American Prestige

Explore the dramatic role of fire in 19th-century America and its connections to capitalism. Discover how historic fires shaped urban life and environmental challenges, linking past events to today's global warming issues. Delve into the intriguing dichotomy of 'hot' and 'cold' capitalism, revealing how chaos and reason influenced economic development. Hear about fire's dual nature as both destruction and growth, and examine the ties between historical wealth and the infernos that ignited change.

Ussama Makdisi, May Ziadeh Chair in Palestinian and Arab Studies and professor of history at UC Berkeley, speaks with Danny about the American Historical Society's decision to veto the resolution opposing Israeli scholasticide in Gaza. Subscribe now for an ad-free experience and lots of extra content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the intricacies of the recent Gaza ceasefire and its implications for regional politics. Discover the election of Nawaf Salam as Lebanon's new PM and the rising concerns about foreign fighters in Syria. South Korea's President Yoon faces arrest amid legal battles, while Sudan grapples with military turmoil. The podcast also discusses the latest on U.S. sanctions affecting Russia-Ukraine dynamics and highlights the U.S. decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism list. A reflective farewell to President Biden rounds out the conversation.

Danny and Derek welcome back to the program Mohammad Alsaafin, journalist at AJ+, to talk about the ceasefire in Gaza. They go into detail about the ceasefire itself, the reaction in Gaza, the respective roles of the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration, what the ruling body might look like in Gaza following this, the implications for normalization with Israel, and more.Read Mohammad's piece on the ceasefire for The Nation, "We Have a Ceasefire Deal, but This Isn’t the End". Subscribe now for the full episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Udi Greenberg, an associate professor of history at Dartmouth, returns to discuss the turbulent landscape of Israeli politics. He delves into the dynamics of Netanyahu's coalition, the role of ultra-Orthodox factions, and the public's response to military actions in Gaza. Key topics include media narratives shaping perceptions, the complexities of national security negotiations, and the contentious debate surrounding Gaza resettlement. Greenberg also reflects on the future of Israeli settlements and the broader implications for Arab relations.

Dive into a startling discussion about domestic violence linked to military veterans. The guest, a veteran himself, reflects on unsettling incidents involving former servicemen in recent attacks. They explore statistics and stereotypes surrounding aggression in veterans while addressing the complex interplay of mental health and societal views. This conversation reveals how rapidly public perception shifts during violent events, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and understanding.

Brandon Wolf-Hunnicutt, an associate professor of history at California State University, Stanislaus, digs into the aftermath of Iraq's 1963 coups. He discusses the Ba'ath party's rise to power, influenced by American and Western European dynamics. Key topics include the founding of the Iraq National Oil Company and its impact on U.S.-Iraq relations during the 1970s. The conversation also highlights the interplay of oil interests and shifting geopolitical strategies after major conflicts. A thought-provoking exploration of history's complexities!

In this conversation, Robert Wright, author and journalist known for his insights on politics and culture, tackles the current state of U.S. leadership. He dives into the implications of Donald Trump's foreign policy and its contrast to Jimmy Carter's ethical approach. Wright discusses the erosion of international norms and the challenges facing global cooperation amid crises. He also critiques how contemporary leaders view presidential power, encapsulating the complexity of modern governance and cultural discourse.

The political landscape is heating up as Lebanon finally elects a new president amidst rising tensions involving the IDF. Meanwhile, Afghanistan and Pakistan are trading cross-border fire, further complicating an already volatile region. In Europe, Austria's far-right movement gains traction following recent elections, while Trudeau's resignation marks a significant shift in Canadian politics. To top it off, a prominent figure stirs controversy with comments reminiscent of 19th-century expansionist dreams, raising eyebrows and concerns globally.

Hamilton Nolan, a labor journalist known for his work with In These Times and his Substack, dives deep into the current LA fires and their implications for climate change and capitalism. He discusses how wealthy individuals often rely on government aid during crises while advocating for a shift towards collective action. Nolan emphasizes the need for strong labor organizing to combat societal inequalities and critiques the alienation caused by neoliberalism. His insights ignite a conversation about the future of labor movements and the necessity of mutual aid.