American Prestige

Tim Shenk, a historian at George Washington University, explores the shifting landscape of American liberal politics. He highlights how the Cold War era purged the left and led to the rise of a managerial elite. The discussion includes the decline of organized labor, the financialization of the economy, and the missed opportunities for populist coalitions post-Obama. Shenk critiques the Democratic Party's focus on cultural representation over class issues, urging a return to social-democratic policies to enhance material wellbeing for all.

In a whirlwind of current events, hosts dive into Trump's bold threats regarding Nigeria and the ever-shifting dynamics in Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire. They discuss record violence in the West Bank during the olive harvest and the dire situation in Sudan, where famine has been declared. Controversies unfold as the UAE emerges as a global gold smuggling hub linked to conflict, while the situation in Ukraine intensifies with Russian advances. They also explore speculations around U.S. military maneuvers in Mexico and Venezuela.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Spencer Ackerman, known for his newsletter Forever Wars and book Reign of Terror, dives into the complex legacy of Dick Cheney. They explore Cheney's pivotal role in shaping the War on Terror and its profound human costs. Ackerman also unpacks Cheney's controversial views on executive power and his unique co-presidency with George W. Bush. From his political origins to his reaction against post-Watergate reforms, this conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of Cheney's decisions on American politics.

In this discussion, journalist John Lechner, author of *Death Is Our Business*, explores the complex world of the Wagner Group and its notorious leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. With roots in post-Soviet chaos, Prigozhin evolved from a caterer to a military entrepreneur, blurring lines between state and private military forces. Lechner reveals Wagner's unique business model, the company's expansion into Africa, and the controversies surrounding its tactics in Ukraine. The conversation also delves into the implications of Prigozhin's dramatic rise and suspicious death.

Derek Guy, a writer and menswear critic known for his insights on fashion and political aesthetics, joins to discuss the intricate relationship between clothing and power. He delves into how personal style has evolved into a marker of moral worth influenced by neoliberalism. The conversation touches on the historical journey of men's fashion from the Glorious Revolution to contemporary politics, highlighting the suit's transformation into a symbol of order in the 1970s. They also explore how different suit styles communicate social and political messages.

Dive into a whirlwind of international intrigue! Trump’s Asia tour sparks trade deal talks with Xi, while the RSF's alarming takeover in Sudan leads to reports of mass killings. Gaza experiences its deadliest day since the ceasefire began, igniting discussions about the ongoing conflict. Tensions mount as the Afghan-Pakistan ceasefire negotiations collapse, and Myanmar rebels strike a ceasefire with Chinese mediation. Meanwhile, the U.S. ramps up its boat-bombing campaign in the Pacific and debates resurfacing nuclear tests. Buckle up for a global news roundup!

Bob, a long-form commentator from NonZero, drives a lively discussion on crucial global issues. He unpacks the nuances of Trump’s nuclear threats and the recent trade dynamics with China. Bob also critiques Bill Gates’s shift toward immediate climate solutions. The impact of AI on scientific discovery, labor, and political economy is dissected, revealing its potential and pitfalls. Lastly, they tackle the complexities surrounding the Gaza ceasefire and Israel's military responses, raising pertinent questions about international law.

Alex Aviña, an associate professor at Arizona State University and expert on U.S.-Latin American relations, dives deep into the contentious issues surrounding ICE and the security state. He explores how ICE evolved from the post-9/11 climate, linking it to the wars on terror and drugs. Aviña discusses the troubling intersection of surveillance technology and immigration policy, alongside the impact of Trumpism. He emphasizes the legacy of colonialism, and urges a critical view of migration's roots in U.S. foreign policy, calling for local resistance and abolition of ICE.

Andrew Weiss, vice president at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of "Accidental Czar," dives into the intricate dynamics of the Ukraine war. He discusses the shocking audacity of Putin's invasion and the strategic necessity for U.S. support. Weiss explores the moral costs of imperialism and the realities of NATO commitments. The conversation also highlights uncertainties around the long-term U.S. backing for Ukraine and the implications for European security, painting a bleak picture of the ongoing conflict.

Rest assured, no one on the AP team has any undeclared tattoos. In this week’s news roundup: In Israel-Palestine, Gaza’s so-called ceasefire holds after another weekend of Israeli strikes (1:36), the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders Israel to allow more humanitarian aid (8:16), and reports emerge of a plan to partition Gaza (11:48) as J.D. Vance arrives in Israel and the Knesset advances West Bank annexation votes (14:21); Donald Trump looks set to host Mohammed bin Salman for the Saudi crown prince’s first U.S. visit since the Jamal Khashoggi murder (18:36); Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to a fragile ceasefire after cross-border clashes (21:16); Myanmar’s junta retakes a key commercial town and resumes its offensive (23:47); Japan elects hard-right Takaichi Sanae as its first female prime minister (27:27); in Sudan, drone strikes delay the reopening of Khartoum’s airport (29:59); new data shows jihadist groups tightening their grip across West Africa (31:19); the Trump-Putin-Zelensky saga takes several new turns, with canceled summits and contradictory sanctions (34:52); Rodrigo Paz wins Bolivia’s presidency and pledges to restore ties with Washington (41:28); the U.S. reportedly trades MS-13 informants for access to Nayib Bukele’s mega-prison in El Salvador (43:39); two more U.S. drone attacks hit alleged “drug boats,” one in the Pacific, as the head of Southern Command steps down (45:44); and the U.S. and Australia seal a new minerals deal to counter China (50:28). Subscribe now and check out our series on Silicon Valley with Margaret O’Mara here.