System Update with Glenn Greenwald

The discussion reveals Palantir's controversial expansion as a powerful player in government surveillance, blurring the lines of privacy and national security. The CEO's motivations are scrutinized, while historical parallels draw connections to the deep state's evolution. Concerns about data centralization and corporate influence on civil liberties take center stage. Ethical implications of surveillance in modern warfare raise alarms about technology's role in democracy, alongside troubling links to dissent and societal discourse.

Glenn interviews Rand Paul, a Republican Senator from Kentucky and a staunch libertarian. They dive into Paul's opposition to the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' addressing national debt and fiscal conservatism. The conversation also critiques Washington's increasing defense budget and explores differing GOP views on military intervention. Additionally, they discuss the delicate balance between free speech and legislation targeting anti-Semitism, raising questions about the implications for public discourse.

Explore the ambitious yet flawed promises of DOGE and its stance against the deep state. Delve into the tangled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations affected by ongoing violence in Gaza. Witness Ukraine's significant drone attack on Russian airbases, raising eyebrows with comparisons to Pearl Harbor. Unpack the potential dangers of celebrating military advances while underestimating nuclear threats. The podcast reveals the precarious balance of global diplomacy amid escalating tensions and military dynamics.

Journalist Aaron Maté hosts a gripping discussion with Jonathan Haslam, a Cambridge history professor focusing on U.S.-Russia relations, Nicolai Petro, a political science expert on Ukraine, and Mouin Rabbani, a Middle East analyst. They delve into the upcoming Ukraine War peace talks, debate the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and analyze the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conversations reveal the tricky negotiations for peace, the implications of new Israeli settlements, and the multifaceted challenges toward Palestinian statehood.

Briahna Joy Gray, host of the Bad Faith podcast, unpacks the Democrats' internal turmoil and their inability to address key issues as Katie Halper, political commentator and co-host of Useful Idiots, joins her for a lively discussion. They delve into concerns over President Biden's cognitive fitness and the party's struggle to connect with disillusioned voters. The conversation highlights a crucial shift toward left populism and critiques the establishment's focus on corporate interests over genuine engagement, raising questions about the future of Democratic politics.

Lee Fang, an independent journalist known for his investigative work on political influence and civil liberties, joins Glenn for a riveting discussion. They dive into the Trump administration's fraught relationship with Harvard and the chilling aftermath of the recent attack on Israeli embassy staff. Fang sheds light on the tangled legacy of Jeffrey Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands, raising pressing questions about accountability and transparency. They also explore the complexities of victimhood narratives and the challenges faced by journalists today.

A recent tragedy in Washington, D.C., claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staffers, igniting intense debate over free speech and political symbolism. The discussion delves into the implications of hate and anti-Semitism surrounding the incident, alongside the complexities of dissent in political discourse. A manifesto linked to the shooting raises moral questions about violence used as protest. The podcast also critiques how narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict shape public perceptions and influence geopolitical relations.

JD Vance challenges court rulings on immigration, arguing they defy majority will, while Glenn counters with constitutional insights. The mystery of Jeffrey Epstein's death resurfaces, raising questions about his ties to foreign intelligence. Additionally, an outrageous online gambling scandal in Brazil is unveiled, alongside a stark analysis of media dynamics influencing political narratives. The podcast furthers discussions on the balance between democratic ideals and constitutional rights, making for a thought-provoking listen.

The podcast dives into the stark humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing on Israel's minuscule food aid amidst international condemnation. It examines the shifting perspectives of allies growing critical of Israeli actions. Additionally, a controversial red line proposed in Iran deal negotiations raises eyebrows. The discussion also scrutinizes how Democrats are leveraging Biden's cancer diagnosis to sidestep concerns about his mental fitness, prompting questions about transparency and political narratives surrounding health.

Curt Mills, Executive Director of The American Conservative, shares insights on the Trump/Netanyahu split and the implications of Trump's unconventional foreign policy. He discusses the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, particularly focusing on U.S.-Israel relations amidst the Gaza conflict. The conversation dives into the quirks of neoconservatism versus non-interventionist strategies, as well as internal GOP tensions on foreign policy. Plus, Glenn takes audience questions, offering a lively exchange on contemporary issues.