Open to Debate

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.

In this engaging discussion, guests Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and former Obama advisor, and Mariana Mazzucato, an innovation economist from UCL, tackle the complexities of Trump's economic agenda. Alongside Stephen Moore, former Trump economic advisor, and Allison Schrager, Bloomberg columnist, they debate the effectiveness of tariffs in boosting American jobs versus potential inflation. Jeff Ferry, representing manufacturing interests, adds insights on domestic self-sufficiency. The episode dives deep into deregulation, its risks, and the balance needed for sustainable growth.

Robert Rosenkranz, chairman of Delphi Capital Management and author of 'The Stoic Capitalist,' discusses how Stoic philosophy shaped his ambitious career. He explores the integration of Stoicism with capitalism, emphasizing the importance of risk-taking and mentorship. Rosenkranz shares insights on enhancing public discourse through open-mindedness and examining personal growth through art collection. He reflects on applying Stoic principles during crises and aims to motivate young readers while fostering civility in political conversations.

Derek Scissors, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, argues for decoupling from China, citing national security risks. In contrast, Isaac Stone Fish emphasizes the economic dangers of severing ties. Benn Steil warns that decoupling could harm U.S. businesses and innovation, while Susan Shirk discusses the nuanced implications for global trade and alliances. The discussion also touches on cybersecurity and intellectual property, highlighting the intricate balance between economic dependence and strategic decision-making in U.S.-China relations.

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar, President of Ideas Beyond Borders, discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from soft power in the Middle East, arguing it was a necessary strategy against rivals like Iran and China. Jeffrey Gedmin, CEO of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, counters that it harms America's image and undermines long-term stability in the region. The conversation dives into the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy, the balance of hard and soft power, and the evolving dynamics with Israel amidst regional threats.