American Prestige

Greg Grandin, a Yale historian and author, joins the conversation to delve into his book, America, América: A New History of the New World. The discussion highlights the brutal legacy of the Spanish conquest, the moral dilemmas posed by figures like Bartolomé de las Casas, and the complexities of colonialism's link to capitalism. They examine pivotal moments like the Monroe Doctrine and the Mexican-American War, exploring how these events shaped U.S.-Latin American relations and the emergence of democratic ideals in Latin America.

Leon Neyfakh, co-creator of Slow Burn and host of Fiasco, takes listeners on a deep dive into the 2012 Benghazi attack. He sheds light on the political upheaval that followed and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. Neyfakh shares gripping stories, including the fight for freedom against Gaddafi's oppressive regime and the harrowing tales from Abu Salim Prison. Exploring the rise and fall of Gaddafi, he delves into the complexities of U.S.-Libya relations, revealing how past clashes shape contemporary geopolitics.

Join geopolitical experts Annelle Sheline, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute, and Giorgio Cafiero from Gulf State Analytics as they dissect the recent Israeli airstrike on Doha. They delve into how this act jeopardizes Qatar's position as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas negotiations and reveal US complicity in the matter. The conversation highlights a shift in Gulf leaders' perceptions, now viewing Israel as the main destabilizer, and discusses the challenges Qatar faces in the context of evolving U.S.-Gulf relations.

Alex Jordan, Deputy Communications Director at the Quincy Institute, brings insightful commentary on pressing global issues. He discusses Israel's airstrike in Qatar that halted ceasefire talks, while highlighting tensions in Gaza and controversial security measures. The conversation shifts to rising unrest in Nepal, triggered by a social media ban and governmental instability. The implications of Russian drones entering Polish airspace and potential NATO responses underscore the increasing global unrest. Jordan’s analysis provides a nuanced understanding of these critical situations.

Join Eleanor Janega, a historian with insights from her co-hosting role on We're Not So Different, as she reunites with Danny and Derek for a lively discussion on the late 11th century Near East. They tackle the decline of the Fatimid Caliphate and the rise of the Seljuk Turks, exploring Jerusalem's fluctuating control. The historical context behind the motivations of Christian lords heading to the crusade is revealed, alongside a dive into the roots of Shia Islam and the complexities of the region's governance.

The hosts dive into Israel's recent airstrike on Hamas leaders in Qatar, analyzing its potential repercussions for regional stability. They question the motivations behind the attack and whether the U.S. had any involvement. The conversation reveals skepticism about official narratives and discusses the implications for ongoing negotiations and U.S. credibility in the Middle East. It's a thought-provoking look at a complex geopolitical issue.

Morgan Spector, an acclaimed actor from The Gilded Age and The Plot Against America, dives into a riveting dialogue on the intersections of politics and Hollywood. He traces his shift towards democratic socialism, driven by experiences from the Iraq War to the Obama era. The conversation critiques capitalism's romanticized figures and explores the looming challenges of financialization and AI on society. Spector urges for a new political vision amid today's crises, discussing how today’s tech titans echo the Gilded Age's oligarchs.

Shadi Hamid, a Washington Post columnist and co-host of Wisdom of Crowds, joins the discussion on the evolving language surrounding the Gaza genocide. He shares his initial hesitations about using the term 'genocide' and reflects on its impact on mainstream debates. Shadi also examines the future of the Democratic Party amidst shifting discourses, and how language influences policy within American power structures. Their conversation touches on systemic flaws in foreign policy and the complexities of identity in today's political landscape.

Join Alex Jordan from the Quincy Institute as he dives into pressing global issues. They discuss the chilling rise of AI-driven drone warfare in Ukraine, alongside the ethical dilemmas of autonomous weapons. The conversation shifts to the contentious 'Trump Riviera' Gaza plan, linking it to Israel's military actions in the region. Climate worries are examined with a warning about the Atlantic system's potential collapse. Plus, the podcast touches on unrest in Indonesia and Russia's military transformations in Africa, highlighting intricate geopolitical maneuvers.

Historian Udi Greenberg, an expert in modern European religion and politics, joins the discussion to share insights from his book on the dynamic interplay between Catholics and Protestants from the 1880s to the 1970s. He delves into their strategic alliances against fascism, the Cold War, and decolonization, revealing the complexities of ecumenism and Christian Democracy. Greenberg also highlights how these relationships inform current socio-political movements, emphasizing the resurgence of collaboration in the fight for social justice during the 1960s and 70s.