Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs

Ilan Pappè, a renowned historian at Exeter University specializing in the Israel-Palestine conflict, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. They scrutinize the historical roots of Zionism and its separation from Judaism. Pappè highlights the impact of British colonialism and the U.S. role since the UN Partition Plan. The conversation delves into the complexities of lobbying networks on both sides of the Atlantic and reflects on how historical alliances have shaped modern tensions, challenging listeners to consider the implications for peace efforts today.

Ray Kurzweil, a leading futurist and AI visionary at Google, engages in a captivating dialogue about the accelerating technological landscape and its implications for humanity. He discusses his updated predictions on AI, including the prospect that machines will rival human intelligence by 2029. They explore the transformative power of nanotechnology, the promise of radical life extension, and the ethical challenges surrounding machine consciousness. The conversation highlights both the awe-inspiring potential and the cautionary tales of merging humanity with technology.

Lauren Benton, a Yale historian and legal scholar, dives deep into the dark legacies of imperial violence. She discusses how European powers masked their violent conquests as efforts for peace, revealing the brutal mechanics of colonial expansion. Benton examines the paradox of 19th-century peace movements, which relied on organized violence. The conversation also touches on the cyclical nature of imperialism, the moral complexities of indigenous resistance, and how the rhetoric of power continues to shape modern conflicts today.

Historian Richard Overy, an honorary professor at the University of Exeter, dives deep into the unsettling question of why humans wage war. He illuminates the psychological and historical roots of conflict, exploring the 'us vs. them' mentality that fuels division. Overy examines the interplay of resources, belief, and ideology, asserting that warfare is a collective, not just individual, motivation. He also discusses the economic foundations of empire and critiques historical missteps in diplomacy, offering a nuanced look at the complexities behind war.

Join Jon Wolfsthal, Director of Global Risk at the Federation of American Scientists, as he sheds light on the Doomsday Clock, now perilously close to midnight. They discuss urgent threats like nuclear war, climate change, and AI-driven crises. Wolfsthal reveals how decisions are made to set the clock and what it means for humanity's future. The conversation navigates the dual-use dilemma of biotechnology and highlights actionable solutions to avert catastrophe. Tune in for a critical exploration of global security and our role in ensuring a safer tomorrow.

Eugene Rogan, a Modern Middle Eastern History professor at Oxford and author of 'The Arabs: A History,' joins the discussion on the intricate history of the Arab world. They explore the lasting impacts of Ottoman rule and European colonialism, including the Balfour Declaration and its relevance to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With insights on the evolution of Arab identity and external influences, Rogan provides a masterclass in understanding current geopolitical crises, emphasizing the need for historical context to tackle today’s challenges.

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.