The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Andrew Marantz, a staff writer at The New Yorker focusing on media, technology, and politics, delves into the serious implications of Trump's military actions in Iran. He discusses whether these strikes jeopardize his support from the 'America First' coalition, portraying a shift towards authoritarianism. The conversation also questions the legitimacy of using the National Guard during protests, highlighting tensions between democracy and authority. Marantz emphasizes the importance of independent judgment in evaluating the balance of power amid rising partisanship.

Yossi Klein Halevi, a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, sheds light on the Israeli-Iranian tension. He discusses Iran's apocalyptic theology and its implications for nuclear ambitions. Halevi argues that Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial strike on Iran may have been necessary despite political motivations. The conversation also covers the historical context of Iran's threats and the psychological impact on Israel, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these existential challenges.

Karim Sadjadpour, a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a prominent Iran expert, joins the discussion on the fraught conflict between Israel and Iran. He delves into how personal stakes for leaders like Donald Trump and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could drive the next moves in this escalating tension. Sadjadpour warns that their sense of honor may overshadow national interests. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, military tensions, and Iran's nuclear ambitions in an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.

Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a Staff writer for The New Yorker covering politics and culture, discusses the drastic decline of DOGE and the aftermath of Elon Musk's departure from its leadership. He highlights the chaotic state of the project and its legacy. Additionally, Wallace-Wells covers a disturbing incident involving impersonation of police in Minnesota, revealing the risks and implications for lawmakers and communities. The discussion underscores broader themes of technology in governance and the impact of social media on public perception.

The New Yorker recently published a report from Sudan, headlined “Escape from Khartoum.” The contributor Nicolas Niarchos journeyed for days through a conflict to reach a refugee camp in the Nuba Mountains, where members of the country’s minority Black ethnic groups are seeking safety, but remain imperilled by hunger. The territory is “very significant to the Nuba people,” Niarchos explains to David Remnick. “They feel safe being there because they have managed to resist genocide before by hiding in these mountains. And then you start seeing the children with their distended bellies, and you start hearing the stories of the people who fled.” The civil war pits the Sudanese Army against a militia group called the Rapid Support Forces. Once allies in ousting Sudan’s former President, the Army and the R.S.F. now occupy different parts of the country, destroying infrastructure in the opposing group’s territory, and committing atrocities against civilians: killing, starvation, and widespread, systematic sexual violence. The warring parties are dominated by Sudan’s Arabic-speaking majority, and “there’s this very, very toxic combination of both supremacist ideology,” Niarchos says, and “giving ‘spoils’ to troops instead of paying them.” One of Niarchos’s sources, a man named Wanis, recalls an R.S.F. soldier telling him, “If you go to the Nuba Mountains, we’ll reach you there. You Nuba, we’re supposed to kill you like dogs.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The discussion delves into the unsettling militarization of American society, examining the blurring lines between military and law enforcement. It critiques Trump's strategic deployment of troops during protests in Los Angeles as part of a political spectacle. The rhetoric of insurrection is explored, linking recent events to January 6th. Legal battles questioning presidential military power are also highlighted. The conversation raises alarms about the normalization of extreme tactics and their implications for democracy.

Peter Hessler, a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker with over a decade of experience in China, shares his insights about the evolving U.S.-China relationship. He explores the historical roots of Sinophobia and the impact of the Trump administration's policies on Chinese students. The discussion delves into how perceptions have shifted, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the complexities faced by Chinese students in the U.S. Hessler emphasizes the need for nuanced engagement to combat rising tensions and foster better understanding.

Dr. Alycia Halladay, Chief Science Officer of the Autism Science Foundation, discusses the harmful resurgence of vaccine skepticism, particularly with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s controversial claims linking vaccines to autism. She emphasizes the desperate lengths parents go to for their children, often influenced by misinformation. The conversation also covers the complexity of autism, the importance of credible research, and the insidious effects of debunked theories on public perception and health. Halladay calls for a nuanced understanding of autism that transcends oversimplified views.

Explore the messy fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, shedding light on their social media rivalry and its implications for power dynamics. Delve into the evolving nature of American oligarchy, comparing historical influences of wealth in politics. Discover the extravagant lifestyles of the ultra-rich through the symbolism of their yachts, reflecting modern power. The discussion also reveals the motivations driving billionaires to shape political landscapes and the critical impacts of budget cuts on U.S. foreign aid.

Ava Kofman, a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the controversial ideas of Curtis Yarvin, a right-wing blogger advocating for a monarchy in America. She discusses Yarvin's influence on conservative politics and tech elites, highlighting how his blend of humor and serious critique resonates with younger audiences. Kofman explores the paradox of challenging democratic norms while gaining traction in today’s political landscape, raising questions about the implications of such radical thought on governance.