The Realignment

Marshall and Saagar discuss national security concerns with TikTok, exploring generational differences in attention spans.

Author Max Marshall discusses the positives and negatives of fraternities, the rise and fall of the 'bro' culture, the rise of Xanax as a recreational drug among college students, the role and survival of fraternities in American life, the impact of movies from the late 90s and 2000s, reflections on aging and college experience, and exploring different worlds through work and friendships.

John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira, authors of 'Where Have All the Democrats Gone?: The Soul of the Party in the Age of Extremes', discuss why the modern Democratic Party has lost its way, alienating working class and rural voters, and the forces that derailed their 'emerging Democratic majority' thesis. They evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the party, analyze Trump and Biden administrations' political responses and policies, explore the impact of the shadow party and the internet on politics, and discuss the future of election coalitions.

Moshik Temkin, professor and author of Warriors, Rebels, and Saints, discusses the interplay between leaders and historical events in driving change. They explore the rejection of traditional leadership in recent movements and the contrasting viewpoints of MLK and Malcolm X. The chapter also delves into the qualities of leaders during times of crisis, with a focus on FDR's actions and perspectives on protecting democracy and implementing the New Deal.

Patrick Ruffini, author of 'Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP', joins The Realignment to discuss how Trump built a diverse Republican coalition, the shifting dynamics of voter priorities, the influence of age on political shifts in surprising communities, and the Democratic Party's response to GOP support from minority voters.

David Adler and Bill Bonvillian, authors of America's Advanced Manufacturing Problem—and How to Fix It, discuss the U.S. losing its leadership in global manufacturing, the impact of federal legislation like the CHIPS Act, and the need to redesign the country's innovation system for a successful industrial policy effort.

Gilman Louie discusses investing in frontier technologies like AI and energy, and how the US can outcompete rivals. They explore the potential of AI in solving coordination problems while acknowledging the risks. The importance of balancing potential and skepticism of AI is emphasized, along with the need for big ideas in problem-solving. The power of individuals in the tech industry and the role of multi-disciplinary solutions are also highlighted.

David M. Herszenhorn, Russian Editor of the Washington Post and author of The Dissident: Alexey Navalny, discusses Navalny's role as Putin's rival, the tradition of dissidents in Russia and Soviet history, the possibility of a democratic Russia, and the challenges Navalny faces. They also explore the imperial aspects of Putin's rule, the future of Russia after Putin, and the potential for a transition towards democracy.

Marshall and Saagar discuss Israel's invasion of Gaza and its implications for the U.S. They explore the challenges of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the impact of technology and social media in the developing world, and the difficulties faced by the Biden administration. They also address the challenges of news gathering on Twitter and the position of the center left of the democratic party.

Stuart A. Reid, an author and historian specializing in CIA and Cold War history, discusses the secret Lumumba Plot, the dual nature of the Cold War, the relevance of the United Nations, the unraveling of Cold War paranoia, and the shaping of the world in the past and present.