In this conversation, Trita Parsi, Executive VP of the Quincy Institute and a noted Iran expert, dives into the evolving landscape of international relations. He discusses the end of the unipolar moment and the implications of a multipolar world for U.S.-China relations. The need for UN reform is highlighted, particularly the idea of new semi-permanent Security Council members to improve representation. Parsi also addresses the rising challenges of AI, pandemics, and economic sanctions, advocating for a more cooperative global approach.

Explore the remarkable rise of the Non-Zero Media Empire and its role in addressing global challenges like AI and climate change. Discover why shifting to a non-zero thinking approach is crucial for U.S. foreign policy and how current strategies might increase tensions with China. Delve into Elon Musk's influence on international relations and the future of AI collaboration, advocating for cognitive empathy. Lastly, examine the biases in foreign policy discussions and the importance of promoting international cooperation in an AI-driven world.

Glenn Loury, an insightful commentator and host of the Glenn Show, dives deep into the alarming implications of AI and its geopolitical ramifications. He and Robert Wright discuss what losing the AI race to China could mean. The conversation shifts to the international policy challenges surrounding AI and the nuances of U.S. foreign engagements, particularly in Israel and Palestine. They explore the complexities of cognitive empathy in conflict resolution, underscoring its importance in fostering peace in turbulent regions.

In this engaging discussion, renowned psychologist Paul Bloom, known for his insights into various psychological realms and publisher of Small Potatoes Newsletter, joins to tackle some provocative topics. The duo humorously debates the intricacies of AI, including its potential consciousness and ethical dilemmas. They also dive into political landscaping influenced by figures like Elon Musk and Trump, while contemplating the complexities of free speech in today's tech-driven world. Expect laughs and thoughtful reflections on the future of humanity and technology!

The discussion kicks off with a bill targeting Chinese-made drones amid U.S.-China tensions. It then dives into U.S. policy inconsistencies regarding Syria and the energy strain from electric vehicles. A stark look at declining global fertility rates links harmful chemicals to social shifts. The intricate Middle Eastern normalization talks highlight diplomatic challenges. Finally, the conversation addresses the complexities of U.S. foreign policy under Trump and explores potential negotiations in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, shedding light on casualties and future security options.

Conn Carroll, author of "Sex and the Citizen" and former communications director for Senator Mike Lee, discusses the direct link between marriage and democracy. He delves into historical shifts in marital norms, exploring why the West embraced monogamy and its impact on societal equality. Carroll highlights how monogamous structures promote democratic ideals while contrasting them with practices in polygamous societies. Their conversation also touches on media's role in shaping views on marriage today, weaving in cultural reflections from works like 'Sex and the City'.

Scott Horton, an anti-war libertarian and author of "Provoked," discusses his critical views on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. He delves into America's role in escalating the Russia-Ukraine conflict and questions whether the Maidan Revolution was a U.S.-backed coup. Horton examines the historical promises made about NATO expansion and how they shaped current tensions. He also highlights the complex interplay of billionaires' influence in global politics and the moral implications of foreign interventions.

James Carden, a foreign policy analyst and contributing editor at The American Conservative, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses Trump's potential foreign policy shifts and speculations around neocon influence. The tumultuous political scene in South Korea and its implications for U.S. policy are explored, alongside unlikely political alliances forming in the U.S. amidst military spending debates. The chat also touches on military corruption in China and the nuanced impacts of external influences on Eastern European politics.

Joshua Landis, a Professor of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, dives into Syria's turbulent political future. He discusses whether the Islamist rebel group HTS has moderated over time and analyzes the intense retributive violence since Assad's regime began to crumble. The conversation also covers the nation's complex factional divides and the contentious role of America in controlling Syrian oil fields. Landis provides insights into the evolving dynamics among rebel groups and the broader implications for regional stability.

Yuri Deigin, co-founder of Youth Biotherapeutics and a key voice in COVID-19 origin debates, dives deep into the contentious lab leak hypothesis. He examines the pros and cons of COVID vaccines, discussing how viral mutations impact their effectiveness. The conversation explores whether early instances of COVID's spread point to a lab-origin rather than zoonotic sources. Deigin critiques the role of the Wuhan market and unpacks the complexities of COVID's lineages, revealing intriguing insights into virology research collaboration between the US and China.