On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Rebecca Hamilton, a law professor and former ICC attorney, and Scott Anderson, a Brookings Institution fellow and ex-diplomat, tackle the legality of Trump's strike on Venezuela. They discuss the effectiveness of international law enforcement and whether recent events signal a decline in its power. The conversation delves into the nuances of the UN Charter, the crime of aggression, and the potential costs of U.S. actions on the global stage. Both experts emphasize the urgent need to defend the rule-based order and explore ways to uphold international norms in challenging times.

Paolo Kavao, a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Matt Sheehan from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace dive into the intrigue of NVIDIA's AI chip sale to China. They discuss the implications for national security and U.S.-China tech competition. Paolo highlights the risks of increased government involvement, while Matt argues for limiting GPU exports to prevent military enhancements. They also address the fragility of supply chains, the importance of U.S. manufacturing investment, and the challenges posed by restrictive visa policies for attracting AI talent.

Jack Beatty, a seasoned news analyst known for his insightful historical and political perspectives, explores the high cost of U.S. defense spending at the expense of social programs. He argues we missed the chance for a Denmark-like welfare system, as military expenditures often sideline domestic improvements. Beatty critiques the massive defense budgets justified by Cold War fears, highlights the irony of supporting foreign welfare while Americans lack similar services, and outlines steps to prioritize public goods over military commitments.

James Clyburn, a veteran U.S. Representative and author of "The First Eight," dives into the impactful lives of the first eight Black congressmen from South Carolina. He shares the significance of their stories in shaping modern politics, discussing themes like colorism, political representation, and the ties between past and present threats to democracy. Clyburn highlights historical injustices in voting rights and draws lessons from Reconstruction for today's political landscape, emphasizing how every vote matters. His reflections connect history, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equity.

Freddy Guevara, a co-founder of the Popular Will party and former political prisoner, shares insights on Venezuela's democratic transition following Maduro's removal. He emphasizes the urgent need to release political prisoners and critiques the Rodriguez siblings' potential leadership. Todd Robinson, a former U.S. diplomat, highlights the administration's mixed messages and lack of a clear plan for restoring democracy. U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss raises concerns about military action and advocates for aligning U.S. interests with Venezuelan democracy.

Conor Heffernan, a lecturer in the sociology of sport and author of "When Fitness Went Global," delves into the historical roots of our obsession with fitness. He discusses the transformative 19th century, where industrialization and military training spurred global fitness trends. Conor shines a light on unique practices like historic stone lifting and critiques how fitness commercializes anxieties. He also explores the legacies of strongwomen and the ongoing connection between body ideals, gender, and race in contemporary fitness culture.

Join personal finance expert Michelle Singletary, a columnist for The Washington Post, alongside global economic analyst Rana Foroohar from the Financial Times. They dive into the K-shaped economy where asset owners thrive while lower-income individuals struggle. The duo tackles inflation concerns, tariff impacts on small businesses, and the vital need for emergency savings. They also discuss the looming challenges of healthcare costs and retirement anxiety, offering insights for young investors on building financial stability.

Nate Rogers, a journalist and author, dives into the contentious topic of headlight brightness. He reveals that average headlight candela has roughly doubled over the last decade, leading to increased glare complaints, especially regarding LEDs. Nate discusses how grassroots movements are calling attention to this issue, the outdated regulations that allow for excessive brightness, and the safety implications for drivers. Plus, he shares insights on automakers' conflicting practices and explores potential solutions like updating federal standards.

Natalia Kosmina, a senior researcher at MIT specializing in AI's effects on cognition, and Barry Gordon, a director at Johns Hopkins University focusing on brain function, discuss how AI writing tools may dull our cognitive abilities. They explore a study revealing that using ChatGPT leads to reduced brain connectivity, impacting creativity and memory. The guests emphasize the importance of engaging our mental faculties before relying on AI, advocating for drafting ideas initially and using AI as a tool for refinement.

Join Joshua Long, a professor and author, and Susana Almanza, a passionate activist, as they navigate the shifting landscape of Austin, Texas. They explore the cultural clash between Old Austin's bohemian roots and the influx of tech money. Susana highlights gentrification's impact on East Austin, calling it a form of colonization. Joshua delves into the historical waves that shaped the city and critiques the environmental policies driving displacement. Together, they discuss the community's resilience and the urgent need for affordable housing amidst rapid growth.