The Political Scene | The New Yorker
The New Yorker
Join The New Yorker’s writers and editors for reporting, insight, and analysis of the most pressing political issues of our time. On Mondays, David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, presents conversations and feature stories about current events. On Wednesdays, the senior editor Tyler Foggatt goes deep on a consequential political story via far-reaching interviews with staff writers and outside experts. And, on Fridays, the staff writers Susan B. Glasser, Jane Mayer, and Evan Osnos discuss the latest developments in Washington and beyond, offering an encompassing understanding of this moment in American politics.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 42min
A Stark Warning About the 2026 Election, with Robert Kagan
Robert Kagan, a historian and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, shares alarming insights into the state of American democracy. He revisits his 2016 warnings about Trump's authoritarian tendencies, arguing that the crisis has escalated. Kagan asserts that the 2026 elections could be pivotal, fearing Trump may not accept defeat. He discusses how federal actions in Minnesota could normalize authoritarianism and the troubling implications for global order, stressing the urgency for civic engagement to safeguard democracy.
59 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 47min
Is Everything Going According to Marco Rubio’s Plan?
Dexter Filkins, a seasoned staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into Marco Rubio's transformation from a Trump critic to a key figure in the administration. They explore Rubio's dual role reminiscent of Kissinger and his central involvement in the Venezuelan crisis. The discussion reveals how his political aspirations shaped his foreign policy approach, alongside the dismantling of USAID and its global repercussions. Filkins underscores Rubio's calculated shifts, his ambitions for 2028, and the murky waters of American diplomacy under Trump's influence.
36 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 31min
Trump’s New Brand of Imperialism
Daniel Immerwahr, a historian and professor at Northwestern University, dives into the complexities of U.S. imperialism and recent foreign interventions. He compares Trump's unabashed rhetoric about territorial annexation to historical patterns of expansion, highlighting explicit motives like oil in Venezuela. Immerwahr discusses the geopolitical consequences of U.S. actions on Russia and China, and links imperialism to masculine pride throughout history. The conversation reveals how current U.S. policies might be eroding international norms and supremacy.
26 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 44min
Is Donald Trump Creating the Conditions for Another World War?
The discussion delves into Trump's controversial use of force, particularly in Venezuela and his ambitions for Greenland. The panel explores his 'narcissistic unilateralism' and how it threatens international alliances. Trump's desire for territorial control is examined, revealing his motivations as a mix of personal ambition and risk-taking, prompting comparisons to historical global tensions. There's a focus on the delicate balance of power as the hosts warn about the increased risks of global conflict under his administration.
28 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 45min
Special Episode: After Maduro’s Ouster, What Are Trump’s Plans for Venezuela?
Jon Lee Anderson, a seasoned New Yorker staff writer known for his in-depth Latin American coverage, joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss the audacious U.S. military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro. They explore the unique nature of this raid, its shaky intelligence, and the implications for U.S. intervention in Venezuela. The conversation delves into the motives behind the operation—especially oil—and what governance might look like post-Maduro. Anderson also analyzes the broader consequences for Latin America and geopolitical tensions with China and Russia.
20 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 24min
The Company Behind the A.I. Boom
Stephen Witt, a technology journalist and author of *The Thinking Machine*, dives into NVIDIA's groundbreaking role in the AI boom. He explains how the company, led by CEO Jensen Huang, revolutionized computing with their GPUs, essential for neural networks. Witt also discusses the delicate geopolitical tensions with China and NVIDIA's ongoing competition. Additionally, he shares Huang's visionary ideas for robots and the Omniverse, while weighing the utopian benefits of AI against potential societal risks.
50 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 43min
How Should We Approach A.I. in 2026?
Join journalists Charles Duhigg, Cal Newport, and Anna Wiener as they delve into the fascinating world of AI. They discuss the gap between Silicon Valley hype and the reality of generative AI, offering insights on how it’s currently used for productivity and emotional support. The trio explores how social structures influence who benefits from AI, the challenges in creative industries, and the risks of AI-driven political propaganda, painting a nuanced picture of what AI may mean for society by 2026.
Dec 22, 2025 • 49min
Graham Platner Is Staying in the Race
Graham Platner, a combat veteran, community organizer, and small-business owner from Maine, is running for the U.S. Senate. He passionately discusses economic justice and Medicare-for-all, framing his candidacy as a chance for personal change and growth. Platner candidly addresses past controversial comments and a tattoo controversy while advocating for the need to reconnect the Democratic Party with labor movements. He critiques capitalism and emphasizes the importance of community struggles in rural America, while emphasizing the need for veterans' support.
10 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 33min
Isaac Chotiner Sums Up Politics in 2025
Isaac Chotiner, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his sharp political insights, joins Tyler Foggatt for a dynamic discussion. They delve into the origins and implications of political violence, contrasting state repression with individual actions. Chotiner shares his thoughts on Trump's economic strategies and the complexities of covering unconventional policies. They also reflect on high-profile interviews, including one with Karine Jean-Pierre about her departure from the Democratic Party and another with Cass Sunstein regarding his views on liberalism and his unusual friendship with Henry Kissinger.
23 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 26min
Leon Panetta on the Trump Administration’s Venezuelan Boat Strikes
Leon Panetta, former U.S. Chief of Staff and CIA Director, shares his insights on military ethics and strategy. He delves into the legal implications of Navy strikes on civilian boats in Venezuela, emphasizing the need to avoid war crimes. Panetta critiques the blurred lines of military versus law enforcement in drug trafficking, advocates for clarity in U.S. objectives, and warns against misusing the military. He also discusses the importance of a strong response to Russia's aggression and the critical need for a unified approach to defend democracy.
