Americano

Kelley Vlahos, a seasoned writer and senior advisor at the Quincy Institute, discusses the evolving tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel. She highlights the complex dynamics of Trump's foreign policy, addressing who influences his decisions. Vlahos reveals shifting Republican views on military intervention and the potential implications for Trump's voter base. The conversation also examines the role of evangelical Zionism in shaping U.S. policy and the delicate balance between criticism of Israel and the dangers of anti-Semitism.

Freddy Gray chats with Dan McCarthy, a savvy columnist and editor of Modern Age, about the LA riots and their distinct nature compared to Capitol Hill protests. They dive into the historical context of American riots, exploring how societal narratives are shaped. The duo examines the potential for future protests, critiques the Democratic Party's response to violence, and reflects on the political dynamics of 2024 Vice Presidential candidates. McCarthy also touches on the complexities of border security and AI legislation, highlighting the growing tech influence over Congress.

Charlie Gammell, an author and Spectator contributor in Riyadh, discusses the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting Netanyahu's push for regime change. Owen Matthews, a Russia correspondent in Rome, explains how Putin navigates this conflict to maintain his influence. They delve into the implications for Trump's foreign policy, especially his cautious stance on military involvement. The conversation also explores Iran's expanding global reach and the potential consequences if its nuclear ambitions go unchecked.

Max Horder, an author and anthropologist at the Network Contagion Institute, joins Freddy Gray to discuss the alarming normalization of left-wing violence in the U.S. They explore how social media fuels violent political actions and the cultural shifts that accompany this trend. Horder critiques the media's portrayal of political violence, analyzing cases like Luigi Mangione's glorification online. The conversation also highlights how technology shapes political discourse and influences youth, contributing to a troubling acceptance of violence.

The clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump takes center stage, revealing deep ideological rifts and personal insults. Their public feud raises questions about the dynamics of power in social media politics. As Musk critiques Trump's spending bill and hints at Epstein connections, the impact on Tesla's stock looms large. The discussion dives into the urgent need to address America’s debt crisis, emphasizing the importance of confronting tough choices. Amidst this turbulence, what does this rivalry mean for the future of American politics?

Heather Mac Donald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author renowned for her insights on race and meritocracy, joins to delve into America's evolving cultural landscape. She tackles the decline of meritocracy and the rise of anti-Western ideologies, pondering why the West seems eager to self-cancel. Mac Donald also discusses the repercussions of the Black Lives Matter movement, comparing societal reactions to protests and emphasizing the shifting narratives around policing and racial justice. It's a captivating exploration of accountability in today's America.

Freddy Gray speaks to writer and author Karen Hao, whose new book Empire of AI looks at a new, ominous age of empire with OpenAI. On the podcast they discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on society and democracy and how Open AI founder Sam Altman has become a controversial figure. 

In this discussion, Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk and a South African native, shares gripping insights on the political landscape of his home country. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent condemnation of South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding white farmer racism. Errol recounts his personal experiences with violence on farms and addresses the government's failures amid rising crime rates. Moreover, he explores the evolving political views within his own family, revealing the surprising shifts surrounding Trump.

Polish émigré Zbigniew Brzezinski – known as ‘Zbig’ – rose to prominence in America during the Cold War as a key intellectual architect of US foreign policy. He was National Security Advisor to President Carter and was a trusted advisor to many US presidents from John F Kennedy onwards. Yet, despite helping to shape American foreign policy during critical moments, he is not as well-known or celebrated as his lifelong rival Henry Kissinger.  The Financial Times’ chief US columnist Edward Luce joins Freddy Gray on this episode of Americano to talk about his new book Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Cold War Prophet. The book aims to bridge the gap in the historiography of the Cold War and looks at Zbig’s legacy – from preventing a Soviet invasion of Poland, to strengthening relations with China, to shaping America’s response to 9/11. Was Zbig a Cold War prophet?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Historian and former diplomat Charlie Gammell shares his insights on Donald Trump's intriguing Middle Eastern policy. He explores Trump's affinity for the Arab world, political pragmatism, and the significance of commerce over reform. Gammell analyzes Saudi Arabia's modernization efforts and Qatar's bold outreach to the Trump administration. He also discusses evolving diplomatic dynamics among Gulf nations and the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations, highlighting how shifting alliances are transforming Middle Eastern politics in unexpected ways.