Book Club with Jeffrey Sachs

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!

Send us a textJoin Professor Jeffrey Sachs in his conversation with authors James and Tom Risen on their important, new book The Last Honest Man, a gripping biography of Idaho Senator, Frank Church.  The Risens describe the remarkable events of 1975, when Senator Church almost single-handedly took on the CIA and FBI, to hold them accountable for serious crimes that they had committed, including the CIA’s assassination plots and the CIA’s and FBI’s illegal surveillance of American citizens. This is an inspiring story of how one idealistic Senator battled the powerful and secretive US security state and temporarily brought it under public scrutiny.  Alas, it is also a profound warning for our own time - as the 1975 Church Committee was the last time in half a century that the CIA has been thoroughly investigated. Tune in for a fascinating discussion of pivotal events 50 years ago and their profound relevance for 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.⭐️ 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 Professors Jeffrey Sachs and Bryan Van Norden as they discuss Prof. Van Norden’s book, Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto. As a leading expert in Chinese philosophy, Prof. Van Norden promotes an inclusive, multicultural approach to philosophical inquiry, and urges educational institutions to uphold cosmopolitan ideals. Together, they delve into Prof. Van Norden’s powerful critique of American higher education's neglect of philosophical traditions from non-Western cultures, including China, India, and Africa. Prof. Van Norden challenges the long-standing Eurocentric bias of philosophy departments, and advocates a multicultural approach to philosophical inquiry. Join this Book Club episode to explore a dialogue of Western and Asian philosophy, illustrating the enriching potential of diversity in philosophy. Discover the call for inclusive philosophical inquiry, enjoy a wonderful introduction to Confucian and Buddhist philosophy, and listen in on a conversation that challenges traditional Western notions of wisdom and philosophy.⭐️ 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 Professors Jeffrey Sachs and an expert on religious conflict, Richard E. Rubenstein as they discuss Rubenstein’s book, Aristotle's Children: How Christians, Muslims, and Jews Rediscovered Ancient Wisdom and Illuminated the Middle Ages. Rubenstein skillfully guides us through the vivid controversies of the Middle Ages, making the philosophical debates of yesteryear both lively and accessibleTogether, they discuss the riveting events that unfolded - sparking riots, initiating heresy trials, and causing seismic shifts within the Catholic Church.Throughout their discussion, you’ll uncover the origins of the age-old tension between reason and religion, a divide that continues to shape contemporary discourse. Listen in to gain insights into the foundational ideas that underpin modern thought, as we traverse the historical landscape where the clash of ancient wisdom and medieval upheaval set the stage for intellectual revolutions yet to come.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:PhilosophyAristotleWhen Jesus Became GodDark AgesAlexander the GreatThe Rise of ChristianityAncient Greek PhilosophyTheologiansPaganismThe Golden AgeToledo School of TranslatorsAristotelianismPlatoThe Double TruthPeter AbelardSaint Augustine St. Thomas AquinasAlbertus MagnusBig Bang⭐️ 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!

Political and media analyst Norman Solomon and Professor Jeffrey Sachs delve into how the media and politics perpetuate America's

David Daokui Li, a prominent economist and director at Tsinghua University, sheds light on the complexities of Chinese politics and economics. He shares personal stories from the Cultural Revolution, highlighting how education became a beacon of hope during turbulent times. The discussion dives into China’s meritocratic political system and its historical identity, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding between China and the U.S. Li calls for constructive relations, focusing on cooperation rather than conflict for a better global future.