American Prestige

Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor Emeritus at Columbia University and author of The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, returns to share insights on the recent agreement between Columbia and the Trump administration. The discussion highlights the troubling intersection of academic freedom and the definition of antisemitism, donor influence on universities, and shifting public opinions on Israel. Khalidi also introduces an engaging lecture series on Palestinian history, aiming to enhance understanding and support educational efforts in the region.

In this engaging discussion, Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a Georgetown professor, shares insights on the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. He critiques Trump's chaotic approach to Ukraine diplomacy and explores the future of security guarantees. The conversation delves into Russia’s intentions regarding occupied territory and reflects on America's declining global dominance in geopolitics, highlighting the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and U.S. foreign policy.

In this podcast, Olivia Arigho-Stiles from the University of Manchester shares her insights on the recent Bolivian election results and the challenges facing the leftist MAS party. She discusses the unexpected rise of anti-corruption candidate Rodrigo Paz and the implications for Bolivia's political landscape. The conversation explores internal conflicts and voter discontent that led to MAS’s decline, along with the broader economic crisis affecting the electorate. Olivia’s expertise provides a compelling analysis of Bolivia's shifting political allegiances.

Explore the surprising world of slot machines on U.S. military bases, where the military rakes in over $70 million annually. Discover the cultural shift towards gambling and its regulation by the Department of Defense. Hear about the potential exploitation and addiction risks, as well as the broader security implications tied to this phenomenon. It's a deep dive into how normalizing gambling affects service members abroad!

In this insightful conversation, Glenn Loury, Merton P. Stoltz Professor Emeritus at Brown University and host of The Glenn Show, shares his thoughts on self-censorship and its implications. He discusses the societal pressures surrounding race and identity, reflecting on his experiences in Eastern Europe and the current debates on 'wokeness.' Loury also critiques narratives in political discourse, particularly around sensitive issues like the Israel-Palestinian conflict, advocating for nuanced conversations and deeper understanding within cultural dynamics.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the legitimacy of economics as a science. Hear about the struggles of early 20th-century economists aiming for formalization and the critique of relying too heavily on expert paradigms. The conversation touches on the tension between quantification and complex realities. Shifts towards nuclear history reveal intriguing insights too. It’s a blend of economics, history, and the philosophical questions about how we understand societal management.

In a whirlwind of global news, Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, igniting discussions on regional stability. Tensions escalate as Israel seeks nations to expel Palestinians. Meanwhile, Australia announces plans to recognize Palestine, and Iran's nuclear ambitions raise concerns. The potential Trump-Putin summit looms large over Ukraine's future, causing unease across Europe. Additionally, the U.S. and China extend their tariff détente amidst ongoing trade tensions. It's a riveting exploration of diplomacy amidst conflict!

Subscribe now for the full episode! Danny and Derek speak with historian Chris Myers Asch about Trump's federal takeover of DC police and the deployment of the National Guard. Be sure to check out Chris's book ⁠Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mohammad Alsaafin, journalist at AJ+, returns to the program to discuss recent events concerning Palestine. He and Derek talk about journalists killed by Israel in Gaza, including Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif; the broad dehumanization of Palestinian journalists by many mainstream outlets; the planned military occupation and potential ethnic cleansing of the Strip; the use of starvation as a weapon; why certain countries are re-recognizing a Palestinian state at this moment; and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, a political science professor and author of 'Twenty Years of Rage', joins the discussion to explore the current crises in democracy and liberalism. He delves into grievance politics and the material causes of modern anger, offering insights into how anger can actually be leveraged for positive change. Accetti critiques the roles of populism and technocracy, emphasizing the need for genuine political participation to combat feelings of loneliness and marginalization in today's polarized landscape.