American Prestige

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.

Stuart Schrader, a historian and author of "Badges Without Borders," dives into the global history of American policing. He explores how US police power has evolved through struggles both domestically and internationally. The conversation covers the opposition to oversight in the 1960s, the creation of Border Patrol and ICE, and the implications of Biden's and Trump's policies on crime and immigration. Schrader also highlights the connections between counterterrorism efforts and policing, along with recent resistance movements in Los Angeles.

The hosts dive into the recent declaration of famine in Gaza, sparking discussions on the dire humanitarian crisis and Israeli media narratives. They dissect Trump's potential strategy regarding Venezuela and the significant tariffs imposed on Indian goods. The escalating conflict in Sudan and peace talks in the DRC are also highlighted. Additionally, the Pentagon's interest in AI for propaganda raises ethical concerns. The geopolitical tensions are clearly interconnected, showcasing a complex global landscape.

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.