The Wright Show

Paul Bloom, a seasoned psychologist and author known for his keen insights, joins to unpack the intricacies of Trump’s unique brand of corruption. They debate whether his actions are illegal or just shockingly unethical. The conversation takes a twist as they explore the rivalry with elite colleges and question JD Vance's rising influence. AI's role in politics also gets a spotlight, along with humorous musings on Trump’s gold obsession and Canadian political comparisons. It's a lively mix of analysis and wit!

Max Tegmark, a renowned physicist from MIT and AI safety activist, dives into the urgent need for AI safety in a rapidly advancing tech landscape. He discusses the risk of losing control over AI and emphasizes its potential as a new species rather than just a technology. Max elaborates on international cooperation, especially between the U.S. and China, to prevent an AI arms race and ensure that these advancements benefit humanity. With a parallel drawn to past technological revolutions, he stresses the critical importance of regulations to mitigate risks.

The discussion dives into the escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza, highlighting shifts in American public opinion and their complex effects on Jewish identity. It also tackles the implications of U.S.-Iran nuclear diplomacy, drawing comparisons with Cold War dynamics. The fear of an arms race, particularly in space, raises urgent concerns for international stability. Humorous anecdotes about retail life add levity, while the hosts reflect on the narratives influencing global conflicts, urging a more nuanced approach in public discourse.

In this episode, Paul Triolo, a consultant specializing in tech related to China, dives into the intriguing new AI data center deals in the Middle East. He discusses the strategic significance of these agreements, especially in relation to competition with China. Triolo also explores the shift from international cooperation on AI to a more competitive stance, the implications of semiconductor supply chains, and the changing landscape of AI safety concerns. Tune in for insights on geopolitics and the evolving narrative around AI technology!

Headlines ... Why the PKK's disbanding should be the biggest news of the week ... How did Turkey get the PKK to lay down arms? ... A breakthrough for Turkey-Iraq relations ... How Syrian Kurds are trying to make nice with Damascus ... The end of US sanctions on Syria ... Rebuilding a shattered state ... Turkey and Israel: Syria caught in the middle ...

Is Kanye’s new song really pro-Hitler? ... How free should free speech be? ... Substack economics ... Welcome to Sam Altman’s orb ... Can higher education survive AI? ... Did Carney tame Trump? ... Good and bad signs from Trump 2.0 ... Heading to Overtime ...

The week's major international stories ... Trump's approach to everything ... The Houthi deal ... Trump's Middle East trip and Gaza ... India-Pakistan conflict ... Media coverage of Trump 2.0 ... Trump’s biggest Jan 6 transgression ... Is the Republic at stake? ... Heading to Overtime ...

Join Jon Hoffman, a research fellow at the Cato Institute and an adjunct professor at George Mason University, as he dives into the evolving U.S.-Israel relationship under Trump. They discuss the implications of Trump's ceasefire with Houthi forces and the potential U.S.-Saudi nuclear power deal. Hoffman explores whether Trump’s stance could lead to conflict with Iran and even China, while examining the internal disputes within his administration over foreign policy direction. Insights into Israeli military actions and their impact on U.S. interests add depth to this captivating analysis.

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.

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.