The Gist

Thant Myint-U, a historian and author, is the grandson of U Thant, the third Secretary-General of the UN. He dives deep into U Thant's impactful mediation during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the India-Pakistan War. They discuss the UN's fading influence due to political cynicism and critique the shift from idealism to realpolitik. Thant also reflects on Myanmar’s turbulent history and shares personal revelations from researching his new book, highlighting the tragedy of potential lost in his homeland.

Join Alicia Wanless, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and author of The Information Animal, as she discusses the ecology of information. She reveals how disinformation is merely the latest pollutant in our information ecosystems. Wanless draws fascinating parallels between historical pamphlet floods from King Charles I and today's social media onslaught. She warns that suppression often backfires and underscores the challenges democracies face in regulating information. Plus, explore China's dominance in the rare-earths race and the environmental costs tied to it.

Michael Kirk, a celebrated documentary filmmaker for Frontline, dives deep into RFK Jr.’s tumultuous life, tracing his journey from personal addiction and family trauma to a new obsession with public validation. He explores RFK Jr.'s controversial shift to vaccine skepticism and how a pivotal call with Trump set the stage for his political endeavors. Kirk warns of the ideological rifts in the MAHA coalition while shedding light on the potential consequences of RFK Jr.'s influence on public health and representation for marginalized communities.

Michael Townsend, an artist and key figure in the Secret Mall Apartment project, joins documentary filmmaker Jeremy Workman to recount the incredible tale of an eight-artist collective that transformed a hidden space within a mall into a home. They delve into the motivations behind this unique blend of art and activism as a critique of gentrification. Townsend also shares insights on creating a large unauthorized 9/11 memorial, while Workman discusses the impact of archival footage on their documentary and the shifting cultural significance of malls.

In this discussion, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy dives deep into the implications of the two-decade-old AUMF, which still justifies military actions globally. He highlights the troubling trend of temporary wartime powers becoming a permanent fixture in U.S. foreign policy. Murphy calls for Congress to reclaim its constitutional war-making authority and shares insights on why legislators often avoid tackling tough decisions on military action. He also critiques U.S. involvement in conflicts like Yemen and shares thoughts on the recognition of Guaidó's presidency in Venezuela.

Lisa Graves, an author and legal expert on the Supreme Court, dives into Chief Justice Roberts' influence in her book Without Precedent. She discusses the concept of court capture and its impact on constitutional rights. Graves argues that recent rulings indicate a tilt in the judiciary rather than impartiality. They also debate what constitutes a constitutional crisis, touching on significant decisions affecting Congress and law. Alongside, there's a recap of the New York mayoral debate featuring Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, highlighting key moments and gaffes.

Join Jonah Goldberg, a conservative commentator and co-founder of The Dispatch, alongside Zee Cohen-Sanchez, founder of Soul Strategies, as they dive into pressing political issues. They dissect the impacts of the government shutdown and how it affects local services, tourism, and public perception. The duo debates the implications of Trump's style on authoritarianism and the recent release of Hamas hostages. They even share humorous gripes about cultural annoyances, keeping the discussion both insightful and entertaining.

Jonathan Mahler, an author and journalist known for his insights on New York City's evolution, discusses his book on the tumultuous late '80s. He highlights how figures like Spike Lee and Al Sharpton rose to prominence amid a backdrop of crime and media sensationalism. Mahler emphasizes the role of tabloids in shaping politics and celebrity, as well as how incidents like the Howard Beach murder sparked significant social tension. Their conversation delves into the complex interplay between crime, public anxiety, and political theater in defining modern America.

Cory Doctorow, an acclaimed author and digital-rights activist, discusses his compelling book, InShittification. He unveils his 'enshittification' model, explaining how tech platforms trap users while prioritizing profit. Doctorow emphasizes the importance of interoperability and right-to-repair laws, revealing how focused state legislation can disrupt Big Tech's control. He dives into the economic impact of community repair initiatives versus waste. Plus, Mike Pesca explores the complex dynamics of hostage releases, challenging conventional human-rights strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Vladeck, a law professor and author of The Shadow Docket, delves into the murky waters of the Supreme Court's shadow docket. He describes how these emergency, unsigned orders can erode the Court's legitimacy and highlights the dangers of unexplained rulings. Vladeck also explores why sound reasoning matters for legal precedent and elaborates on how recent decisions tend to favor Republican interests, raising important questions about judicial integrity. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of law in action!