Robert A. Pape

Robert A. Pape, a political scientist from the University of Chicago, delves into the unsettling rise of political violence in America. He analyzes the tragic case of Brian Thompson's homicide, linking it to larger trends in societal unrest. Pape discusses the profile of Luigi Mangione, highlighting the factors that led to his actions. Throughout, he emphasizes the urgent need for national leaders to promote political engagement as a remedy for rising tensions, rather than allowing anger to manifest violently.

Robert A. Pape, expert on Israel's strategic mistakes, joins Scott to discuss the flawed assumptions behind Israel's strategy in Gaza. They highlight the ineffectiveness of punishing civilians in air campaigns and the dangers of relying too heavily on precision guided weapons. They also explore the consequences of removing Gaza's inhabitants and the challenges Israel would face in securing its borders.

Guest Robert A. Pape, a political science professor, discusses the real-world danger of Trump's violent rhetoric, analyzing specific incidents influenced by his language and the potential consequences as he prepares for the 2024 election. The podcast also explores the factors and trajectory of support for political violence in the US, examining the link between supporting and engaging in violence. It emphasizes the normalization of political violence and the collective effort needed to address this issue.