Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and global security expert Jon Wolfsthal to unravel the stark reality behind the Doomsday Clock - now set at a perilous 89 seconds to midnight. What does this ominous timepiece truly measure, and why has humanity never been closer to catastrophe? Wolfsthal offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process that determines the clock’s position and insights into how and if we can move the clock further away from midnight. Together, they dive deep into the rising threats of nuclear war, climate change, AI-driven warfare, and biological risks, exposing the fragile state of global security. The conversation traces the history of the clock—from moments of de-escalation, like the Cold War’s end, to the unraveling of arms control agreements and the resurgence of dangerous geopolitical tensions. But it’s not all doom and gloom—this episode also lays out real, actionable solutions to push back from the brink and build a safer future. Can world leaders act in time, or are we sleepwalking into disaster? Tune in for a crucial discussion on humanity’s future—before it’s too late.Footnotes:Doomsday ClockBulletin of Atomic Scientists Einstein and the Nuclear Arms RaceTreaty on the Prohibition Nuclear WeaponsIvana Nikolić HughesNuclear WeaponOppenheimer Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty JFK Peace SpeechCuban Missile CrisisBiowarfareAlpha Fold Nobel Prize Dual-use TechnologyBiosafety Level Genetic EngineeringDisruptive TechnologiesTruman and OppenheimerAegis Ballistic Missile Defense System⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!

Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and historian Eugene Rogan, professor of Modern Middle Eastern History at Oxford, as they delve into the complex history of the Arab world, from the Ottoman conquest in 1516 to today’s geopolitical crises of the modern Middle East. Through the lens of his acclaimed book The Arabs: A History, Rogan brilliantly examines the long history of foreign domination, the rise of Arab nationalism, the roles of Europe and the US as outside powers, and the unresolved conflicts shaping the Middle East until today.  Together, they offer us a masterclass in history that sheds light on the urgent questions of war, power, and the possibility of peace in the region. From Ottoman rule to European colonialism, the impact of the Balfour Declaration, and the ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict, the conversation provides crucial historical context for today’s challenges.The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.Footnotes:ZionistPalestine and Israel ConflictBritish Mandate for PalestineBalfour DeclarationCapture of Cairo (1517)PotentatesFly WhiskPanic of 1819Creditor NationSovereigntyWorld War IConstantinople AgreementThe Fall of the Ottomans: The Great War in the Middle EastBalkan WarsKing Krane CommissionWhite Paper of 1939Ethnic Cleansing⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!

Annie Jacobsen, an award-winning journalist and bestselling author, dives deep into the chilling realities of nuclear war in her latest work. She unpacks a gripping scenario that exposes the razor-thin line between safety and catastrophe. Their conversation reveals urgent insights on the immediate dangers of missile launches, the grim realities of U.S. nuclear preparedness, and the risks of communication breakdowns that could lead to escalation. Jacobsen advocates for nuclear disarmament while reflecting on historical missteps, urging a reevaluation of our approach to nuclear threats.

Glenn Diesen, a political scientist and professor at the University of Southeastern Norway, dives into the complexities surrounding the Ukraine war and its implications for the Eurasian world order. He discusses Europe's fractured security and the dire consequences of NATO-Russia tensions. The conversation weaves through historical frameworks, the legacy of the Cold War, and the evolving geopolitical alliances, particularly between China and Russia. Diesen emphasizes the urgent need to navigate these tensions to avoid catastrophic outcomes.

Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and retired Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Fritz, a former Pentagon insider, as they explore the extremely important insights in Fritz’s new book, Deadly Betrayal, which uncovers the ugly truths behind the Iraq War in 2003. Drawing from dramatic evidence, Fritz explains how a group of high-level Pentagon officials (a “cabal” in Fritz’s description) in the Bush Jr. Administration manipulated intelligence, pressured other nations, and swayed Congress and public to support a disastrous war. Together, they delve into the astounding evidence that Fritz uncovered during his work at the Pentagon while examining the documentary record of the war.  Fritz discovered three reasons for the utterly misguided Iraq War: to restore American “credibility” in the Middle East, to go to war on Israel’s behalf, and to deliver “democracy” at gunpoint. The results were a massive failure on all counts. The lessons of the Iraq War remain crucial for our own time, as various lobbies continue to try to manipulate the US into still more unnecessary and reckless wars.The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!

In this engaging conversation, political scientist Aaron Good reflects on his book, examining the troubling relationship between U.S. foreign policy and American exceptionalism. He discusses how the deep state has shaped major political events and the erosion of democracy. Good critiques the increasing concentration of power among elites and the historical ties of U.S. intelligence to controversial figures. The dialogue raises critical questions about restoring true democratic governance in a world driven by covert interests.

Send us a textJoin Professors Jeffrey Sachs, Christina Gerhardt and UN Senior Advisor on Small Island Developing States, Simona Marinescu as they discuss human induced global warming, the implications of rising sea levels, and Gerhardt’s book, Sea Change: An Atlas of Islands in a Rising Ocean. This discussion shifts our focus to the frontlines of climate change—low-lying islands and despite contributing the least to global warming, these islands bear the brunt of its impacts. Together, they explore the local stories of various islands and coastlines through immersive storytelling, scientific insight, and research from each of their own personal experiences. Join us to learn about the impacts of climate change, tourism, military bases and more on these island economies and their indigenous inhabitants. While the implications for these communities are dire, leave hopeful that there are solutions and approaches being used to protect the cultural heritage and identity of these islands.The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.Footnotes:SIDSUS and China Climate StandoffUS Climate NegotiationsSea Levels Rising Colonialism in SIDS Climatologists Nature based SolutionsLow Lying Islands Migration with Dignity Policy IPPCJames Hansen Ice sheets melting Manhattan Fate to Sea Level Rising Internal Displacement on SIDSPact for the FutureMarshall Plan for SIDS⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!

Dr. Alfred de Zayas, a leading authority on international law and former UN Independent Expert, discusses his book, 'Building a Just World Order.' He emphasizes the need for democratic reforms in global governance and critiques current UN practices. The conversation spans topics like the impact of World Bank policies, the need for reliable information, and accountability on issues like ecocide and torture. Dr. Zayas passionately argues for ethical politics and the urgency of a just international system, underscoring the interconnectedness of human rights and sustainable development.

Send us a textPlease join Professor Jeffrey Sachs and China expert, Jean Dong as they discuss Dong’s fascinating book, Chinese Statecraft in a Changing World: Demystifying Enduring Traditions and Dynamic Constraints. Ms. Dong offers a rich and subtle historical perspective on China’s statecraft, diplomacy, and national objectives.  Her historically based analysis offers us great insights into the new geopolitics of our age.  Together, Prof. Sachs and Ms. Dong explore the history and practice of Chinese statecraft, revealing its continuities and changes over long periods of history.  They explore how geographical factors have shaped China's world outlook and approaches to international relations. Join this exciting conversation to gain a deeper understanding of the international politics of our world today. The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.Footnotes:Centre for Contemporary Chinese StudiesSong Dynasty Chinese Geography Chinese StatecraftJoseph NeedhamChina’s Security and BorderMao Zedong Ming Dynasty Oil Industry in China Zhou Dynasty Chinese Communist PartyCommunismChina’s Black Cat, White Cat DiplomacyChina and US relations Opium Wars ⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!

Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Monika Wiesak as they discuss one of America's most iconic leaders in, America's Last President: What the World Lost When It Lost John F. Kennedy. Listen in as they delve into the thrilling saga of a young, audacious visionary who dared to challenge the status quo and redefine the course of history.Together, they uncover the untold story of courage and sacrifice of JFK’s legacy—one where he embarked on a daring mission to reshape the world order, advocating for decentralized power, global peace, and the rights of every citizen. JFK’s relentless pursuit of justice led him into epic battles against entrenched interests, culminating in a showdown that changed the course of nations. From his crusade for civil rights to his groundbreaking efforts in arms control, JFK’s unwavering commitment to a brighter future for all inspires us to confront deep questions about what it all means for our world today.The Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs is brought to you by the SDG Academy, the flagship education initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Learn more and get involved at bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org.Footnotes:John F. Kennedy Poland’s Fall of CommunismJFK Civil Rights SpeechGeorge W Bush Weapons of Mass Destruction JFK’s Peace SpeechNuclear Test Ban TreatyCivil Rights Act“Peace is a Process, a Way of Solving Problems”Bob Dylan - Murder Most FoulCharacter Assassination of JFKTed SorensenKhrushchev’s KnotKhrushchev and Kennedy LettersAnti-ColonialistWar MongersCIAVietnam and JFK⭐️ Thank you for listening!➡️ Sign up for the newsletter: https://bit.ly/subscribeBCJS➡️ Website: bookclubwithjeffreysachs.org 🎉 Don't forget to subscribe and share your favorite episode with your friends! 📣 Leave a rating and tell us what you thought about this episode!