American Prestige

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.

In a whirlwind of global news, Armenia and Azerbaijan have signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, igniting discussions on regional stability. Tensions escalate as Israel seeks nations to expel Palestinians. Meanwhile, Australia announces plans to recognize Palestine, and Iran's nuclear ambitions raise concerns. The potential Trump-Putin summit looms large over Ukraine's future, causing unease across Europe. Additionally, the U.S. and China extend their tariff détente amidst ongoing trade tensions. It's a riveting exploration of diplomacy amidst conflict!

Subscribe now for the full episode! Danny and Derek speak with historian Chris Myers Asch about Trump's federal takeover of DC police and the deployment of the National Guard. Be sure to check out Chris's book ⁠Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mohammad Alsaafin, journalist at AJ+, returns to the program to discuss recent events concerning Palestine. He and Derek talk about journalists killed by Israel in Gaza, including Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif; the broad dehumanization of Palestinian journalists by many mainstream outlets; the planned military occupation and potential ethnic cleansing of the Strip; the use of starvation as a weapon; why certain countries are re-recognizing a Palestinian state at this moment; and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, a political science professor and author of 'Twenty Years of Rage', joins the discussion to explore the current crises in democracy and liberalism. He delves into grievance politics and the material causes of modern anger, offering insights into how anger can actually be leveraged for positive change. Accetti critiques the roles of populism and technocracy, emphasizing the need for genuine political participation to combat feelings of loneliness and marginalization in today's polarized landscape.

Dive into the tumultuous aftermath of the Assad era in Syria. Hear about the harrowing massacres of the Alawite community and the ripple effects on relations with the Druze and Kurds. Explore the role of non-governmental militias and the clashes in Suwayda. Discover Turkey's influence and Israeli involvement in the region. Can Ahmed al-Sharaa's government pave the way for a united Syria? Tune in for a gripping conversation on history, sectarianism, and the quest for stability.

The hosts dive into significant global events, starting with reflections on the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombings, highlighting the growing normalization of nuclear weapons. They discuss Netanyahu's plan for a full occupation of Gaza and the Lebanese government's move to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise as discussions on a peace summit between Armenia and Azerbaijan unfold. The chilling situations in Sudan and Tigray are examined, while ambitious U.S. plans for a lunar nuclear reactor add an intriguing twist to geopolitical dynamics.

Michael Albertus, a political science professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'Land Power,' dives into the pivotal role of land ownership in shaping societies. He discusses the historical impact of land from nomadic lifestyles to agricultural societies, contrasting indigenous land relationships with those of European colonizers. The conversation also covers gender disparities in land rights in Canada, South African land reforms, and the need for innovative property models in capitalism. Albertus sheds light on how evolving notions of land can influence social dynamics and environmental solutions.

Dive into the complex U.S. debate over Taiwan's strategic importance. The conversation highlights how American policy is influenced by concerns about global stability and power dynamics. With escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, the challenges of maintaining strategic ambiguity become evident. The guests propose alternative strategies for engaging with Taiwan, moving away from the notion of an unwinnable war. Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at the future of American defense policy in East Asia.

In this engaging discussion, Alexander Aviña, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, and Ahmad Shokr from Swarthmore College, dive into recent controversies within the American Historical Association. They tackle the organization’s response to political issues like the Gaza resolution and the concept of 'scholasticide,' highlighting a broader conversation on institutional accountability. The duo advocates for democratic reforms in academia, critiques the corporate shift in higher education, and emphasizes historians' ethical obligation to engage with pressing global struggles.