American Prestige

David Klion, a writer and editor known for critiquing liberal Zionism, discusses the recent upheaval in American Jewish identity following the Gaza conflict. He delves into the collapse of the liberal Zionist project and how the events of October 7 forced a reckoning among its supporters. Klion highlights the generational shift within American Judaism, the institutional failures of public figures to hold themselves accountable, and the rise of new voices in media. His insights provide a thought-provoking examination of the deepening fractures within American liberalism.

Join journalist Emily Tamkin as she sheds light on Sarah Hurwitz's provocative comments regarding the Holocaust and Jewish identity. Tamkin discusses the role of social media in shaping young Jews' perceptions of Israel and the implications of visual content on dialogue. She critiques the current state of Holocaust education, arguing it oversimplifies complex issues. Additionally, she connects historical anti-Jewish tropes with modern narratives, demonstrating how both right- and left-wing perspectives can echo harmful prejudices.

The hosts delve into Mohammed bin Salman's significant visit to the White House and discuss implications for U.S.-Saudi relations. They explore troubling developments in Gaza, including inadequate shelter during heavy rains and the UN's vote on a controversial stabilization plan. International issues continue with the U.S. pushing a new peace deal for Ukraine and recent violent incidents in Nigeria raising alarms. The conversation also touches on the DRC's new peace framework and Chile's electoral landscape, reflecting on the intricate webs of global politics.

In this engaging discussion, political theorist Lea Ypi delves into profound themes from her book, *Indignity: A Life Reimagined*. She explores her grandmother's journey from Ottoman Salonika to Albania, reflecting on how memory and identity intersect with nationalism and surveillance. Ypi examines the philosophical concept of dignity, considering its applicability even to historical figures like Hitler. The conversation also draws parallels between past and present anti-migrant sentiments, urging the reclaiming of dignity through collective political action and imagination.

Nicholas Mulder, a historian and writer at Weltinnenpolitik, dives into Trump’s tariff strategies and their impact on global economics. He examines how Trump's policies avoid taxing finance while increasing costs for U.S. allies. Mulder describes this approach as a 'subscription model' of empire rather than a solid industrial strategy. He also discusses the unintended consequences in countries like India and Europe, and how economic coercion has affected immigration policies and partnerships. The conversation reveals the complexities of U.S. economic influence in a shifting global landscape.

Murtaza Hussain, an investigative journalist at Drop Site News, dives deep into Jeffrey Epstein's tangled web of elite connections. He discusses how Epstein acted as a crucial link between powerful figures in Israel and Russia during the Syrian civil war. Hussain reveals Epstein's discreet role in facilitating meetings and negotiations, including his relationships with Russian oligarchs and Israeli leaders like Ehud Barak. The podcast explores why mainstream media hesitated to cover Epstein's political clout, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of power and influence.

Nathaniel Powell, a West and Southern Africa analyst, shares his insights on the ongoing post-election turmoil in Cameroon. He discusses President Paul Biya's controversial strategies for maintaining power since 1979, including repression and political co-option. Powell scrutinizes the implications of alleged vote manipulation and examines the muted responses from international actors. He also highlights the risks of instability in the region following Biya’s administration, painting a compelling picture of Cameroon’s political landscape.

In this conversation, Jamie Beran, CEO of Bend the Arc, dives into the evolving political dynamics within the American Jewish community. He highlights the intense reactions to Zoran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign and how it acted as a rallying point against MAGA. Jamie explores deep-seated biases and the impact of Israel-Palestine discussions on unity. He advocates for coalition-building while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining alliances post-campaign, emphasizing the need for resilience in progressive movements.

Omar Zahzah, Assistant Professor at San Francisco State University and author of *Terms of Servitude*, explores the intersection of technology and Palestine. He discusses the Sheikh Jarrah uprising and how digital settler colonialism differs from digital apartheid. Zahzah highlights Meta's role in censorship and the ties between Israeli defense forces and Silicon Valley. He emphasizes the power of social media in reshaping narratives and advocates for Palestinian creativity amid ongoing digital repression.

Jasper Nathaniel, an independent reporter and Substack writer of Infinite Jazz, shares his harrowing experiences reporting on settler violence in the West Bank. He details the escalating attacks during the olive harvest, framing it as a flashpoint for violence. Nathaniel discusses the troubling dynamics in Turmus Aya and the troubling shift in Israeli policy that empowers these aggressors. He recounts a brutal ambush he witnessed firsthand and highlights the lack of accountability for perpetrators. Nathaniel advocates for international presence to protect Palestinian communities.