Open to Debate

Larry Summers, former President of Harvard and economic advisor, and Alan Dershowitz, a civil liberties lawyer and law professor emeritus at Harvard, engage in a heated debate over the Trump administration's actions against the university. They explore the implications of accusations of antisemitism, the tension between academic freedom and institutional responsibility, and the complexities of diversity initiatives. With sharp insights, they tackle the question of accountability in elite education and the impact on Jewish students amid rising tensions.

Stephen Breyer, a former Supreme Court Justice, shares insights from his nearly 30-year tenure on the bench and his book on constitutional pragmatism. He contrasts textualism with a pragmatic approach, arguing for decisions shaped by context rather than strict interpretation. The conversation covers the complexities of legal text interpretation, the challenges surrounding gun regulations, and the importance of judicial integrity. Breyer reflects on the emotional weight of landmark decisions and the necessity of understanding differing viewpoints in legal debates.

Join Leopoldo Lopez, a Venezuelan opposition leader and pro-democracy activist, along with Artie McConnell, a former federal prosecutor, and Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow at Chatham House, as they dive into the complex world of sanctions. They debate the effectiveness of these policies in challenging authoritarian regimes. Lopez shares personal stories of resistance from within Venezuela, while the group discusses the unintended consequences on civilians and the importance of a nuanced approach. Can sanctions truly promote democracy, or do they merely exacerbate suffering?

In this discussion, guests Joshua Shifrinson, an expert on international security, and Kelly Grieco from the Stimson Center argue that Trump's provocative approach can ultimately strengthen alliances through tough love. In contrast, Liana Fix, a Fellow at the CFR, and foreign policy scholar Charles Kupchan emphasize that the unpredictability under Trump's leadership is eroding trust among allies, especially in Europe and Asia. They delve into concerns about American reliability, the implications of domestic politics on global commitments, and the potential rise of nuclear capabilities in allied nations.

Join Nadine Strossen, a former ACLU president and free speech advocate, Brandi Kruse, an Emmy-winning journalist, and Nick Gillespie, a libertarian commentator, as they dive into the evolving dynamics of free speech under Trump 2.0. They tackle media censorship, the impact of federal funding cuts on public broadcast integrity, and the chilling effects intensifying amidst political polarization. The trio engages in a spirited debate about the intersection of governmental influence, educational free speech, and the responsibilities of legacy media, all while advocating for civil liberties.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Barbara Slavin, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, tackle the urgent issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions. They debate the consequences of a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, weighing the risks of military action against diplomatic options. The conversation highlights the geopolitical fallout for the U.S. and its allies, exploring the historical context, strategies for engagement, and the implications for regional stability.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent economist, argues for Trump’s Russia policies as a return to normalcy, suggesting a shift in European security responsibility. Bill Browder and Alina Polyakova counter this view, asserting that Trump's approach enables Russian aggression and jeopardizes trust among allies. Thomas Graham supports Sachs’ stance on diplomatic engagement, while Polyakova emphasizes the risks in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The conversation highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Russia relations and the critical need for strategic reevaluation.

Jake Tapper, a prominent CNN anchor and author, teams up with Alex Thompson, Axios's National Political Correspondent, to dissect their buzzing book, 'Original Sin.' They delve into Biden's debate fiasco and the implications for his presidency and the Democratic Party. The discussion covers the political fallout from age and health concerns, the media's role in shaping narratives, and the complexities surrounding the 25th Amendment. Tapper and Thompson highlight the urgent need for transparency in today's political landscape, sparking a lively conversation on public trust.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, founder of J Street and former advisor to President Clinton, debates Einat Wilf, a former Israeli Knesset member and co-author of "The War of Return." They tackle the complex implications of Trump’s policies on Israeli-Palestinian relations amidst the ongoing Gaza war. Wilf argues for Trump’s unwavering support of Israel, while Ben-Ami warns his approach could undermine peace efforts. The conversation dives into the historical significance of U.S. interventions, the challenge of achieving a two-state solution, and the future of Israeli democracy.

Lindsay Gorman, a technology expert at the German Marshall Fund, and former U.S. Representative Will Hurd argue for U.S. chip controls to outpace China in AI. They discuss how restricting access to advanced semiconductors could buy time for the U.S. to maintain its lead. On the opposing side, Paul Triolo and former diplomat Susan Thornton caution about potential backfires, warning it might harm U.S. competitiveness and that collaboration may be a better strategy. The conversation dives into the broader implications of the AI race and the role of technology in modern warfare.