The Wright Show

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious," argues for the necessity of religious belief. He explores cosmic purpose and the intriguing connection between consciousness and a larger reality. The conversation dives into the mysterious 'weirdness' of life, challenging scientific dismissals of spiritual phenomena. Douthat also discusses how personal experiences of synchronicity can shape belief, prompting listeners to reflect on faith amidst contemporary skepticism.

Jeet Heer, a National correspondent at The Nation and expert in political and cultural history, dives into the intricate lineage of Trump's foreign policy. He unpacks the concept of 'autarkic imperialism' and examines the impact of Trump's tariffs. The discussion reveals the historical roots of Trumpism, tracing back through GOP ideologies and debates over isolationism versus interventionism. Heer also humorously speculates on how Canada might prepare for an American invasion, adding a light twist to a serious analysis.

Connor’s Cuba adventure ... Chinese-owned Manus AI makes waves ... Is Manus just a fancy ‘wrapper’ for US AI? ... Why Manus makes global AI cooperation more urgent ... Can Trump deport a green card holder over political speech? ... Making sense of Trump's Ukraine strategy ...

In this engaging discussion, psychologist Paul Bloom, known for his intriguing Substack 'Small Potatoes,' dives into the chaotic interplay of Trump and Musk’s influence on politics. They explore the psychological effects of societal desensitization to political figures and the moral responsibilities of citizens. Bloom humorously critiques the leadership styles of Trump compared to more compassionate approaches. They also tackle issues like media integrity under oligarchs like Bezos and the pressures facing American universities in today's political climate.

Eric Levitz, a Senior Correspondent at Vox known for his sharp political analysis, joins the conversation to dissect the evolving political landscape under Trump. They discuss the unintended repercussions of Trump's tariff strategy and Canada’s growing anti-American sentiment. Levitz sheds light on the peculiar background of Elon Musk's grandfather and explores how familial influences shape Musk's political views. The conversation also delves into the oligarchic tendencies of American politics and the ethical implications of wealth in governance.

What could go right with Trump’s foreign policy? ... Trump’s Bibi-pleasing Middle East path ... How would Europe-led defence of Europe work? ... What most miss about the Oval Office blowup ... Has relying on America doomed Ukraine? ... Heading to Overtime ...

Dan Hendrycks, Director of the Center for AI Safety and a key figure in AI research, dives into the urgent topics of his new paper, "Superintelligence Strategy." He discusses the chilling concept of mutually assured AI malfunction and its ties to global tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. The conversation examines how America's chip war might worsen conflicts over Taiwan and the pressing need for international governance to mitigate AI risks. Hendrycks emphasizes collaboration to navigate the complex geostrategic landscape surrounding AI advancements.

Andrew’s new gig (and gifts) ... Play-by-play of the Oval Office blowup ... Zelensky’s and Trump’s obsessions ... What are Russia’s red lines? ... Guaranteeing Ukraine’s (and Europe’s) security ... Heading to Overtime ...

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.