The Wright Show

Julia Gledhill, a research associate at the Stimson Center, dives into the complexities of Pentagon spending. She discusses how the military budget ballooned and reveals strategies to cut $60 billion in unnecessary expenditures. The conversation critiques inefficient programs like the F-35 and the challenges posed by privatization in weapon acquisitions. Gledhill also explores the implications of the ICBM modernization efforts and highlights the need for transparent military reforms amidst rising tensions with China.

In this engaging conversation, guest Paul Bloom, a renowned Canadian psychologist and author, dives into the intricacies of US-Canada relations, revealing the emotional responses of Canadians to American politics. He and Robert Wright propose intriguing solutions to keep hockey fights in check and critique the modern twists on iconic characters like James Bond, pondering their cultural significance. They balance humor with serious discussion, exploring technology's impact on leadership and the phenomenon of misinformation in today’s society.

Jack Goldsmith, a Harvard Law professor and former member of the George W. Bush Justice Department, discusses the intricate dance of presidential power during Trump's administration. He explores the implications of Trump’s military leadership changes and the challenges of legal accountability. The conversation dives into the controversial ‘unitary executive theory’ and examines whether it poses a constitutional threat. Goldsmith unpacks the chaos in governance and the potential for Trump to navigate legal challenges, highlighting the broader implications for democracy.

The discussion kicks off with Trump's tumultuous week regarding Ukraine, shedding light on his complex foreign policy. U.S.-China relations are examined, advocating for cooperative approaches rather than antagonistic ones. The hosts analyze the challenges in U.S.-Russia dynamics with a focus on Ukraine’s limited negotiating power. Furthermore, the influence of billionaires on governance is explored, raising questions about conflicts of interest. Finally, the implications of AI development intersect with these global matters, highlighting ethical considerations in modern diplomacy.

Nora Belrose, Head of Interpretability at EleutherAI, specializes in making AI more understandable and aligned with human values. She discusses whether a technological singularity is imminent and shares her concerns about AI potentially taking over jobs in just two years. The conversation dives into the evolution of AI reasoning models, contrasting them with human thought processes. Nora also emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI development and explores the societal impacts of open-source AI.

Van Jackson, a senior lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington and author of the Undiplomatic newsletter, dives deep into the complexities of the U.S.-China cold war. He discusses the critical lessons from the first Cold War that policymakers overlook today. Jackson examines the roots of the current geopolitical rivalry and critiques the outdated views influencing American foreign policy. He also explores the impact of economic nationalism on inequality, the challenges of military power dynamics, and inefficiencies in U.S. industrial policy.

In this discussion, renowned psychologist Paul Bloom shares his insights on the political climate, analyzing how Trump’s divisive politics impact Canadian identity. The conversation also dives into the competition between OpenAI and Google, touching on advertising strategies and the stakes of Elon Musk's influence in the tech landscape. Bloom humorously reflects on the cultural lenses of fatherhood and societal shifts. Additionally, the duo examines the implications of corporate ethics and social messaging in today’s AI-driven world.

Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and author of "We Have Never Been Woke," dives into the complexities of political messaging and the failures of wokeness. He discusses Trump's surprising electoral victories and how the left has struggled to connect with working-class voters. The conversation highlights the tension between class-based politics and identity politics, questioning whether Democrats can unify around broader policies. Al-Gharbi critiques the role of elites in social justice and the disconnect from ordinary people's values, urging a more inclusive approach.

The hosts dive into the complexities of USAID cuts and Trump's controversial foreign policy, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza. They analyze the impact of tariffs on US power and trade relationships, shedding light on the superficial nature of recent negotiations. Meanwhile, discussions about Congress's differing motivations compared to the administration highlight the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for politics and international relations. Listeners are invited to engage with critical issues like AI safety and the repercussions of Trump's climate policies.

In this discussion, Paul Triolo, a prominent expert on China's technology policy, sheds light on the evolving AI landscape. He debunks misconceptions surrounding DeepSeek and its connections to the Chinese government. The conversation also covers the geopolitical implications of chip restrictions and the competitive AI race between the U.S. and China. Triolo shares insights on the open-source AI dynamics, the challenges of AGI misconceptions, and the importance of collaboration among nations to ensure safety and effective governance in the face of rapid technological advancement.