Wisdom of Crowds

This episode features a full-length debate between Shadi Hamid and Trita Parsi —two thinkers who fundamentally disagree about the role of American power in the world. Released jointly with The Disagreement podcast and hosted by Alex Grodd, the conversation reflects a shared Wisdom of Crowds ethos — one that treats disagreement not as a failure of understanding, but as a tool for thinking more clearly about first principles. Rather than trading talking points, Hamid and Parsi engage each other’s strongest arguments in a sustained, good-faith exchange.Shadi draws on themes from The Case for American Power to defend a position that has fallen out of favor across much of the political spectrum: that American power, when used with moral purpose, can still play a necessary role in reducing global suffering. His argument is aimed in part at a disillusioned left that has come to see U.S. power primarily as a source of harm rather than a potential instrument of humanitarian good. Against this, Trita — one of the most incisive critics of American interventionism — offers a sustained challenge, grounded in historical failures, unintended consequences, and the limits of even well-intentioned power.Does the world need the United States to act, and if so, when — and at what cost? How should past disasters constrain present ambitions? And if American power is curtailed, what realistic alternatives exist, and who bears responsibility when things go wrong? This debate doesn’t resolve those questions — but it models what it looks like to take them seriously, in conversation with someone who sees the world very differently.Required Reading/ Listening: * The Disagreement podcast. * Shadi Hamid, The Case for American Power. (Amazon) * Shadi’s 2024 debate with Daniel Bessner hosted by The Disagreement. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

Laura K. Field, political theorist and author of Furious Minds, maps the intellectual currents behind the MAGA new right. She outlines core ideas like economic nationalism and strict borders. The conversation traces how essays become policy, dissects factional schisms, and probes liberalism’s blindspots and how that opened space for radicalized boundaries.

The discussion dives deep into the U.S. intervention in Venezuela, exploring the tension between power and morality. Shadi and Damir debate the implications of foreign policy decisions and the risk of chaos following military action. They question whether U.S. interests prioritize oil over democracy and examine the role of shared values in alliances. Concerns arise about the legality of abducting leaders and the potential impact on global powers like China and Russia. The conversation wraps up with reflections on American resilience amid political fractures.

As the year winds down, Shadi and Damir hosted Michael McFaul, a professor at Stanford University and former special assistant to President Obama and U.S. ambassador to Russia. His new book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder is as good a start as any in trying to figure out how U.S. foreign policy could — and should — develop in the wake of a second Trump presidency.Required Reading:* Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder, by Michael McFaul (Amazon).* The Case for American Power, by Shadi Hamid (Amazon). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

Osita Nwanevu, journalist and author of 'The Right of the People', argues for a new American founding, highlighting democratic deficits and disenfranchisement in institutions. Sam Goldman, a political scholar from the Hamilton School, defends the Constitution’s stability and unity. The discussion unveils the balance between democratic ideals and historical inequalities while examining the Constitution’s role as a civic covenant. Both delve into the prospects of reforming the system while addressing fears of political upheaval and the importance of representation.

Nils Gilman, an intellectual historian and editor specializing in modern politics, joins the discussion to explore why some political movements, like Trump’s nationalism, resonate more than others, such as climate action. He delves into the decline of communal structures and institutions, linking them to increasing social alienation. Gilman also examines the role of charisma in political mobilization, debating the need for compelling narratives to unite societies and inspire collective action in today's fragmented world.

Damir Marusic, a journalist who has reported from war zones, discusses the mixed emotions of returning from Ukraine, feeling both thrill and guilt. He dives into the ethics of war reporting and the risky allure of 'war tourism.' The conversation shifts to the psychological toll on journalists and civilians, contrasting excitement with helplessness. They also tackle political themes, including Trump's influence and public sentiment towards potential conflict in Venezuela, exploring the cultural shifts in American politics.

Lea Ypi, a philosophy professor at the London School of Economics and author of "Indignity: A Life Reimagined," delves into her grandparents' complex history sparked by a Facebook photo and its trolling fallout. She explores profound themes like human dignity, moral agency, and the interplay of freedom versus structural forces. Ypi shares how she blended archival research with narrative to capture her grandparents’ lives amid tumultuous historical events, and she proposes that truth is a multifaceted concept shaped by diverse perspectives.

Ross Barkan, a political commentator and former campaign operative in New York, delves into the complexities of Zohran Mamdani’s political persona. He discusses Mamdani’s unique blend of progressive cultural issues and economic populism, revealing how his pro-Palestine stance is reshaping Democratic politics. The conversation touches on generational shifts among Jewish voters, the significance of foreign policy in local governance, and the tactical decision behind Mamdani's meeting with Trump. Barkan offers insights into Mamdani’s ability to balance leftist roots with broad coalitions.

Shadi Hamid, a foreign-policy analyst and author, discusses his new book advocating for a morally guided American power. He argues that despite flaws, American democracy is superior to that of global rivals like Russia and China. Matt Duss, former advisor to Bernie Sanders, offers a critical viewpoint, questioning which version of America might wield power and discussing the moral authority of U.S. foreign policy. The two explore themes of hypocrisy, accountability, and how the U.S. can improve its international stance while balancing domestic needs.