Dexter Filkins

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and Free Press columnist, joins Dexter Filkins, a veteran foreign correspondent and contributor to The New Yorker, to explore the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. They delve into whether Israel can effectively dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions, the potential U.S. military involvement, and the long-term geopolitical repercussions of this war on global tensions, including the U.S.-China rivalry. The duo also discusses the future of Iran's regime amid internal dissent and the risks of nuclear proliferation.

Dexter Filkins, a staff writer for The New Yorker and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, delves into Trump's controversial Gaza proposal that envisions displacing Palestinians and U.S. reconstruction. He discusses the geopolitical complexities of the region, analyzing the implications of ongoing violence and failed diplomacy. The conversation also highlights the alarming recruitment crisis in the U.S. military, questioning operational readiness amid changing societal values and potential barriers for new enlistees.

Dexter Filkins, a renowned staff writer for The New Yorker, delves into the shifting landscape of modern warfare influenced by drone technology. He discusses how Ukraine leverages low-cost drones to redefine combat dynamics, posing challenges to traditional military strategies. Filkins highlights the Pentagon's struggle to adapt its procurement processes amidst rising tensions with China. The ethical implications of using AI in warfare are also explored, contrasting precision strikes against the tragic consequences of collateral damage.

Dexter Filkins, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and seasoned journalist for The New York Times and The New Yorker, dives into the chaos following a series of explosions linked to Hezbollah's communication devices. He unpacks how this unprecedented operation hints at Israeli intelligence, likely Mossad's doing. The conversation also addresses the broader shadow war between Israel and Iran, analyzing the ongoing threats posed by Hezbollah and how recent escalations have pushed the region toward a dangerous brink. Filkins provides a compelling overview of the intricate and perilous dynamics at play.

Ravi chats with Dexter Filkins, a renowned war correspondent and author of The Forever War, about the seismic shifts in modern warfare. They discuss how drones and AI are reshaping combat, particularly in Ukraine with innovative yet lethal tactics. Filkins highlights U.S. military readiness and contrasts it with China's influence in defense. The conversation dives into the moral implications of algorithmic warfare in conflicts like Gaza, revealing the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weaponry. This thought-provoking dialogue examines the future of warfare.

Dexter Filkins, a staff writer for The New Yorker known for his insights on warfare and geopolitics, discusses the evolving landscape of military power. He reveals how Ukraine's innovative drone technology is reshaping conflict dynamics and challenging traditional military strategies. Filkins warns that the U.S. could face serious threats from advanced Chinese weaponry and emphasizes the Pentagon's sluggish response to these changes. He also delves into the ethical complexities of using artificial intelligence in military operations, particularly in recent conflicts.

Dexter Filkins has reported on conflict situations around the world, and recently spent months reporting on the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. In a recent piece, Filkins tries to untangle how conditions around the globe, an abrupt change in executive direction from Trump to Biden, and an antiquated immigration system have created a chaotic situation. “It’s difficult to appreciate the scale and the magnitude of what’s happening there unless you see it,” Filkins tells David Remnick. Last year, during a surge at the border, local jurisdictions struggled to provide humanitarian support for thousands of migrants, leading Democratic politicians to openly criticize the Administration. While hardliners dream of a wall across the two-thousand-mile border, “they can’t build a border wall in the middle of a river,” Filkins notes. “So if you can get across the river, and you can get your foot on American soil, that’s all you need to do.” Migrants surrendering to Border Patrol and requesting asylum then enter a yearslong limbo as their claims work through an overburdened system. The last major overhaul of the immigration system took place in 1986, Filkins explains, and with Republicans and Democrats perpetually at loggerheads, there is no will to fix a system that both sides acknowledge as broken. 

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Dexter Filkins joins Preet to discuss the surge of migrants at the southern border and the challenges faced by Biden. Also explores judges consuming news relevant to their cases and concerns over trial delays with Trump classified documents. Addresses difficulties of covering immigration, repatriation, and balancing humane treatment. Discusses changing dynamics and political implications, putting strain on resources and prompting criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Explores Biden's predicament on the border issue and pays tribute to Elton John's achievements and collaboration with John Lennon.

Earlier this month, E Jean Carroll won an unprecedented legal victory: in a civil suit, Donald Trump was found liable for sexual abuse against her in the mid-nineteen-nineties, and for defamation in later accusing her of a hoax. But no sooner was that decision announced than Trump reiterated his defamatory insults against her in a controversial CNN interview. Carroll has now filed an amended complaint, in a separate suit, based on Trump’s continued barrage. But can anything make him stop? “The one thing he understands is money,” Carroll’s lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, tells David Remnick. “At some point he’ll understand that every time he does it, it’s going to cost him  a few million dollars. And that may make a difference.” Carroll acknowledges that Trump will keep attacking her to get a laugh—“a lot of people don’t like women,” she says simply—but she is undaunted, telling Remnick, “I hate to be all positive about this, but I think we’ve made a difference, I really do.”  Plus, the staff writer Dexter Filkins on Ron DeSantis, who finally announced his Presidential candidacy this week. In 2022, Filkins profiled the Florida governor as his national ambitions were becoming clear. “He’s very good at staking out a position and pounding the table,” Filkins notes, “saying, ‘I’m not giving in to the liberals in the Northeast.’ ”

Dexter Filkins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent with The New Yorker, discusses U.S. military preparedness in the context of modern warfare. He examines Ukraine's innovative tactics and Israel's AI strategies, sparking a debate on outdated military systems. Filkins highlights recruitment challenges, where many young adults aren't eligible for service, and explores the implications of technological reliance, including the ethical dilemmas of drone warfare. His firsthand experiences in conflict zones add depth to the conversation about the evolving landscape of global military strategy.