Veteran journalist David Ignatius discusses his novel 'Phantom Orbit' on space warfare, inspired by real-world events. He touches on Russian space capabilities and the potential for conflicts. Ignatius also shares his views on Biden's foreign policy approach in Ukraine and Gaza, highlighting the importance of defense strategies and the value of fiction in understanding future threats.

Award-winning journalist Douglas Murray and others discuss the upcoming Munk Debate on Anti-Zionism. Topics include the meaning of Zionism, reflections on past debates, de-platforming, media coverage, and the importance of civil dialogue on controversial issues.

Author David E. Sanger discusses the 'New Cold Wars' book, analyzing China's rise, Russia's invasion, and America's defense struggles. Topics include shifting global dynamics, Russia-China alliance, NATO expansion, cyber threats, and future geopolitical scenarios.

Debaters argue whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, exploring civilian casualties, past actions of Hamas, and historical context. Discussions on settler colonialism, debunking allegations, and comparing situations in Myanmar. Delve into conflict complexities, defense measures, and Western support impacts on Israel. Rebuttals against genocide claims, focusing on combating Hamas and ensuring safety, within international law bounds.

Debating if elites have betrayed America, the podcast explores populist anger towards the elite class and their impact on government policies. Arguments for and against the resolution highlight economic disparities, education, and the role of elites in shaping society. The discussion delves into the challenges of economic inequality, the decoupling of wages from productivity, and the need for structural changes to empower working-class Americans. The episode concludes with thoughtful closing remarks and appreciation for the speakers' insights.

Debate over the justification of pro-Palestinian campus protests, comparing them to past student activism. Arguments for and against the protesters' cause, including complexities of the conflict and accusations of violence and hateful rhetoric. Exploring the intersection of protest and illiberal principles, upcoming debates on anti-Zionism, and analyzing current protests in historical context.

Charles Asher Small, an expert on global antisemitism, discusses how Qatar funds campus protests, influencing Western youth. Qatar's soft power tactics, $500 billion assets in the US, and connections to anti-Semitic sentiments are explored. The episode highlights the need to safeguard academic freedom from non-democratic influences and promote unity in combating anti-Semitism.

Debating whether Israel should attack Iran's nuclear facilities due to recent tensions. Risks of escalation and wider regional war discussed. Arguments for and against military intervention presented. Highlighting the potential consequences of preemptive strikes. Preview of upcoming Monk Debate on Anti-Zionism and Israeli perspective on Iran's nuclear capabilities.

One of the most volatile regions in the world seems to be sitting on a tinder box. How can the international community avoid tensions between Israel and Iran from escalating further? Is it possible for Israel to achieve its war aims in Gaza without further inflaming the Middle East or jeopardizing the prospect of an enduring peace? It’s hard to find someone more qualified to delve into these questions than our guest on this week's podcast. Ambassador Dennis Ross played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process in the George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama administrations. He also served as a special advisor on Iran to former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.   The host of the Munk Debates is Rudyard Griffiths Tweet your comments about this episode to @munkdebate or comment on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/munkdebates/ To sign up for a weekly email reminder for this podcast, send an email to podcast@munkdebates.com.   To support civil and substantive debate on the big questions of the day, consider becoming a Munk Member at https://munkdebates.com/membership Members receive access to our 15+ year library of great debates in HD video, a free Munk Debates book, newsletter and ticketing privileges at our live events. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue - https://munkdebates.com/ Executive Producer: Ricki Gurwitz Senior Producer: Daniel Kitts Editor: Kieran Lynch

Middle East expert and journalist Gregg Carlstrom discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting Iran's direct retaliation against Israel, Biden administration's challenges in managing Iran, impact on oil markets, Israel's response, and the importance of civil dialogue in addressing the crisis.