Americano

Ben Domenech, a prominent American writer and co-founder of The Federalist, joins to discuss Trump's renewed war on drugs targeting Mexican cartels. He explains MAGA's strategic embrace of this fight and its potential impact on U.S.-Mexico relations. The conversation explores the Republican Party's shifting views on military involvement in combating cartels, revealing intra-party tensions. Furthermore, they delve into the broader geopolitical implications of American foreign policy and China's rising influence in Latin America.

Heather Mac Donald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, dives into the unsettling reality of inner-city violence and its ties to race in America. She discusses the disturbing trends in violent crime within public transport and critiques common societal narratives. The conversation also explores the complex dynamics between race, family structures, and education, shedding light on how these factors intertwine with criminal justice issues. Mac Donald calls for a reevaluation of societal approaches to mental health and public safety.

Max Horder, an author and anthropologist, joins to delve into the alarming rise of political violence in America, spurred by recent events and online hate. He discusses how social media fuels radicalization and how feelings of polarization elevate aggression. The conversation highlights the evolving political landscape, focusing on contentious issues like immigration and transgender rights as symbols of deeper societal divides. Horder emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue to combat the negativity that breeds violence and division.

Eva Terry, a reporter for Deseret News and eyewitness to the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk, shares gripping insights from this chaotic day at Utah Valley University. She recounts the frantic atmosphere as the event turned into a scene of terror, with students scrambling for safety. The discussion shifts to how this incident highlights the ongoing tensions between free speech and the risks of violence on campuses. Eva also reflects on the broader societal implications and the polarized reactions from the public, showcasing a critical moment in America's cultural discourse.

Lee Cohen, a contributor at Spectator World concerned about free speech, and Ed West, author of The Wrong Side of History substack, dive into the growing worries among Americans about the state of free expression in Britain. They discuss how U.S. political figures influence the UK, especially regarding recent high-profile arrests. The conversation highlights the differences in constitutional protections and examines the implications of rising authoritarianism and proposed legislation on hate speech, fueling debates around UK-US relations.

Freddy is joined by Harry Kazianis, editor in chief of the National Security Journal, to assess China’s military rise. He argues Beijing aims to dominate the Indo-Pacific with missiles, drones and naval power, posing a growing threat to U.S. influence and Taiwan.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large for Reason, dives deep into the controversial figure of Trump 2.0. He questions if Trump's actions lean more towards authoritarianism or gangsterism, and critiques the weaponization of the Justice Department. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of presidential power and its constitutional ramifications. Additionally, they explore the significance of free speech, highlighting the Supreme Court's independence and the challenges it faces in both the US and the UK.

Katherine Dee, a keen internet ethnographer and writer, dives into the unsettling dynamics surrounding online radicalization related to school shootings. She discusses the bizarre online presence of shooters, marked by a disarray of memes, nihilism, and political elements. Dee examines the fragmentation of identity among these individuals and raises concerns about anonymity and the fear of being overlooked. The conversation also touches on the darker influences of internet culture on youth and the chaotic aftermath of tragic events in the digital space.

Journalist David Weigel from Semafor, known for his insights on the Democratic Party, joins the discussion post a tragic school shooting that interrupted their summer meeting. He dives into how the party can recalibrate its stance on law and order while tackling internal divides over the Gaza conflict. Weigel also addresses the Democrats' challenges in connecting with working-class voters and emphasizes the need for a cohesive narrative on crime and safety as they strategize for future elections.

Owen Matthews, Associate Editor for The Spectator and author examining the Russia-Ukraine conflict, teams up with Sergey Radchenko, a Johns Hopkins professor specializing in international relations. They delve into Trump's recent engagements with Putin and Zelensky, questioning if these are genuine moves towards peace or cleverly laid traps. The duo highlights the complexities of U.S.-Russia negotiations and critiques the effectiveness of European sanctions, all while contemplating the future of Ukraine amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.