The Wright Show cover image

The Wright Show

Latest episodes

undefined
May 8, 2025 • 60min

The case for alarm about artificial intelligence (Robert Wright & Holly Elmore)

In this engaging discussion, Holly Elmore, Executive Director of Pause AI US and AI safety advocate, outlines the pressing need for a pause in AI development. She shares insights from her newsletter and highlights why accelerating AI poses drastic risks. The conversation dives into the historical shift in attitudes toward AI, addressing the dangers of unchecked advancements. Holly emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and critiques the commercialization of AI organizations. Her impassioned call to action urges listeners to consider the societal impacts of rapid AI evolution.
undefined
May 6, 2025 • 60min

The Biden-Trump Path to Global Ruin (Robert Wright & Matthew Duss)

Matthew Duss, the Executive VP at the Center for International Policy and former advisor to Bernie Sanders, dives deep into pressing global issues. He discusses the ethical implications of Israel's military actions in Gaza and examines how U.S. foreign policy influences public opinion. The conversation navigates the complexities of U.S.-China relations and critiques the shift in trade policy under Trump. Duss also advocates for urgent campaign finance reform, questioning the impact of oligarchy on democracy and the political landscape.
undefined
May 3, 2025 • 60min

Trump Doubles Down on the Law of the Jungle (Connor Echols & Robert Wright)

Robert Wright, Editor-in-Chief of Non-Zero, dives into the chaotic landscape of Trump's first 100 days. They discuss the implications of recent firings in the National Security Council and Trump’s shift in foreign policy, especially regarding China and the Middle East. The conversation also sheds light on Marco Rubio's changing stance on hawkish policies. With a critical eye, they analyze Trump's unpredictable approach, exploring whether it sets the U.S. on a collision course with China and how it resonates with Generation Z.
undefined
Apr 30, 2025 • 60min

Can Trump Make Peace in Ukraine? (Robert Wright & Anatol Lieven)

Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute, shares his insights on the complex dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He discusses the realistic paths to peace and the roles of both sides in negotiations. Lieven critiques Trump’s military leadership and the effects of his administration’s purges. The conversation dives into the military-industrial complex and its influence on the conflict, examining modern warfare's shift from tanks to drones. His plan for peace aims to balance interests while highlighting the need for experienced diplomacy.
undefined
Apr 26, 2025 • 60min

Pope Francis, Peacemaker or Appeaser? (Connor Echols & Michael Brendan Dougherty)

The new NonZero World ... Headlines ... Stories of the week ... Michael Brendan Dougherty on Pope Francis' foreign policy legacy ... Michael: The pope should be a voice for peace ... A European church no more ... Michael: The Vatican went too far in deal with China ... How the Holy See helped Obama reach out to Cuba ... The pope's moral clarity on Gaza ... A restrainer in the Vatican? ...
undefined
Apr 25, 2025 • 60min

Trump and Musk retreat as Canadian election approaches (Robert Wright & Paul Bloom)

Trump and Elon’s bad week = good news for Bob… ... …but bad news for Canada's prime minister? ... Trump’s crackdown on speech expands ... Debating embryo-screening ethics ... Heading to Overtime ...
undefined
Apr 23, 2025 • 60min

Trump, Modi, and the Authoritarian Playbook (Robert Wright & Pratap Bhanu Mehta)

Pratap’s bona fides ... How Pratap ran afoul of Modi (and the price he paid) ... Trump vs Modi: compare and contrast ... India’s birth as a multi-ethnic state ... Pratap on how we got Trump (and Modi) ... Heading to Overtime ...
undefined
Apr 18, 2025 • 60min

Trump’s Anti-antisemitism Crusade (Robert Wright & Ron Kampeas)

Ron Kampeas, a seasoned journalist and former Washington Bureau Chief at JTA, shares intriguing insights on Trump's initiatives against antisemitism. He discusses the complexities of how these measures might exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them. The conversation dives into the Israel lobby's influence and the challenges progressive Jews face in speaking out. Kampeas critiques the impact of poor journalism on antisemitism. Together, they strive for a more nuanced and transparent dialogue about these pressing issues in American politics.
undefined
Apr 15, 2025 • 60min

Untangling Trump’s Tariff Logic (Robert Wright & Samuel Hammond)

Samuel Hammond, Chief Economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, unpacks the complex tariff strategies of Trump's administration. He discusses the potential economic ripple effects and how tariffs are reshaping global trade dynamics. Hammond challenges the perception of China's economic fragility, emphasizing its capitalist traits and political stability. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in U.S.-China relations and the need for technological supremacy to maintain global power. Tune in for insights on the interplay of tariffs and American imperialism.
undefined
Apr 11, 2025 • 60min

How Trump could strike a deal with Iran (Connor Echols & Sina Toossi)

Sina Toossi, a Senior non-resident fellow at the Center for International Policy, dives into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Iran negotiations. He reflects on Trump's dual persona as both a dealmaker and a warmonger. The conversation explores Iran's growing nuclear leverage and the challenges of military tactics versus diplomatic solutions. Toossi also highlights the resurgence of Iran's reformist camp and what it means for future talks. This insightful discussion reveals the intricate balance between progress and escalating tensions.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner