The Realignment

Author Ben Mezrich joins The Realignment to discuss Elon Musk's vision for turning Twitter into the leading global platform for speech, the challenges and potential solutions for the platform's business model, Twitter's flaws and value as a platform, the idea of a subscription-based approach, the need for amnesty in analyzing events of 2020, and Mezrich's experience in adapting his books into movies and television.

Adam Hammer, President and Co-Founder of Roadrunner Venture Studios, discusses America's lag in developing deep tech, opportunities in quantum science, space, energy, and clean tech. Talks about New Mexico as an innovative hub and the venture studio model of funding deep tech. Also emphasizes the role of government in promoting innovation and the importance of taking risks in the workplace.

Jennifer Burns, Stanford history professor and author, discusses Milton Friedman's legacy, his foundational role in shaping the bipartisan neoliberal approach, and the potential revitalization of his work in the face of inflation politics.

The hosts discuss Thanksgiving and holiday-related questions in this Ask Me Anything edition. Topics include how to ask questions, the death of Black Friday, and subscription recommendations for friends and family.

Doug Melville, author of Invisible Generals, discusses his family's legacy in the segregated US Army before and during WWII. Topics include the personal connection to the Tuskegee Airmen, the overlooked contribution of black soldiers in WWII, exploring family history and opportunities for black Americans, US military recruitment and racism, and the concept of diversity and learning from other countries.

Ganesh Sitaraman, author and law professor, joins The Realignment to discuss the problems in the airline industry and the need for improvement. They explore the impact of airline deregulation in the 70s, the frustrating consumer experience, the concentration of air service in big hubs, and the arguments for and against regulation. They propose principles for regulation like ensuring service everywhere and fair pricing, while also considering the future of the industry and its impact on passenger experience.

Pulitzer Prize Finalist Garrett M. Graff discusses UFOs and the US government's search for alien life. They explore the history of UFOs, government knowledge, and the likelihood of extraterrestrial life visiting Earth. They also delve into language use, conspiracy theories, government incompetence, disclosure incentives, challenges in identifying alien life, and the intersection of national security, technology, and American politics.

Ryan Craig, author of Apprentice Nation, joins The Realignment to discuss the importance of apprenticeships in creating economic opportunity. They explore the difference between workforce development and apprenticeships and reimagine higher education as an apprenticeship service provider. The limitations of the university system are addressed, and the need for investment in education and a stronger earning and learning infrastructure is highlighted.

John Gray, author of The New Leviathans, discusses Hobbesian political realism and the 2020s. They explore the collapse of communism, critique Francis Fukuyama's views, and discuss the concept of Leviathan. They also examine the dangers of repressive tolerance and the lack of understanding in policymaking.

Geopolitics expert Tim Marshall discusses how nations navigate the new space race, the impact of private companies like SpaceX, the controversy surrounding Starlink and Ukraine, outdated space treaties, role of private actors, and the significance of geography in international relations.