In this engaging discussion, Robert Wright, an insightful author on foreign policy, teams up with political scientist Stephen Walt, known for his expertise in international relations. They explore the unintended consequences of Israel's military actions, like the rise of Hezbollah. Topics include how U.S. support may push Israel toward self-destructive policies and Netanyahu's resistance to a Palestinian state. The duo also examines the role of fear in political maneuvers and the complex U.S.-Israel alliance, revealing the intricate dynamics of identity and nationalism.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Wright, a thought leader at the crossroads of psychology and sociology, teams up with psychologist Paul Bloom, known for his insights on morality. They tackle the challenges of making predictions, like the unpredictable presidential race and the complexities of political legacies. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they explore societal perceptions, the ethics of media representation, and fascinating neurological phenomena—prompting a deeper reflection on reality and human perception.

Emma Ashford, an author focused on US grand strategy, joins Robert Wright, a commentator on realism in foreign policy. They discuss Ashford's forthcoming book, emphasizing how the Gaza war undermines American interests. The conversation navigates the complexities of US foreign policy, including Taiwan's situation, the moral dilemmas of supporting Israel, and the risks facing American troops amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East. They advocate for a more restrained and cooperative approach to international relations, highlighting the evolving landscape of US foreign policy.

Robert Wright, a prominent figure in psychology and evolutionary theory, joins technology and business expert Andrew Day for a deep dive into America's client states. They tackle the unpredictable alliances with Israel and Ukraine, revealing geopolitical tensions and military strategies at play. Their discussion includes the complexities of ceasefire proposals, the Nord Stream incident, and the implications of U.S. military support. They also explore the dynamics of influence in international relations, shedding light on NATO's responses and the shifting balance of power.

Nathan Labenz, host of The Cognitive Revolution podcast, dives into the intriguing world of AI and its understanding. They dissect how large language models conceptualize information and whether AIs genuinely 'understand' concepts. Labenz raises concerns about the existential risks posed by advanced AI, discussing the implications of its rapid development. Plus, they explore the evolving relationship between the U.S. and China in the AI arms race, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to navigate this complex landscape.

Robert Wright, an influential thinker, teams up with Peter Miller, a Covid origins investigator. They dive deep into whether the virus emerged from wildlife or a lab leak, challenging established theories. The discussion unpacks evidence from the Wuhan wet market and scrutinizes the patient zero dilemma. They also address the impact of tribalism on the debate and question the reliability of scientific claims. With insights into genetic analysis, they share crucial points on why understanding the origins matters, even if the lab leak theory isn’t proven.

Join Robert Wright, a distinguished author and journalist, and Joshua Landis, a leading scholar on Middle Eastern politics, as they dissect the complex landscape of Israeli-Iranian relations. They tackle controversial topics like the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and its implications for regional stability. The conversation pivots to Israel's precarious strategies against Hezbollah, while assessing the increasing influence of pro-Israeli groups and the internal divisions within American politics regarding the Palestinian conflict. A thought-provoking discussion on military dynamics unfolds.

Nick Bostrom, an influential philosopher known for his work on AI and existential risks, joins journalist Robert Wright to discuss captivating themes related to artificial intelligence. They explore Bostrom's latest ideas from his book 'Deep Utopia', including whether technology can truly address human nature's deep-seated problems. Their conversation dives into the implications of living in a potential AI utopia, virtual reality's impact on leisure, and the quest for meaning amidst technological advancements. Can we find happiness in a 'solved world'?

Dmitri Alperovitch, author of *World on the Brink*, and commentator Robert Wright dive into the heated geopolitical landscape between the U.S. and China. They dissect whether America's actions are more destabilizing than China's, the stark comparison of Taiwan to Ukraine, and the risks of Cold War II. The duo discusses the role of foundational chips in the conflict, and the implications of U.S. military support for Taiwan as tensions escalate. They emphasize the need for a nuanced approach to maintain stability amid rising authoritarianism.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Wright, a renowned author on evolution and society, teams up with Andrew Day, a scholar at the crossroads of psychology and philosophy. They dive into the intriguing concept of 'coconut conservatism,' revealing how traditional values mingle with modern social justice themes and Eastern philosophies. The pair also tackle the shifting political landscape, especially regarding Kamala Harris's candidacy and its foreign policy implications, scrutinizing the nuances of legitimacy and donor influence in democracy.