Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs

Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs and Yakov M. Rabkin, historian and Professor Emeritus at the University of Montreal, for a wide-ranging and fascinating discussion on the history of Zionism, Jewish thought, and the modern state of Israel. Delving into Rabkin’s path-breaking work, including his newest book, Israel in Palestine: Jewish Rejection of Zionism, Rabkin and Sachs discuss the early opposition to modern Zionism from many parts of the world Jewry, and the deep theological, political, and cultural divides that Zionism has created in Jewish communities around the world.  Together, Rabkin and Sachs trace the surprising origins of Zionism in 17th century British Protestantism, and its transformation into a modern political movement in 19th century Europe, led by both British evangelical Protestants and Central and Eastern European secular Jews. They delve into Herzl’s Zionist movement, which faced many Jewish opponents, including rabbinical authorities, assimilated Jews in Western Europe, and socialists who viewed it as a distraction from class struggle. Rabkin and Sachs discuss the pivotal role of Britain’s Balfour Declaration, the Russian revolutionary roots of Israel’s political culture, and the enduring legacies of figures such as Theodor Herzl and Ze’ev Jabotinsky.The conversation then turns to the present crisis in Israel and Palestine. They discuss the ideologies of Israel’s ruling parties, the rise of Israel’s religious-nationalist movements since 1967, and the role of these ideologies and movements in the ongoing conflict. Rabkin’s scholarship offers listeners a deeply informed narrative of history, religion, and power - shedding a powerful light on the disastrous, ongoing Israel - Palestine conflict.  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:Yakov Rabkin Books ZionismSatmar HasidimChristian ZionismIsaac Newton’s religious viewsJoseph PriestleyFirst Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE)Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE)Theodor HerzlWilliam HechlerTalmudThree Oaths (Judaism)Pale of SettlementGeneral Jewish Labour Bund⭐️ 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!

Join classicist and historian James Romm from Bard College as he delves into Plato's dramatic political journey in Syracuse. Discover how Plato's attempts to transform the tyrant Dionysius into a philosopher-king influenced his writings, especially The Republic. Romm discusses the chaos of Syracuse amid the Peloponnesian War and the philosophical quest for justice and virtuous leadership. The conversation highlights the tension between ideals and political reality, making ancient lessons relevant for today's governance.

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.