The Munk Debates Podcast

Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, engages in a riveting discussion about the high stakes of the upcoming U.S. election. She and Rudyard Griffiths explore voter dynamics, emphasizing the strong enthusiasm among Republican voters despite prevailing issues like inflation. They predict how a potential Trump victory could reshape global conflicts and economic policies. The alarming warnings from Trump's former officials about his authoritarian tendencies are also examined, urging voters to heed their advice.

Monica Harris, a TEDx speaker and Executive Director of the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism, debates with Nadra Nittle, a reporter for The 19th News and author. They dive into the cultural appropriation controversy sparked by Beyoncé's country album. The discussion highlights the rich historical contributions of Black artists to country music and explores the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. They also ponder the metaphors of America as a melting pot versus a mosaic, emphasizing the importance of recognizing cultural ownership and the broader implications for diverse communities.

Janice Gross Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs, dives into the geopolitical implications following the death of Yahya Sinwar, revealing its potential effects on the Gaza conflict and Hamas's future. She discusses Israel's tactical victories and the challenges of turning them into lasting strategic success. Transitioning to the U.S. election, Stein critiques Donald Trump's tariff policies, warning of potential inflation spikes and economic consequences for the working class, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Janice Gross Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, dives into the fraught geopolitical landscape as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate. She discusses Israel's strategic dilemma on how to retaliate against its biggest threat, addressing U.S. pressure for a limited response versus Israel's desire for decisive action. The conversation also highlights groundbreaking advancements in deep neural networks by Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton, raising concerns about the lack of support for Canadian research initiatives.

Dan Senor, a former political foreign policy advisor and bestselling author, shares critical insights on Israel's ongoing struggles in the wake of October 7th. He dives into Israel's military strategy against threats from Iran, questioning the balance between diplomacy and offensive actions. The discussion expands to the complex dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, especially in relation to military aid disparities with Ukraine. Senor also highlights Israel's deep connection to its national story, reflecting on collective identity amidst geopolitical challenges.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Ash Sarkar, a British journalist and political activist, faces off against Matthew Goodwin, a celebrated academic and pollster. They explore the rising unrest in the UK, linking tragic events to deep-seated tensions over migration. Sarkar argues for the vital role of immigrants in boosting the economy and social services, while Goodwin counters with concerns about the strain on cultural identity and public resources. The debate dives deep into the complexities of migration’s impact on productivity, labor markets, and societal cohesion.

Janice Gross Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, dives into the escalating tensions in the Middle East. She discusses the implications of recent missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, highlighting the urgent calls for a robust Israeli military response. The discussion also addresses how the deterioration of Hezbollah's power influences Israel's strategy on Iran’s nuclear program. Additionally, Stein analyzes the Biden administration’s precarious balancing act, striving to mitigate oil price spikes amid rising hostilities.

Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute and a New York Times bestseller, discusses the aftermath of a significant Iranian missile attack on Israel. He analyzes the complex emotions felt by Israelis and the urgent need for a strategic reassessment of deterrence, especially concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions. The dialogue dives into Israel's reliance on U.S. support amid political pressures and the intricate balance leaders must maintain for national security while navigating public opinion. Halevi's insights shed light on regional dynamics and future security strategies.

Janice Gross Stein, founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, joins Rudyard Griffiths, Chair of the Munk Debates, to delve into the escalating tensions in Israel and Hezbollah. They discuss Netanyahu's complicated ceasefire decisions and question Israel's diplomatic isolation compared to Ukraine's support. The conversation shifts to Putin's redefined nuclear policy in response to Western military aid to Ukraine, sparking concerns over global security and potential consequences. This discussion highlights the delicate balance of international relationships.

Adam Kirsch, an editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of "On Settler Colonialism," dives deep into the controversial ideology of settler colonialism. He discusses its dangerous emergence in mainstream discourse, especially regarding Israel-Palestine. Kirsch explores the historical roots and modern implications, highlighting generational shifts in perspective. He also examines the role of violence in liberation movements through the lens of Franz Fanon, contrasting civil rights ideologies with settler colonialism while stressing the need for nuanced discussions in today's political landscape.