The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Ryan Cummings, an economist and former White House adviser, discusses the potential bursting of the A.I. bubble. He explores the current distorted valuations and compares them to the dot-com era. Cummings warns of a potential economic crash and highlights how A.I. might be masking broader economic weaknesses. He emphasizes the significant energy demands of A.I. infrastructure and calls for careful balancing between enthusiasm and skepticism. Finally, he advocates for adaptive policy responses to ensure a smooth transition in this rapidly changing landscape.

Aleks Krotoski, an acclaimed academic and author of 'The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal Life', dives into Silicon Valley's intriguing quest for immortality. She discusses groundbreaking discoveries in longevity research, including gene tweaks and radical life extension strategies. Krotoski expresses skepticism about mind-uploading and highlights the historical elitism in the pursuit of eternal life. She also critiques the tech-driven perception of humans as machines and explores the political implications of these ambitions.

Jane Bradley, an investigative journalist for The New York Times, reveals how America's Christian right is targeting the UK through the Alliance Defending Freedom. She discusses the ideological motivations behind this influence and the surprising ties to Nigel Farage. The conversation delves into the implications of U.S.-style Christian fundamentalism on British politics, examining issues like abortion and free speech. Bradley warns against complacency and highlights the role of social media in elevating these controversial narratives.

As Americans make it clear how much they don’t want a monarchy with No Kings protests, Brits might be feeling the same as the Andrew scandal rumbles on. Alex von Tunzelmann joins Jacob Jarvis to discuss the latest news from across the world and how it might play out this week.  Head to nakedwines.co.uk/thebunker to get 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.  www.patreon.com/bunkercast    Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Tom Taylor. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This summer, Britain’s streets have boiled with right-wing anger. From flag debates to ‘patriotic’ rallies, the far right is trying to turn frustration into a movement. But it’s not the first time the far right has tried to muscle its way into British politics. Today on The Bunker, Gavin Esler is joined by Dr. Aaron Edwards, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, to explore how Britain’s far right past is shaping its turbulent present, and why this time things could end very differently.  Head to nakedwines.co.uk/thebunker to get 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bunkerpod.bsky.social  Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julia Ioffe, a journalist and author of "Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia," explores the evolution of women's roles in Russia from revolutionary ideals to today’s conservative climate. She shares personal anecdotes from her Soviet childhood and examines the experiences of pioneering Bolshevik feminists, contrasting them with modern figures like Raisa Gorbacheva. Ioffe also discusses Putin's influence on gender dynamics and highlights contemporary female activists, offering insights into the complexities of femininity and power in Russia today.

Rajeev Syal, home affairs editor at The Guardian, dives into the rise of Shabana Mahmood, the Labour party's emerging star. They discuss her groundbreaking conference speech, reframing immigration through a lens of belonging rather than nationalism. Syal outlines Mahmood’s early political instincts, her toughened stance on citizenship, and challenges ahead with small boat crossings. He considers her potential as a leader, noting her cross-party appeal and likability. With her unique background, Mahmood might just be navigating a path toward future leadership in Labour.

In a compelling discussion, guest Jeffrey Prescott, a former U.S. ambassador to UN agencies and a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment, explores China’s assertive global rise as the U.S. steps back. He highlights how Trump's isolationist policies create a vacuum that China eagerly fills, rallying allies like Russia and India. Prescott warns of the risks of U.S. withdrawal and contrasts China’s long-term strategies with Trump’s short-term focus, emphasizing the importance of sustained U.S. engagement for global stability.

Ceasefire talks in Gaza are on the agenda, with skepticism about their longevity. The podcast dives into the implications of a possible US government shutdown and the ongoing Chinese spying scandal. In a surprising twist, protests in Portland take a humorous turn with residents donning inflatable frog costumes. They also share insights on potential market crashes and reflect on the complexities of political influence from Russia and the challenges facing France's government. Expect a mix of serious analysis and unexpected humor!

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a sociologist and author of *Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism*, explores the dark intersection of misogyny and extremism with Emma Kennedy. They discuss how online platforms amplify toxic masculinity and link it to real-world violence, including mass shootings. Cynthia uncovers troubling trends in gendered violence overlooked by security agencies and highlights how misogyny polices societal roles. Finally, she emphasizes that empowering women can significantly counteract political violence.