Know Your Enemy

A reporter’s on-the-ground perspective from Minneapolis as activists and neighbors organize in tense, unpredictable streets. The conversation explores how networks forged during George Floyd protests shape current resistance and response to ICE and BP. Ordinary Minnesotans acting with bravery appear alongside warnings about rising militant impulses and a sense of a fracturing civic life.

Matt Kirkagaard, Progressive International analyst on Latin American politics, and David Adler, PI organizer specializing in regional interventions, unpack US moves in Venezuela and Greenland. They trace Monroe Doctrine legacies, map Trump-era tactics across the hemisphere, and debate whether coercion drives countries toward China. Fast-paced, strategic, and sharply geopolitical.

The killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent ignites a heated discussion on the growing unpopularity of federal policing. The hosts explore conservative fears surrounding unchecked federal power and the hypocrisy of right-wing figures. They tackle the visible presence of federal agents and reflect on the moral implications of state violence, drawing on Christian themes. Local leaders in Minnesota are pleading for restraint, highlighting a crucial moment for collective change away from violence and oppression.

Robert Draper, an esteemed journalist and author known for his incisive reporting on American politics, provides a gripping firsthand account of the January 6 insurrection. He reflects on the chaos within the Capitol and discusses the motivations driving the rioters. Draper also profiles controversial figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar, revealing their rise in the Trump-era GOP. He examines the emotional connection between Trump and his supporters, shedding light on the transformative and troubling evolution of the Republican Party.

In this intriguing discussion, Matt Dinan, a professor at St. Thomas University and expert on Saul Bellow, explores the impact of AI on learning. He highlights how students today grapple with anxiety and purpose, often turning to AI tools for quick solutions. Dinan shares insights on teaching in a digital age, revealing how devices shape attention and learning experiences. He also reflects on a transformative trip to Greece with students, celebrating their love for genuine learning and the challenges of maintaining that passion amidst technological distractions.

In this engaging discussion, architectural critic Kate Wagner, founder of McMansion Hell, explores Trump's controversial ballroom project and the aesthetics of MAGA architecture. She dives into the motivations behind neo-classical designs favored by conservatives, while critiquing modernism's connection to state power. Wagner also discusses the cultural implications of McMansions and how they reflect societal values. Ultimately, she advocates for a more humane and sustainable approach to architecture that embraces beauty and forward-thinking designs.

As the year winds down, there's a deep dive into the evolving dynamics of the American right. Buckets of doubt swirl around Trump's waning influence and approval ratings. Speculations arise about J.D. Vance's potential to unify a fractured MAGA movement. The hosts dissect Vance's Thanksgiving speech, revealing cracks in his appeal. They ponder whether intellectual prowess is a double-edged sword in populist circles, ultimately questioning the future of a party grappling with succession and internal strife. It's a captivating exploration of power struggles and ideologies.

Join Jesse Brenneman, a producer and movie correspondent, as he dives into Paul Thomas Anderson's thought-provoking film, One Battle After Another. The conversation reveals the film's critique of contemporary U.S. politics, showcasing a mix of left and right dynamics. Explore themes of family, identity, and the haunting presence of Ronald Reagan. Discover how the narrative intertwines revolutionary politics with personal connections, and laugh at the humor embedded in its serious undertones. It's a wild ride through the film’s rich, political landscape!

Explore the intriguing dynamics of friendship and politics in a lively conversation. Delve into whether friendships should be fixed or accepted as they are. Discuss the delightful, non-instrumental nature of friendships and how deeply personal beliefs intertwine with politics. Reflect on the challenge of maintaining friendships despite conflicting views, using historical examples like Bill Buckley. Lastly, ponder the ideal versus the reality of apolitical friendships and why they seem unlikely to exist in practice.

Laura K. Field, a political theorist and author of *Furious Minds*, dives into conservative intellectual movements and their ties to the MAGA New Right. She explores the allure of charismatic teachers like Leo Strauss and critiques idea-first political philosophies that overlook reality. The conversation unveils the Claremont Institute's role in legitimizing Trumpism, categorizes factions within the MAGA movement, and discusses the ramifications of post-liberalism's push for moral politics. Field highlights the continuity of conservative thought while examining its radical shifts.