On Point | Podcast

Asfandiyar Mir, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, and Salima Shivji, a South Asia correspondent based in Mumbai, dive into the fragile peace between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan. They discuss the ongoing Kashmir conflict, the consequences of misinformation, and the impact of recent militant attacks. Both guests emphasize the importance of U.S. mediation and the need for sustained dialogue to prevent a return to full-scale war. Their insights shed light on the historic roots of tensions and the pressing need for long-term solutions.

Join Anthea Butler, an expert in American religious and political history, and Agbo Hayanmege Orobator, a scholar of Catholic theology, as they discuss the challenges facing the first American pope, Leo XIV. They delve into the complexities of Catholicism's diverse responses to contemporary issues like LGBTQ rights and social justice. Explore the cultural embrace of Pope Leo XIV's mission, his commitment to marginalized communities, and the cautious optimism surrounding his papacy amidst significant historical challenges.

In this discussion, Rebecca Hansen, an Assistant Professor and expert on Venezuelan crime and policing, sheds light on the dark evolution of the Tren de Aragua gang. She reveals how it originated in Venezuelan prisons and has now infiltrated the U.S. Hansen highlights the gang's violent tactics and its implications for U.S. immigration policy, particularly in the context of the 2024 elections. The podcast also addresses the complexities of combating transnational crime and the challenges posed by the intricate relationship between gangs and government.

Kyle-Ann Hunter, a Marine Corps combat veteran and founder of the Women, Peace and Security Initiative, joins national security reporter Steve Bainon to discuss the impact of current defense policies on women in the military. They delve into the steadfast participation of women in a recruiting crisis and the cancellation of key support programs. Personal stories highlight the challenges of gender integration in combat roles. The duo also debates the evolving standards of military fitness and the effects of Trump-era policies on female service members.

Tammy Gouveia, a Paul Farmer Professor at Boston University and director of the Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health, discusses the intricate ties between Trump's administration and Project 2025. She reveals how many of Trump's executive orders originate from this comprehensive plan while he publicly denies its influence. Gouveia highlights significant shifts in immigration and educational policies, the potential dismantling of key federal agencies, and the contradiction surrounding programs like Head Start. The implications for vulnerable communities are alarming.

Jack Beatty, an insightful On Point news analyst, dives into the intricate relationship between history and politics. He critiques how misunderstandings of historical events inform contemporary political narratives, especially relating to Donald Trump. Their discussion explores the dangers of oversimplifying complex histories like Pearl Harbor and Vietnam. Beatty also examines the psychology behind political allegiance and the moral responsibilities leaders have in a fragile democracy. This conversation intricately weaves literature and politics, shedding light on modern governance's challenges.

Ryan DeZember, a commodities reporter at The Wall Street Journal with a passion for lumber, teams up with Scott Dane, Executive Director of the American Loggers Council. They dive into the complexities of the lumber industry, revealing how tariffs influence trade relations, especially with Canada. The discussion includes the impact of logging policies on domestic production and the balancing act between industry growth and environmental health. They highlight challenges faced by local communities and the historical significance of U.S. forests in the midst of evolving market dynamics.

Gerard Albert III, a reporter focused on Western North Carolina's rural communities, joins Tim Manning, former FEMA deputy administrator, to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They dive into the devastation faced by locals and the political implications of federal disaster relief denial. Manning shares insights on FEMA's role and challenges, while both guests reflect on changing policies under Trump. The conversation highlights community resilience and the need for improved disaster management, shedding light on the struggles of securing adequate federal support.

In this conversation, Magdalena Krayevska, a political science professor and author, and Jim Harper, a privacy expert, delve into the intricate history and implications of the REAL ID Act. They discuss its origins post-9/11 and debate whether it's outdated two decades later. The duo highlights challenges with state compliance, privacy concerns, and the paradox of national security versus individual freedoms. They also critique the efficacy of ID checks in preventing terrorism, offering a thought-provoking look at America's complex relationship with identification.

David Zweig, a journalist and author of 'An Abundance of Caution', discusses the fallout of prolonged school closures during COVID-19. He highlights how misinformation and political pressures shaped the narrative around safety for children, often overlooking the low risks they faced. Zweig critiques the lack of accountability and strategic planning from public health officials, revealing that these decisions disproportionately harmed underprivileged students. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based approaches to education and rebuilding trust in science.