American Prestige

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and author specializing in climate politics, dives into the challenges surrounding green energy transitions. She reveals why the rise of renewable energy doesn’t necessarily lead to a decline in fossil fuel use. The conversation touches on the complexities of dismantling fossil capital and how historical energy transitions didn’t phase out fossil fuels but rather increased total energy consumption. Thea also discusses the political implications of consumption and offers insights into sustainable alternatives for the future.

Negar Mortazavi, an award-winning journalist and host of The Iran Podcast, shares insights on the ongoing protests in Iran. She discusses the effects of a communications blackout and severe state crackdowns. Economic drivers like currency devaluation and corruption fuel unrest, although predictions of regime collapse may be premature. Negar also highlights the risks of U.S. military intervention, arguing it could harm civilians. The conversation digs into the role of exiles and regional dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of foreign involvement.

Shadi Hamid, a columnist at The Washington Post and author of The Case for American Power, dives deep into the complexities of American foreign policy. He discusses how the recent Gaza crisis shifted his political perspective and influenced his writing. Shadi argues for a nuanced view of U.S. power, balancing its moral potential against historical harms. The conversation touches on themes like American decline, the limits of democracy promotion, and the possibility of justified intervention in crises, offering a thought-provoking roadmap for future policy.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Biddle, a journalist from The Intercept, and Jay Caspian Kang, author of Time to Say Goodbye, explore the unsettling realm of prediction markets. They delve into the ethical quandaries of betting on coups and invasions, revealing how these platforms blur moral lines. The conversation touches on DARPA's controversial experiment with terrorism forecasting and the troubling normalization of profit-seeking from violence. Biddle and Kang challenge the implications of human suffering becoming a tradable asset in our financialized world.

The hosts dive into global affairs, starting with Delcy Rodríguez becoming Venezuela's president after Maduro's rendition. They discuss the implications of U.S. control over Venezuelan oil exports. In Yemen, Saudi forces are pushing back against separatists, leading to political turmoil. Israel’s ban on humanitarian organizations sparks concern for Gaza's humanitarian situation, while protests surge in Iran amid economic collapse. The podcast also addresses U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria and Trump's controversial plans regarding Greenland.

In this insightful discussion, historian Stuart Schrader, an expert on policing and author of "Badges Without Borders," explores the global roots of American policing. He highlights how Cold War-era police training shaped contemporary practices and led to an intertwining of domestic and foreign repression. Topics include the historical resistance to oversight, the rise of aggressive policing tactics, and the implications of U.S. policies like the formation of ICE. Schrader also emphasizes the ongoing local resistance to these trends, particularly in Los Angeles.

Greg Grandin, a Yale historian and expert on U.S. empire, dives into the complexities of the U.S. operation in Venezuela. He discusses how the U.S. opted for coercion over governance, leaving Maduro in power while the state remains intact. The role of oil in U.S. interventions is scrutinized, along with the Trump administration's internal divisions. Grandin explores the erosion of regional resistance, the decline of the pink tide, and the implications of a shifting global order—raising questions about Latin America's autonomy amidst U.S. hegemony.

Gabriel Hetland discusses the U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, highlighting the unexpected success and boldness of the action. The conversation delves into how sustained sanctions and political maneuvers created an environment for intervention. They also explore the implications of U.S. tanker seizures, framing them as acts of piracy, and the fragility of the Pink Tide in Latin America post-Chávez. Additionally, the potential for a renewed leftist wave and what this means for future U.S. policy in the region are examined.

A high-stakes discussion unfolds as U.S. forces seize Nicolás Maduro, with experts breaking down the details of the operation. The conversation shifts to how this intervention differs from past U.S. actions in Latin America. There's a keen focus on the risks of political fragmentation in Venezuela and what prolonged U.S. involvement could mean for the region's stability. Listeners will find insights into the broader implications of this bold move on American influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Seth Harp, a journalist and author of The Fort Bragg Cartel, shares riveting insights into the realm of U.S. special operations. He discusses the drastic rise of covert military actions post-9/11 and the role of JSOC in assassination campaigns. Harp also explores how frequent deployments lead to deep local ties—sometimes resulting in drug trafficking links—and the effects of military culture on families. With a background in conflict reporting, he highlights the troubling overlap between military actions and the drug trade, revealing a hidden world of secrecy and dysfunction.