Soli Ozel

David Masciotra, a writer exploring the American dream, joins Soli Ozel, a leading Turkish intellectual. They dive into the left's dilemma between nostalgia and progress in post-industrial America. The conversation highlights Christopher Lasch's critique of elites and the romanticization of the working class. They dissect how Trump's coalition blurs class lines, emphasizing that delivering material benefits doesn't guarantee electoral support. Ultimately, they argue that redefining progress is essential in today's complex political landscape.

Soli Ozel, an Istanbul-based political theorist and cultural critic, explores how Christopher Lasch's insights provide a roadmap for the left amidst rising populism. He argues that today's meritocratic elites, disconnected from ordinary Americans, have fueled the rise of figures like Trump. Ozel critiques Kamala Harris as a symbol of elite denial, revealing how progressives can better engage marginalized voters. He emphasizes the need for a new populist coalition that prioritizes material interests over cultural battles, echoing Lasch's warnings from decades past.

Soli Ozel, a Professor of International Relations at Kadir Has University and expert on Middle Eastern politics, delves into the complex landscape of the Middle East. He predicts a greater likelihood of chaos than stability by 2025, debunking simplistic narratives like Sunni vs Shiite. Ozel discusses the implications of U.S. policies, Iranian political shifts, and regional actors’ responses to growing instability. He emphasizes the humanitarian crises and the urgent need for solutions that transcend old binaries, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue.