What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Gregory Gause, specialist in Middle East politics, discusses the potential danger of more countries being pulled into the war in Gaza. Topics include Iran's support for groups like Hezbollah, the fear of missile attacks, the interests of major state actors, strategies to manage tensions, and the risks and benefits of a ceasefire.

Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker, discusses Donald Trump's plans for a second term, including overturning Roe v. Wade and carrying out massive deportations. The podcast explores Trump's personalized power desires, his extreme plans for the Southern border, and the potential outcomes of a second term. It also highlights Project 2025, a conservative plan outlining policy goals and executive orders.

Aymann Ismail, a Muslim journalist, and Emily Tamkin, a writer and author, discuss power dynamics, tribalism, and the role of empathy in the Israel-Gaza conflict's impact on the United States. They share personal experiences, address online dialogue challenges, explore historical support for Israel among American Jews, delve into frustration and pain, discuss power imbalances and silenced voices, and debunk misnomers about the conflict.

Guest John Nichols, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, discusses Andy Beshear's victories as a red state Democrat, highlighting his support for abortion rights and progressive governance. The podcast explores the challenges faced by Beshear and the potential implications for future elections.

Will Sommer, Washington Post media reporter, discusses the discovery of AI-generated content in online reviews and the implications of AI in newsrooms. The podcast explores the challenges and concerns surrounding AI-generated articles, media companies' experimentation with AI, and its potential negative impact on the quality of journalism.

Melissa Eddy, Berlin correspondent for the New York Times, discusses the strike by Tesla mechanics in Sweden and the involvement of the country's major unions. The podcast explores the clash between Tesla and labor unions, the challenges faced by Tesla in entering the Swedish market, and the significance of union representation in the green industry.

Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney, discusses Donald Trump's strategy during his civil trial, questioning whether he was playing to his MAGA audience. They analyze his credibility, defense strategy, attacks on the judge, and potential blow to his persona and upcoming criminal trials.

Filmmaker Iris Zaki discusses her latest documentary on Israeli survivors of the recent Hamas attacks in Tel Aviv, exploring their views on the country, neighbors, and future. The episode covers the impact of the attacks, the personal struggles to reject negative narratives, and the lack of government support in the conflict. It also delves into tensions and empathy in a Jewish settlement, promoting coexistence in the West Bank, and the potential for positive change in Israel.

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have remained popular among voters—even in red states like Ohio. As the state votes today on whether to add the right to an abortion to the state constitution, the Ohio GOP has been trying to reframe the issue.Guest: Carter Sherman, reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian.If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

McKay Coppins, writer of Romney: A Reckoning, discusses Mitt Romney's strained relationship with the GOP, his opposition to Donald Trump, and his decision to retire. They explore Romney's political career, his father's influence, and his reflection on future Republicans.