expression and cancel culture. Overall, the talks aimed to establish a more stable relationship between the two nations.
George Packer's Last Best Hope for a Divided America
Journalist and author George Packer highlights the current fractures within American society in his new book, 'Last Best Hope.' Packer argues that Americans are divided into four dominant groups: Free America, Smart America, Real America, and Just America. These groups have conflicting ideologies and contribute to polarization and resentment. Packer suggests that embracing equal America, focusing on reducing inequality, can help bridge these divisions and address societal challenges. He also discusses the need to protect free speech and the dangers of cancel culture. Packer believes that a healthy democracy requires embracing diverse ideas and engaging in respectful dialogue.
Salman Rushdie on the Power of Storytelling and Truth
Renowned author Salman Rushdie discusses the importance of storytelling and the challenges to truth and freedom of expression. Rushdie emphasizes the role of literature in conveying deep truths about human nature, even in fabulist or fantastical narratives. He argues against limiting free expression, stating that there is no right not to be offended. Rushdie recognizes the ongoing battle for truth and the need to distinguish between protecting individuals and protecting ideas. He maintains that a free society should allow for dissenting opinions and the continuous exploration of truths through different perspectives.
Vice President Kamala Harris Bridges Partisan Divide with Senators Dinner
Vice President Kamala Harris hosts a dinner for 21 female senators, both Republicans and Democrats, with the aim of fostering relationships and bridging the partisan divide. The dinner, featuring roasted Mahi Mahi and homemade cheese puffs, was praised by attendees for creating a space for conversation and building connections across party lines. Harris, a former senator herself, hoped to promote dialogue and collaboration on common goals. The event reflects efforts to overcome polarization and seek bipartisan solutions for the betterment of the country.
As U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet in Geneva, Nina Khrushcheva, Russian international affairs expert and granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, and Richard Haass, from the Council on Foreign Relations, join Christiane Amanpour to asses the rhetoric coming out of the summit. Author George Packer discusses his new book, "Last Best Hope," in which he warns that America must stop fighting amongst itself. Then Booker prize-winning author Salman Rushdie talks to Walter Isaacson about his new collection of essays, "Languages of Truth,” and the importance of freedom of speech, storytelling and fighting back against cancel culture.
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