System Update with Glenn Greenwald

Reflecting on the 23rd anniversary of September 11, the discussion challenges common narratives about terrorism. An FCC commissioner shares insights on media censorship and regulation, emphasizing free speech. The complex motivations behind terrorism are examined, linking political agendas to historical grievances. The emergence of big tech's role in shaping public discourse raises questions about national security versus First Amendment rights. The conversation also critiques how political leaders exploit 9/11 for their own ends, revealing deep geopolitical contexts.

Fred Fleitz, a national security expert, joins journalist Michael Tracey to discuss the absurdity of Kamala Harris's new issues page amidst the presidential debate. They critique the media's portrayal of the Trump/Harris matchup and delve into the contradictions within Trump’s foreign policy strategy. The conversation reveals concerns about Harris’s political authenticity and the current political landscape, while also questioning U.S. support for Ukraine and its global implications.

Jill Stein, a political activist known for her commitment to environmental issues and third-party politics, joins to discuss the unexpected endorsement of Kamala Harris by Dick Cheney. The conversation covers shifting political allegiances and critiques Kamala's issues page for its vagueness. Stein also delves into the challenges faced by third-party candidates, emphasizing systemic hurdles like ballot access while calling for broader political choices. The episode highlights the contradictions within the Democratic Party and the implications of Cheney's support.

Zaid Jilani, a journalist known for his sharp insights, dives into the political complexities surrounding Kamala Harris and Vladimir Putin's unexpected support. He discusses how media narratives shape public perception of Russian relations and the legal challenges pro-Palestinian activists face in the UK under anti-terrorism laws. The conversation highlights the nuances of U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and its implications on political activism, revealing a trend of increased governmental repression.

Arnaud Bertrand, a French analyst renowned for his expertise in French politics, joins to discuss the stormy political landscape in France where President Macron seems to ignore election results. They explore the implications for democracy amid rising public discontent and analyze Macron's governance amidst a fragmented parliament. The conversation also touches on renewed allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections, the media’s portrayal of political narratives, and the troubling trend of labeling dissent as foreign influence.

Richard Hanania, a political analyst known for his insights on international relations, joins the discussion. They delve into the contrasting media strategies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, examining the substance—or lack thereof—in Harris's interviews about U.S. policies. The conversation shifts to the evolving dynamics of U.S. support for Israel and critiques of its influence. They also tackle the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the implications of U.S. foreign policies, highlighting the risks of escalation and the need for strategic evaluation.

Sohrab Ahmari, a prominent commentator and writer on political and cultural issues, joins the discussion on Brazil's escalating censorship. They explore a judge's threat to ban the social media platform X and its implications for democracy. The dialogue shifts to Donald Trump's evolving political messaging as he gears up for the 2024 campaign, analyzing the tension between populism and conventional conservatism. The conversation also touches on global trends of censorship and the importance of protecting free speech in the current climate.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, faces serious criminal charges in France, raising questions about internet freedom and government surveillance. Meanwhile, Columbia University student activist Maryam Iqbal discusses the challenges of advocating for free speech amid campus protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She shares her experiences with administrative retaliation and the implications of social media censorship for student rights. Both guests highlight the pressing issues of privacy, dissent, and the rights of activists in today's political climate.

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, opens up about the intense pressure his platform faced from the FBI to censor critical reporting during the 2020 election. He discusses how this impacted democratic discourse and the shadow it cast on free speech. The conversation shifts to the worrying trends in online censorship, especially surrounding COVID and discussions about Israel. Zuckerberg emphasizes the need to protect free expression, even amidst political controversy, highlighting the complexities facing tech companies today.

Warren Davidson, a Congressman from Ohio known for his outspoken stance against speech crackdowns, dives deep into the recent arrest of Telegram's founder in France. They discuss the implications of this incident on online privacy and government censorship. Davidson emphasizes the global struggle for free speech in the face of increasing regulatory pressures. The conversation reveals how tech executives are navigating a landscape fraught with governmental control, highlighting a crucial moment in the fight for individual freedoms in the digital age.