Podcasts about democracies

US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1917 PRINCETON IN PEKING

US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1914

SHOW 11-5-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT AI AND CHILDREN. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 915-930 Canada's Troubled Relations with China and the US. Charles Burton (author of The Beaver and the Dragon) analyzes Canadian Prime Minister Carney's meeting with China's Xi Jinping following the APEC conference. Burton described Carney as a "supplicant" who echoed Chinese rhetoric of "constructive and pragmatic interactions," which means focusing on trade while avoiding criticism. Issues discussed included Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and Canada's tariffs on subsidized Chinese EVs. Burton addresses the severely strained Ottawa-Washington relationship due to US tariffs and President Trump's stated unwillingness to talk, feeding "anti-American sentiment" in Canada. This trade uncertainty is a factor in Canada's massive budget deficit, which aims to fund government infrastructure to compensate for lacking investor interest. Furthermore, concerns persist in Canada regarding Chinese EVs potentially functioning as "listening posts" for state security. 930-945 The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities that actively teach free speech, rather than relying on mandates. 945-1000 The Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Peter Berkowitz (Hoover Institution Fellow and educator) discusses the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which requires universities to meet ten priorities to qualify for federal benefits like student loans and research grants. While many goals are proper or already legally required (like protecting free speech and obeying civil rights laws), several are highly controversial. These controversial points include demanding that hiring decisions be made solely on individual "merit," which critics redefine to include group diversity, and requiring universities to maintain institutional neutrality on political issues. Most universities rejected the compact, asserting it would impair academic freedom. Berkowitz suggests the administration should use direct financial incentives to reward universities that actively teach free speech, rather than relying on mandates. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1015-1030 US-China Ceasefire and Competition in Technology and Space. Jack Burnham (Foundation for Defense of Democracies research analyst) characterizes the Trump-Xi meeting as a necessary "truce" that allows both nations to gain stability and strengthen their positions before the next escalation. Regarding rare earths, China is now employing the US "playbook," setting up a licensing structure rather than a full trade cessation. He emphasizes that building a complete rare earth supply chain outside of China, especially refining capacity, may realistically take seven to ten years. In technology, Beijing is pushing for domestic self-sufficiency in AI infrastructure, partly driven by paranoia that imported chips may contain backdoors or vulnerabilities. Burnham also details China's commitment to militarizing space, including copying US reconnaissance capabilities and practicing anti-satellite operations like "dogfighting." 1030-1045 AI Philosophy and Jewish Wisdom. Spencer Klavan (Associate Editor of the Claremont Review of Books) reviews Michael M. Rosen's book, Like Silicon from Clay, which uses ancient Jewish wisdom, specifically the Golem legend, to analyze AI. Rosen categorizes AI believers into four camps: autonomists (who believe AI will achieve consciousness or sentience) and automationists (who view AI as a sophisticated, non-conscious tool). Both camps are divided into "positive" (optimistic) and "negative" (pessimistic) outlooks. Klavan identifies as a positive automationist, seeing AI as an "elaborate adding machine" or "better Google" that is helpful but requires human verification because it often "hallucinates" (makes up facts). He notes that chatbots conclude conversations with questions because they need human input to avoid becoming "deranged" and to improve their ability to predict human speech patterns. 1045-1100 AI Philosophy and Jewish Wisdom. Spencer Klavan (Associate Editor of the Claremont Review of Books) reviews Michael M. Rosen's book, Like Silicon from Clay, which uses ancient Jewish wisdom, specifically the Golem legend, to analyze AI. Rosen categorizes AI believers into four camps: autonomists (who believe AI will achieve consciousness or sentience) and automationists (who view AI as a sophisticated, non-conscious tool). Both camps are divided into "positive" (optimistic) and "negative" (pessimistic) outlooks. Klavan identifies as a positive automationist, seeing AI as an "elaborate adding machine" or "better Google" that is helpful but requires human verification because it often "hallucinates" (makes up facts). He notes that chatbots conclude conversations with questions because they need human input to avoid becoming "deranged" and to improve their ability to predict human speech patterns. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 US Military Operations off Venezuela and the War in Ukraine. General Blaine Holt (United States Air Force retired) analyzes the significant US military buildup off Venezuela, headquartered at Roosevelt Roads, describing it as a "war-winning force" primarily targeting cartels and sending a global message of American might. He suggests that operations will likely use commando-style tactics rather than a full occupation, potentially leveraging historical events like the Bay of Pigs as cover for unconventional approaches. The conversation pivots to Ukraine, where Russia is effectively using new glide bombs and missiles, having shifted to a wartime mobilization economy. Holt notes the profound erosion of Ukraine's infrastructure and the demoralizing lack of manpower. He argues innovative, inexpensive defenses, such as Reaper drones with Sidewinders or lasers, are needed, as current air defense economics are unsustainable. 1115-1130 US Military Operations off Venezuela and the War in Ukraine. General Blaine Holt (United States Air Force retired) analyzes the significant US military buildup off Venezuela, headquartered at Roosevelt Roads, describing it as a "war-winning force" primarily targeting cartels and sending a global message of American might. He suggests that operations will likely use commando-style tactics rather than a full occupation, potentially leveraging historical events like the Bay of Pigs as cover for unconventional approaches. The conversation pivots to Ukraine, where Russia is effectively using new glide bombs and missiles, having shifted to a wartime mobilization economy. Holt notes the profound erosion of Ukraine's infrastructure and the demoralizing lack of manpower. He argues innovative, inexpensive defenses, such as Reaper drones with Sidewinders or lasers, are needed, as current air defense economics are unsustainable. 1130-1145 The Dominance of the US Dollar and Its Challenges. Alex Pollock (Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute) discusses Kenneth Rogoff's book, Our Currency, Your Problem, focusing on why the US dollar remains the dominant global currency. The dollar's strength is linked to US military power and superior legal and bankruptcy systems, which provide essential "social infrastructure." Pollock recalls the famous quip, "Our currency, your problem," made by Treasury Secretary John Connally in 1971 after the US defaulted on its gold obligations under the Bretton Woods system. Challenges from the Chinese renminbi and crypto are noted, but Rogoff finds serious institutional flaws in China's system. Critically, the growing US national debt is identified as the dollar's "Achilles heel," posing a major threat if global lenders stop lending. 1145-1200 The Dominance of the US Dollar and Its Challenges. Alex Pollock (Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute) discusses Kenneth Rogoff's book, Our Currency, Your Problem, focusing on why the US dollar remains the dominant global currency. The dollar's strength is linked to US military power and superior legal and bankruptcy systems, which provide essential "social infrastructure." Pollock recalls the famous quip, "Our currency, your problem," made by Treasury Secretary John Connally in 1971 after the US defaulted on its gold obligations under the Bretton Woods system. Challenges from the Chinese renminbi and crypto are noted, but Rogoff finds serious institutional flaws in China's system. Critically, the growing US national debt is identified as the dollar's "Achilles heel," posing a major threat if global lenders stop lending. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 1215-1230 1230-1245 Private Space Enterprise, Artemis Debate, and the Human Body in Space. Bob Zimmerman (Behind the Black) reviews the private space sector, highlighting VAST, which is developing the small manned demo space station Haven One using its own investment capital, unlike other NASA-funded consortiums. VAST's larger planned station, Haven 2, is designed to rotate, creating artificial gravity. This capability is crucial for mitigating the damage extended weightlessness causes the human body, such as cardiovascular weakening, bone density loss, and vision problems (the eye flattens). Zimmerman notes the ongoing debate over NASA's Artemis program, where former administrators clash over SpaceX's ability to build the lunar lander on time, often driven by lobbying interests. He also reports that China recently set a new national record for successful launches in a single year (67 completed). 1245-100 AM Private Space Enterprise, Artemis Debate, and the Human Body in Space. Bob Zimmerman (Behind the Black) reviews the private space sector, highlighting VAST, which is developing the small manned demo space station Haven One using its own investment capital, unlike other NASA-funded consortiums. VAST's larger planned station, Haven 2, is designed to rotate, creating artificial gravity. This capability is crucial for mitigating the damage extended weightlessness causes the human body, such as cardiovascular weakening, bone density loss, and vision problems (the eye flattens). Zimmerman notes the ongoing debate over NASA's Artemis program, where former administrators clash over SpaceX's ability to build the lunar lander on time, often driven by lobbying interests. He also reports that China recently set a new national record for successful launches in a single year (67 completed).

On today's program, sponsored by Elbit America, Dr. Jim Lewis of the Center for European Policy Analysis and Mark Montgomery of the Defense of Democracies and a Cyberspace Solarium Commission senior adviser join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss last trade truce between the United States and China and how it will impact technology exports including advanced chips Beijing seeks and Washington has sought to deny; how America and its allies should work together to create a secure tech ecosystem, including chips and rare earths; and the challenges associated with building nuclear submarines for Korea in the United States.

On today's episode, Lawfare Senior Editor Kate Klonick sits down with NYU law professor Rick Pildes to discuss his article, “Political Fragmentation in Democracies in the West,” which was featured in a New York Times opinion column by Thomas Edsall on the link between smartphone and social media use and threats to democracy.The two discuss the admittedly sprawling topic from a historical perspective—comparing the impact of the internet to that of the printing press, the radio, and cable television on social orders. But they also discuss how this technology that once held such promise for democracy is now impacting the United States political system in a unique way—in particular, the ability social media has to further polarize a two-party system's information ecosystem while also revolutionizing small-donor-based campaigns. The result is some very anti-democratic outcomes from what was seen as such promising democracy-empowering technology.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Land Warfare program, sponsored by American Rheinmetall, Bryan Clark of the Hudson Institute and Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a Cyberspace Solarium Commission senior adviser, join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss Vladimir Putin's new “super” weapons including use of new intermediate-range missiles that have been used in Ukraine as well as the announcement that two new nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable weapons have been tested — a new cruise missile and large torpedo; how they work and how they could change deterrence as well as the fight in Ukraine and elsewhere; how these systems can be countered; how the introduction of the Extended Range Attack Munition developed by the US Air Force for Ukraine will change the war; how Russia is changing its tactics to target Ukrainian energy and power grids; and analysis of President Trump's order that the Pentagon resume nuclear testing.

Giacinto di PietrantonioMAUTOMuseo Nazionale dell'Automobile TorinoIl MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile accoglie nei propri spazi – fino a domenica 8 marzo 2026 – la mostra News from the Near Future, estensione del progetto espositivo allestito nella sede della Fondazione in via Modane, In occasione del trentesimo anniversario della Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. La mostra rappresenta il primo atto di una nuova traiettoria progettuale per il MAUTO, che inaugura un ciclo di collaborazioni con le istituzioni culturali del contemporaneo, nel segno di una visione rinnovata, aperta e intersezionale che caratterizza la nuova energia del Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile. Voluta dal board del Museo e dal Presidente Benedetto Camerana e guidata dal Direttore Lorenza Bravetta, questa visione definisce il Museo come piattaforma di dialogo tra saperi e linguaggi, capace di affiancare alla propria identità storica un'attitudine dinamica, relazionale e critica. “Dal 2023 il MAUTO ha avviato un ampliamento strategico del proprio percorso culturale, invitando diversi ambiti disciplinari a un dialogo sistemico e di crescita reciproca - dichiara il presidente del MAUTO Benedetto Camerana. Questo percorso, affidato alla Direzione di Lorenza Bravetta, si impernia sull'idea di automobile come fenomeno multiculturale che attraversa ogni ambito della società tra Novecento e contemporaneo, aggiungendo valori comuni ai temi forti come il design, il motorismo sportivo, l'industria. Il Museo ha così proposto riletture dell'esperienza innescata dall'automobile nel cinema, nella letteratura, nella musica, nella fotografia, nella città progettata: sono alcuni dei temi cruciali già esplorati dal progetto, così come l'arte contemporanea che oggi irrompe negli spazi espositivi con la mostra che celebra i 30 anni di ricerca della Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo e l'integrazione delle nostre Convergenze nel percorso espositivo. Altre ricerche seguiranno: oggi celebriamo non solo Fondazione e Museo, ma anche la centralità di Torino nella cultura internazionale”. “Ciò che nasce dalla collaborazione tra il MAUTO e la Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo va ben oltre la semplice coabitazione: è un gesto curatoriale che amplia i codici del racconto museale e invita il pubblico a nuove forme di lettura e confronto” - dichiara il direttore del MAUTO Lorenza Bravetta. “Questo orientamento si inserisce nel più ampio piano di trasformazione del MAUTO, che riguarda non solo i contenuti, ma anche i dispositivi di mostra e i linguaggi comunicativi. Le collaborazioni con il contemporaneo che stiamo intraprendendo superano la dimensione episodica e delineano una visione culturale di lungo periodo, capace di inscrivere il Museo tra gli attori del presente, connettere nuovi pubblici e generare nuove domande e riflessioni. Allo stesso tempo, vogliamo rafforzare il legame con la città: condividere saperi, creare alleanze, attivare sinergie. Il MAUTO si propone come interlocutore culturale attivo nella Torino che cambia, dove le istituzioni collaborano e costruiscono insieme un'idea di cultura pubblica, accessibile e plurale” La collaborazione con la Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo – grande protagonista della vita culturale a Torino e in Italia e tra le voci più autorevoli nel panorama internazionale dell'arte contemporanea – segna l'avvio concreto di questo processo. Il progetto si basa sull'intesa profonda tra due istituzioni che condividono il desiderio di confrontarsi con la complessità del presente e rileggono i patrimoni attraverso nuovi paradigmi narrativi.Tra la sede del MAUTO e quella della Fondazione Sandretto prende forma un archivio visivo, affettivo e concettuale, non cronologico, costruito nel tempo a partire dalla sensibilità di Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, attraverso mostre, committenze, collaborazioni istituzionali, residenze, progetti formativi ed educativi. Un mosaico di storie, esperienze e ricerche che, in dialogo con la storia e l'identità del MAUTO, generano nuove prospettive di senso. Contestualmente alla mostra temporanea News from the Near Future, una selezione di opere della Collezione Sandretto sarà integrata nel percorso permanente del MAUTO, generando intersezioni inaspettate tra oggetti industriali e immagini artistiche, tra design, memoria e immaginazione. Il progetto si chiama Convergenze ed è curato dallo storico dell'arte Giacinto di Pietrantonio. Otto opere contemporanee che coprono un arco temporale che va dal 1998 – con l'opera fotografica 100 cinesi di Paola Pivi – a Nudeltisch (Spaghetti painting) di Giulia Andreani del 2019. Poi CREMASTER 2: The Ballad of Max Jensen, trittico fotografico di Matthew Barney, le video-installazioni La pista degli angeli di Grazia Toderi, Democracies di Artur Zmijewski e Untitled Version (I See a Darkness) di João Onofre, fino a Gummo V di Lara Favaretto e The Abc of racist Europe di Daniela Ortiz. “Con CONVERGENZE vogliamo guidare il pubblico attraverso un percorso in cui il dialogo tra automobili e opere d'arte diventa racconto di ricostruzioni, rinascite e trasformazioni – dichiara Giacinto Di Pietrantonio, curatore del progetto. È un viaggio storico e artistico che invita a ripensare la relazione tra forma e significato, tra motore e visione, tra tecnica e poesia. L'automobile, accostata all'arte, rivela così non solo la propria potenza meccanica, ma anche la sua dimensione metaforica: quella di un movimento interiore che continua a generare stupore, riflessione e bellezza.” Accanto alla opere provenienti dalla Collezione Sandretto, il Museo propone una convergenza tra automobili d'epoca e pittura che restituisce il fervore meccanico del primo trentennio del Novecento: 34 opere del secondo Futurismo esplorano le suggestioni dell'aeropittura – da Il marinaio di Nikolay Diulgheroff del 1929 a Spirale Terramare di Sibò (Pierluigi Bossi) del 1938; da Aeropittura respirare il mare volando di Bruno Tano del 1931-1933 ad Aeropaesaggio di Gerardo Dottori del 1932; da Divinità della vita aerea di Fillìa (Luigi Colombo) del 1932 al Bolide Rosso di Tato (Guglielmo Sansoni) del 1938;  fino a una serie di opere di Mario Sironi, da Gli stayers del 1917 ad Ali nascenti del 1925 – aprendo, nella sala dedicata alle Fervore meccanico del Novecento e alle avanguardie artistiche, una riflessione sulle relazioni tra arte e ingegneria, tra progresso tecnico e sperimentazione visiva.Fanno parte di Convergenze, infine, quattro opere di artisti contemporanei, due delle quali site spefic realizzate su committenza del Museo e in dialogo con la sua collezione e architettura: tra queste, C/ART SERVICE di Robert Kuśmirowski, uno dei più noti artisti polacchi della sua generazione e SUPERCAR, la luce d'artista realizzata da Cristian Chironi e integrata nella facciata del Museo per l'intera lunghezza. L'artista sardo è anche autore di FIAT 127 SPECIAL (CAMALEONTE) – corredata da Drive Tour 2018-2024, una restituzione fotografica delle tappe del viaggio della 127 in cui l'automobile si intreccia al patrimonio culturale e artistico che attraversa; infine PANHARD SPECIAL di Paul Etienne Lincoln, prototipo sperimentale di automobile creato per esplorare l'interfaccia tra uomo e macchina.Diventa un supporter di questo podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/il-posto-delle-parole--1487855/support.IL POSTO DELLE PAROLEascoltare fa pensarehttps://ilpostodelleparole.it/

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023).

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polarization is a defining feature of politics in the United States and many other democracies. Yet although there is much research focusing on the effects of polarization on domestic politics, little is known about how polarization influences international cooperation and conflict. Democracies are thought to have advantages over nondemocratic nations in international relations, including the ability to keep foreign policy stable across time, credibly signal information to adversaries, and maintain commitments to allies. Does domestic polarization affect these “democratic advantages”? These are the questions that Rachel Myrick tackles in her new book, “Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability” (Princeton UP, 2025) In this timely book, Myrick argues that polarization reshapes the nature of constraints on democratic leaders, which in turn erodes the advantages democracies have in foreign affairs. Drawing on a range of evidence, including cross-national analyses, observational and experimental public opinion research, descriptive data on the behavior of politicians, and interviews with policymakers, Myrick develops metrics that explain the effect of extreme polarization on international politics and traces the pathways by which polarization undermines each of the democratic advantages. Turning to the case of contemporary US foreign policy, Myrick shows that as its political leaders become less responsive to the public and less accountable to political opposition, the United States loses both reliability as an ally and credibility as an adversary. Myrick's account links the effects of polarization on democratic governance to theories of international relations, integrating work across the fields of international relations, comparative politics, and American politics to explore how patterns of domestic polarization shape the international system. Our guest is Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

The Rod and Greg Show Rundown – Thursday, October 30, 20254:20 pm: Sterling Burnett, Director of the Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at the Heartland Institute, joins the show to discuss how Bill Gates has suddenly backed off his alarmist views that climate change will lead to humanity's demise.4:38 pm: John Carney, Finance and Economics Editor for Breitbart, joins the program for a conversation about his piece on why the tariff inflation scare is now dead.6:38 pm: Clifford May, Founder and President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a columnist for the Washington Times, joins the show to discuss his piece about why American needs energy dominance.

For another view on the Trump-Xi meeting, Amna Nawaz spoke with Matt Pottinger. He was deputy national security adviser in the first Trump administration and spearheaded China policy as the confrontation with Beijing accelerated. He now serves as chairman of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Even in some of the world's sturdiest democracies, leaders are deliberately undermining courts to weaken checks on their power. In many cases, the justice system is being sidelined. How much damage has already been done? And how worried should we be about the future of democracies around the world?We'd love to hear from you. Fill in our listener survey.

For another view on the Trump-Xi meeting, Amna Nawaz spoke with Matt Pottinger. He was deputy national security adviser in the first Trump administration and spearheaded China policy as the confrontation with Beijing accelerated. He now serves as chairman of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Venezuelan Military Action and the Need for Congressional War Powers Debate Bradley Bowman John Batchelor speaks with Bradley Bowman of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the possibility of military action against Venezuela's illegitimate Maduro regime. Bowman stresses that before opening fire, the administration must brief Congress, build bipartisan support, and present a realistic plan. Drawing lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan, he warns that while destroying is easy, building is tougher, and war is always unpredictable. 1920

0:30 - House Oversight Committee Autopen Probe 17:24 - Border/migrants/deportations 37:24 - Leftists Celebrating Political Violence 01:02:29 - Andrew McCarthy, former Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney and National Review contributing editor, on the Biden autopen investigation — and what it could mean for his executive actions. Follow Andy on X @AndrewCMcCarthy 01:21:04 - Christine Rosen, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, on The Dangers of Trans and where the movement’s intransigence is leading us 01:37:05 - David Foster Wallace and the Lonely People 01:59:14 - President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Times, Clifford May, talks Trump's tour of Asia and the latest on the Gaza ceasefire deal. Follow Cliff on X @CliffordDMay 02:08:23 - Chris Clem, former HHS advisor and retired Chief Border Patrol Agent, calls out Brandon Johnson over his “barbarian” jab at Greg Bovino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy has become a critical piece of the puzzle for the Trump administration as it looks to project strength abroad, and it seems Greece is on Washington's radar. Richard Goldberg, a senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and director of its newly established Energy and National Security Program, joins Thanos Davelis as we look at America's quest for energy dominance and the potential for deeper cooperation on this front with Greece and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

We were pleased to record a session with Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and we are pleased to share the podcast with you. Jonathan wrote recently, “Israel stood unwavering in the face of withering assaults, one more punishing than the next. And with help from the American president, it emerged from the fighting bruised but intact.” The situation is not perfect, and may never be, but his assessment offers reason for optimism and suggests a path forward.

In this episode, we explore the critical topic of accountability in various sectors, including the government and law enforcement. John Solomon delves into the Arctic Frost investigation, revealing its origins and the political bias that has permeated high-level agencies. He discusses the recent crackdown on crime in major cities and highlights the significant achievements of the FBI under Kash Patel and Dan Bongino. Then, we welcome Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, who leads the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Senator Johnson shares insights on the challenges of oversight in Congress, the complexities surrounding investigations into the Biden administration, and the implications of recent data privacy concerns. Next, we welcome Clifford May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, who shares his insights on the threats posed by radical ideologies and the importance of energy dominance in the face of global challenges. Finally, we delve into the latest foreign and economic policy developments with expert Diana Furchtgott-Roth from the Heritage Foundation. We discuss President Trump's negotiations with Canada and China, the implications of tariffs, and the significant political shifts in Latin America, particularly in Argentina. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Houthi Cooperation with Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Regional Destabilization Bill Roggio Bill Raggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies discusses the disturbing cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The Houthis, who have successfully blockaded the Red Sea and effectively closed the Suez Canal to world traffic, rely on Al-Qaeda networks to smuggle supplies and weapons into their firing range. This collaboration extends to supplying Al-Qaeda cells in Somalia and Islamic State operatives, representing a dangerous convergence of extremist groups. Raja characterizes this cooperation as part of Iran's broader strategy to destabilize the region, keep the United States militarily engaged, and force an eventual American withdrawal from the Middle East.

In our podcast, Rachel Myrick, the Douglas & Ellen Lowey Associate Professor of Political Science at Duke University, discusses with us how extreme partisan polarization threatens not only domestic governance but also global stability. Drawing on her new book, Polarization and International Politics: How Extreme Partisanship Threatens Global Stability (Princeton University Press, 2025), Myrick argues that polarization in democracies affects foreign policymaking.The conversation begins with a striking example:each year, the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group publishes a list of the world's top geopolitical risks. The 2024 report placed as the highest risk not the Russian aggression, Middle Eastern conflict, but ‘the United States versus itself'. This diagnosis, Myrick suggests, encapsulates the central claim of her book: extreme party polarization erodes the institutional foundations that once made democracies stable and credible actors abroad. Throughout the podcast, the author unfolds how polarization affects the three pillars that democracies used to have in international relations: the ability to keep foreign policystable over time, to credibly signal information to adversaries and the reliability with partners in international politics. Then, the discussion moves to the ways in which polarization affects foreign policies. In a healthy democracy, leaders are incentivized to provide public goods and act in the national interest.Instead, in extremely polarized environments, politicians do not „target messaging at the median voter and instead work to mobilize their political base”. Voters increasingly view politics as a contest between moral enemies rather than legitimate rivals, caring more about their side's victorythan about performance or accountability. While the United States provides her primary example, Myrick points to similar patterns across Europe. In younger democracies such as Hungary or Poland, polarisation fuels “executive aggrandizement,” as ruling parties rewrite rules to secure permanent advantage.In established democracies, it simply makes governments less predictable partners internationally. Rachel Myrick ends the conversation with a warning: the greatest threat to international order may no longer come from authoritarian powers, but from democracies unable to govern themselves and to be effective partners.

Putin's Yalta Model: Out-Negotiating Donald Trump. Cliff May, writing for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, looks at Putin's ambition to out-negotiate Donald Trump by emulating Stalin's success at the 1945 Yalta Conference. Stalin won that round of negotiations against Churchill and Roosevelt, securing Poland and much of Eastern Europe. This outcome was partly facilitated because Roosevelt, who was ill and viewed himself as a mediator, thought he could handle Stalin. The discussion reviews history to see if this model foreshadows future negotiations over Ukraine.

Russia and China's UN Cyber Crime Treaty: Redefining Crime to Authorize Persecution of Dissent. Ivana Stradner (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) discusses the UN cyber crime treaty drafted largely by Russia and China, which is likely to be approved by the General Assembly and would replace the Budapest Convention of 2001. The treaty's terms would dangerously allow Russia and China to persecute citizens for what is understood as dissent and pursue other countries for commenting upon them. Stradner notes the treaty emphasizes "all power to the state, not to the individual," serving the goals of digital sovereignty and authorizing authoritarian countries to regulate information security. The United States must reject ratification. Stradner emphasizes that powerful offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, not UN treaties, are what deter Russia and China from cyber attacks against the West.

After two years of shock and awe in Israel the pace really isn't letting up. If anything, it is intensifying. The last few days are typical. Over the weekend, most of the 20 hostages who returned alive, miraculously, from Hamas captivity on October 13, were released from hospital. The remains of those who were murdered in captivity are being returned by Hamas, in “dribs and drabs”, as President Trump would say. Just as Israelis begin to mentally adjust to the possibility of peace with Hamas…..things began to fall apart. Enter Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Vice President J.D. Vance, who popped into Israel this week for whirlwind visits. As VP Vance departed today, Secretary Rubio arrived. Yesterday, Jonathan Conricus and I discussed the constantly shifting parameters for what passes as reality in this part of the world. And we get into whether the heavy American presence is intended to keep PM Netanyahu and his extreme right coalition government “in line”, or just a friendly series of drop-ins. And I couldn't resist slipping in a brief look at Canadian PM Mark Carney - who continues to make it his business to remind Israel at every opportunity that Canada is many things under his leadership but is no friend of Israel.Show your support for STLV at buymeacoffee.com/stateoftelavivPodcast NotesJonathan Conricus is a senior fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington D.C.-based think tank. He served in the IDF for 24 years, four of them as spokesman during the intense 11 days of the Guardian of the Walls Operation between Israel and Hamas. Now a reserve officer with the rank of Lt. Col., he is a sought-after speaker internationally and is frequently seen on major television news shows. Jonathan was born in Jerusalem to a Swedish father and an Israeli mother and spent his formative years in Sweden.State of Tel Aviv is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.stateoftelaviv.com/subscribe

In this second episode in our AI mini-series I met with Professor Gary Marcus live at the RAID conference in Brussels. Gary has been writing code since he was 10, built a Latin translation program at 16, and became a professor of psychology and neuroscience at NYU. He's founded AI startups, testified before the US Senate, authored multiple books including his latest: Taming Silicon Valley: How to Protect Our Jobs, Safety, and Society in the Age of AI, meanwhile his Substack has over 80,000 subscribers who rely on him to cut through the hype. When he warned that AI was heading toward catastrophe, Sam Altman called him a troll. Gary argues that large language models are a glorified autocomplete that hallucinate constantly. He also reveals why "P Doom" (probability of AI ending humanity) is overblown, but "P Dystopia" is approaching 100%. He explains why GPT-5 disappointed everyone, and why he believes we're witnessing the greatest theft of intellectual property in history. This is the conversation Silicon Valley doesn't want you to hear.LESSONS YOU'LL LEARN FROM GARY:P Dystopia is far more dangerous than P Doom. Forget AI ending humanity. Focus on the real threat: universal surveillance states, free misinformation, and the collapse of trust in truth itself.Large language models don't understand the world, they just predict what words come next. That's why they still hallucinate constantly and, in Gary's opinion, will never achieve AGI.We're witnessing “the greatest data heist in history”. AI companies are training on all copyrighted material without paying a penny, with the ultimate aim of replacing everyone - including you.Democracies are under threat from AI-powered misinformation. Generative AI is the "machine gun of disinformation" - making it faster, cheaper, and pitch-perfect.Critical thinking is the only defense. In a world where misinformation is free to generate, teaching kids to question everything - especially AI output - is the most important skill we can develop.Taming Silicon Valley: How to Protect Our Jobs, Safety, and Society in the Age of AIhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Taming-Silicon-Valley-Protect-Society/dp/0262551063His Substack Marcus on AI is available here:https://garymarcus.substack.com/

Tribute to Daniel Suidani: Solomon Islands Hero Against CCP Aggression Cleo Paskal, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Paskal honors Daniel Suidani of the Solomon Islands, a hero who resisted CCP aggression and sought democracy and accountability. Suidani, a school teacher and premier of Malaita, issued a moratorium on CCP-linked businesses due to concerns over environmental, social, and political consequences. His principled stand, backed by traditional chiefs, held off actions like the installation of Huawei towers. His loss is a severe setback in the ongoing geopolitical contest as China seeks to dominate Indo-Pacific sovereign powers. 1944 SOLOMONS

SHOW 10-21-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1885 NYSE THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE MARKET ON A BULL RUN... FIRST HOUR 9-915 Private Equity Tapped to Fund US Military Infrastructure Revamp Elizabeth Peek, Fox News and The Hill, with John Batchelor Peek discusses the US Army's initiative to attract $150 billion from private equity giants for infrastructure upgrades, including data centers, leveraging private capital for necessary long-term investments. She notes the US economy shows accelerating growth, defying recession predictions, fueled by strategic investments in technology and domestic manufacturing. Peek also critiques the "No Kings" protest as a politically weak movement lacking a concrete agenda beyond expressing frustration with Trump. 915-930 Private Equity Tapped to Fund US Military Infrastructure Revamp Elizabeth Peek, Fox News and The Hill, with John Batchelor Peek discusses the US Army's initiative to attract $150 billion from private equity giants for infrastructure upgrades, including data centers, leveraging private capital for necessary long-term investments. She notes the US economy shows accelerating growth, defying recession predictions, fueled by strategic investments in technology and domestic manufacturing. Peek also critiques the "No Kings" protest as a politically weak movement lacking a concrete agenda beyond expressing frustration with Trump. 930-945 Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Instability in the Middle East Jonathan Schanzer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Schanzer analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas is deliberately slow-rolling the return of bodies to maintain leverage. New regional tensions are rising, including reports of Egypt moving aggressive offensive weapons into the Sinai and Turkey calling for a pan-Islamic offensive against Israel. Schanzer notes that internal power struggles between tribes and a weakening Hamas could lead to political fragmentation in Gaza. 945-1000 Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Instability in the Middle East Jonathan Schanzer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Schanzer analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas is deliberately slow-rolling the return of bodies to maintain leverage. New regional tensions are rising, including reports of Egypt moving aggressive offensive weapons into the Sinai and Turkey calling for a pan-Islamic offensive against Israel. Schanzer notes that internal power struggles between tribes and a weakening Hamas could lead to political fragmentation in Gaza. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Macron's Political Crisis and the Rise of the National Rally Joseph Sternberg, Wall Street Journal, with John Batchelor Sternberg explains that President Macron's political turmoil stems from his determination to avoid new elections, fearing defeat by Marine Le Pen's National Rally. Macron's reform agenda failed because he was perceived as an urban elite disconnected from voters and lacked a cohesive free-market vision. Sternberg also addresses Prince Andrew, noting his lack of accountability regarding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein makes him a permanent liability for the monarchy. 1015-1030 Macron's Political Crisis and the Rise of the National Rally Joseph Sternberg, Wall Street Journal, with John Batchelor Sternberg explains that President Macron's political turmoil stems from his determination to avoid new elections, fearing defeat by Marine Le Pen's National Rally. Macron's reform agenda failed because he was perceived as an urban elite disconnected from voters and lacked a cohesive free-market vision. Sternberg also addresses Prince Andrew, noting his lack of accountability regarding his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein makes him a permanent liability for the monarchy. 1030-1045 The Financial Flow: China's Role in Fentanyl Money Laundering Josh Birenbaum, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Birenbaum discusses China's deep involvement in the fentanyl crisis, supplying precursor chemicals and dominating money laundering for Mexican cartels. Chinese money laundering gangs convert cartel dollars into RMB via a triangle system, catering to Chinese nationals who need US dollars outside of China's capital controls. Birenbaum suggests tracking dollars moving within the US and requiring proof of source of wealth for large purchases to disrupt this finance loop. 1045-1100 Geopolitics and Power Shifts: Rare Earths, AUKUS, and CCP Purges Gregory Copley with John Batchelor Copley discusses Australian PM Albanese's US visit, which secured a rare earths agreement leveraging Australia's vast reserves and advanced mining technology. This deal disrupts China's historic control over critical minerals leverage. Copley also analyzes the political purging of general officers during the CCP's Fourth Plenum. This suggests a major power shift, potentially leading to the removal of Xi Jinping, as the military appears to be controlling the party. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Geopolitics and Power Shifts: Rare Earths, AUKUS, and CCP Purges Gregory Copley with John Batchelor Copley discusses Australian PM Albanese's US visit, which secured a rare earths agreement leveraging Australia's vast reserves and advanced mining technology. This deal disrupts China's historic control over critical minerals leverage. Copley also analyzes the political purging of general officers during the CCP's Fourth Plenum. This suggests a major power shift, potentially leading to the removal of Xi Jinping, as the military appears to be controlling the party. 1115-1130 Geopolitics and Power Shifts: Rare Earths, AUKUS, and CCP Purges Gregory Copley with John Batchelor Copley discusses Australian PM Albanese's US visit, which secured a rare earths agreement leveraging Australia's vast reserves and advanced mining technology. This deal disrupts China's historic control over critical minerals leverage. Copley also analyzes the political purging of general officers during the CCP's Fourth Plenum. This suggests a major power shift, potentially leading to the removal of Xi Jinping, as the military appears to be controlling the party. 1130-1145 Geopolitics and Power Shifts: Rare Earths, AUKUS, and CCP Purges Gregory Copley with John Batchelor Copley discusses Australian PM Albanese's US visit, which secured a rare earths agreement leveraging Australia's vast reserves and advanced mining technology. This deal disrupts China's historic control over critical minerals leverage. Copley also analyzes the political purging of general officers during the CCP's Fourth Plenum. This suggests a major power shift, potentially leading to the removal of Xi Jinping, as the military appears to be controlling the party. 1145-1200 Geopolitics and Power Shifts: Rare Earths, AUKUS, and CCP Purges Gregory Copley with John Batchelor Copley discusses Australian PM Albanese's US visit, which secured a rare earths agreement leveraging Australia's vast reserves and advanced mining technology. This deal disrupts China's historic control over critical minerals leverage. Copley also analyzes the political purging of general officers during the CCP's Fourth Plenum. This suggests a major power shift, potentially leading to the removal of Xi Jinping, as the military appears to be controlling the party. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 1215-1230 1230-1245 Germany's Merz Under Pressure Amid Economic and Political Crises Judy Dempsey, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with John Batchelor Dempsey reports German Chancellor candidate Merz is under severe pressure due to a stagnant economy heavily reliant on China and the rise of the far-right AfD. Merz is challenged by internal coalition disagreements, particularly with the SPD over welfare reform. Europe's overall support for Ukraine remains largely rhetorical; arguments over sanctions and frozen Russian assets delay crucial material support needed by Zelensky. 1245-100 AM Germany's Merz Under Pressure Amid Economic and Political Crises Judy Dempsey, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with John Batchelor Dempsey reports German Chancellor candidate Merz is under severe pressure due to a stagnant economy heavily reliant on China and the rise of the far-right AfD. Merz is challenged by internal coalition disagreements, particularly with the SPD over welfare reform. Europe's overall support for Ukraine remains largely rhetorical; arguments over sanctions and frozen Russian assets delay crucial material support needed by Zelensky.

Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Instability in the Middle East Jonathan Schanzer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Schanzer analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas is deliberately slow-rolling the return of bodies to maintain leverage. New regional tensions are rising, including reports of Egypt moving aggressive offensive weapons into the Sinai and Turkey calling for a pan-Islamic offensive against Israel. Schanzer notes that internal power struggles between tribes and a weakening Hamas could lead to political fragmentation in Gaza. 1922

Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Instability in the Middle East Jonathan Schanzer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Schanzer analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas is deliberately slow-rolling the return of bodies to maintain leverage. New regional tensions are rising, including reports of Egypt moving aggressive offensive weapons into the Sinai and Turkey calling for a pan-Islamic offensive against Israel. Schanzer notes that internal power struggles between tribes and a weakening Hamas could lead to political fragmentation in Gaza. 1915

The Financial Flow: China's Role in Fentanyl Money Laundering Josh Birenbaum, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, with John Batchelor Birenbaum discusses China's deep involvement in the fentanyl crisis, supplying precursor chemicals and dominating money laundering for Mexican cartels. Chinese money laundering gangs convert cartel dollars into RMB via a triangle system, catering to Chinese nationals who need US dollars outside of China's capital controls. Birenbaum suggests tracking dollars moving within the US and requiring proof of source of wealth for large purchases to disrupt this finance loop.

The Heroism and Legacy of Daniel Suidani, Premier of Malaita, Against PRC Corruption. Cleo Paskal (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) discusses with John Batchelor the death and legacy of Daniel Suidani, the Premier of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. Suidani was a schoolteacher who sought democracy, transparency, and anti-corruption for his people, resisting development that harmed the environment. Following the Solomon Islands' switch from recognizing Taiwan to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 2019, Suidani fought the overwhelming lawfare, money, and corruption of the PRC. Working with traditional chiefs, Suidani built consensus and issued a moratorium on CCP-linked businesses operating in his provincial capital, Auki. His passing leaves a significant void in the fight for accountability in Oceania.

Fentanyl Cash Laundering and the Role of Chinese Nationals. Josh Birenbaum (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) discusses with John Batchelor the challenge of laundering the enormous amounts of cash generated by fentanyl drug smugglers and drug lords. This multibillion-dollar process often utilizes Chinese nationals residing in the United States. Because of capital controls imposed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), diaspora populations use internet chat rooms and WeChat to find opportunities to access dollars. Drug cartels capitalize on this by giving the Chinese nationals money to spend lavishly, thus laundering the drug cash. While these individuals may know they are circumventing CCP controls, they usually do not know the illegal origin of the funds which ultimately finance the cartels.

Power Vacuum in Gaza: Clans Challenge Weakening Hamas Authority. Jonathan Schanzer (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) analyzes the reports of violence and gunplay occurring in Gaza, even during the ceasefire. Clan, family, and tribe structures have always been significant features in the governance of Palestinian territories, including Gaza and the West Bank. As Hamas weakens, these tribes are attempting to exert their authority and project power, leading to clashes on the streets. This is simply a grab for power, opposed by Hamas, which attempts to maintain control through violence and brutality. This process could result in different entities and actors controlling various pockets of the Gaza Strip, leading to a situation of fragmented territories or "bantustans." Retry

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joined "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss the tenuous state of the ceasefire agreement between both Israel and Hamas after both sides accused the other of violating the deal.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Houthis Maintain Red Sea Threat Despite Gaza Ceasefire. Bridget Toomey of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies discusses the status of the Houthis of Yemen and their barrage against Israel and Red Sea shipping during the ceasefire. Toomey notes that while everyone would like the Red Sea to return to normal, there is great concern that the Houthis continue to possess the capabilities to terrorize the area and are not deterred. Although the Houthis are choosing to be quiet at the moment because of the ceasefire in Gaza, this temporary quietude does not instill confidence in companies and countries that the Red Sea is actually secure for navigation or commerce.

Venezuela was once a liberal democracy with close geopolitical relations with the United States. So what happened? This is the story of Venezuela's devolution from democracy to dictatorship, and from cooperation with America to coups and open conflict.

Venezuela was once a liberal democracy with close geopolitical relations with the United States. So what happened? This is the story of Venezuela's devolution from democracy to dictatorship, and from cooperation with America to coups and open conflict.

This week, Hamas increased violence against Palestinians in response to the Israel-Gaza ceasefire. Jonathan Schanzer from Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins to discuss the feasibility of Hamas disarming according to the peace plan. Then, Kevin Stansbury, CEO of a rural hospital in Colorado, stops by to talk about how the government shutdown is exposing the challenges to and importance of healthcare in rural America. Finally, Jen Wilkin joins Russell, Mike, and Clarissa to talk about a New York Times piece that links American wedding traditions to unhealthy Christian purity culture.  REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: -What Medicaid Cuts Would Do To My Rural Hospital - Kevin Stansbury -How Purity Culture Still Haunts the Bridal Aisle - Gina Ryder GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.    ABOUT THE GUESTS:   Jonathan Schanzer is senior vice president for research at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), and he is also on the leadership team of FDD's Center on Economic and Financial Power. He previously worked as a terrorism finance analyst at the US Department of the Treasury. Schanzer has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Al-Arabiya, and Al-Jazeera. Kevin Stansbury serves as the CEO at Lincoln Health in Hugo, Colorado. With more than 35 years in healthcare, primarily in community hospitals, Kevin's work has taken him across the globe in a variety of roles. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Colorado Hospital Association Board of Trustees as immediate past-chair. He has also served on a variety of state and national task forces supporting the cause of rural health. Mr. Stansbury is a founding member of the Eastern Plains Health Consortium.  Jen Wilkin is an author and Bible teacher from Dallas, Texas. She has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. An advocate for Bible literacy, her passion is to see others become articulate and committed followers of Christ, with a clear understanding of why they believe what they believe, grounded in the Word of God. ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper   Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While celebrating the Gaza ceasefire agreement in Egypt, President Trump made a point to single out Turkey's President Erdogan, thanking him for his role in bringing about this deal. Erdogan is now eager to leverage this praise in order to become a key player in shaping Gaza's future. Can he achieve this? Sinan Ciddi, a non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Turkish politics, joins Thanos Davelis as we look to answer this question, breaking down Turkey's role in this ceasefire, Erdogan's ambitions in Gaza, and what the Trump administration should be looking out for when dealing with Turkey here.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Erdogan's Turkey Wants to Be a Key Player in Post-war Gaza. It's a FantasyTrump signals new trust in Erdogan, raising concerns over Turkey's ambitions in Gaza and beyondGreece revives Eastern Med forum planControversial labor bill passed by Parliament with government majority

PREVIEW HEADLINE: Cliff May Describes Reality of 'Free Palestine': Hamas Executes People Summarily While Spanish Youth Demonstrate GUEST NAME: Cliff May, Foundation for Defense of Democracies 50-WORD SUMMARY: Cliff May discusses demonstrations in Spain for a free Palestine, noting the irony since the Iberian Peninsula is targeted by jihadists. May asserts that a free Palestine means Hamas summarily executes people without judge or trial. He explains this is what the future holds for Gaza until and if Hamas is disarmed, following a war that did not end as its architect envisioned. 1862 GAZA

PREVIEW HEADLINE: The Islamist Strongman: Why Erdogan Cannot Be Trusted in Gaza Peacekeeping Efforts GUEST NAME: Jonathan Schanzer, Foundation for Defense of Democracies 100-WORD SUMMARY: John Batchelor and Jonathan Schanzer discuss the highly problematic role of Turkish President Erdogan, who is described as a strongman, autocrat, and dictator hostile to U.S. and Israeli interests. Schanzer expresses concern about the potential for Turkish troops on the ground in Gaza to enforce peace, noting that Turkey previously sponsored Hamas and called for a Muslim coalition to attack Israel. Erdogan provides sanctuary to the Muslim Brotherhood (the "mother ship of Hamas") and is an Islamist to his core. He has supported ISIS and Hamas and helped Iran evade sanctions. While Donald Trump has attempted to co-opt Erdogan to make Turkey a more constructive player, Schanzer is concerned this strategy will fail, believing it runs against Erdogan's fundamental nature. 1879 OTTOMANS

PREVIEW: Houthis Are Inconsistent and Unreliable, Their Terms for Attacks Shift GUEST NAME: Bridget Toomey (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) 100-WORD SUMMARY: Bridget Toomey discusses the Houthis in Yemen, noting that they are "completely inconsistent and unreliable." While they currently state they will hold off on attacks if there is a ceasefire concerning Gaza and Hamas is content, their terms constantly shift. Their current demands involve ending the blockade on Gaza and allowing aid in. Toomey emphasizes that the Houthis might decide to attack Israel tomorrow based on a new impetus, despite any statements made today.

PREVIEW: The Syrian Quandary: Clashes Threaten Security Gap and ISIS Reemergence GUEST NAME: Ahmad Sharawi (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) 100-WORD SUMMARY: Ahmad Sharawi discusses the fragmented Syrian quandary, which faces threats, chiefly from the Islamic State (ISIS). Recent clashes occurred between the Syrian government and the U.S.-allied, Kurdish-led SDF, which controls about 30% of northeast Syria. Although there are positive signs for the SDF to integrate into the Syrian military, a war between the forces (potentially involving Turkey) could create a security gap or power vacuum. This vacuum would lead to the release and regrouping of Islamic State terrorists from existing camps and prisons, causing a reemergence of ISIS that threatens the whole region.

PREVIEW: Deadly Clashes Between Pakistan Army and Taliban Along the Unrecognized Durand Line GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio (Foundation for Defense of Democracies, The Long War Journal) 100-WORD SUMMARY: John Batchelor asks Bill Roggio to describe the challenging terrain where reports indicate hundreds have died in clashes between the Pakistani army and the Taliban's army along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The area, which includes both mountainous and desert country, spans hundreds of miles. A major cause of tension is that the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban do not recognize the Durand Line, which serves as the official border. Both sides have set up border outposts, and the location of these outposts sometimes shifts depending on local circumstances.

PREVIEW: Vladimir Putin Threatens Escalation Over Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine; Response Likely More Bark Than Bite GUEST NAME: John Hardie (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) 100-WORD SUMMARY: John Batchelor and John Hardie discuss Vladimir Putin's threats of escalation if allies provide Tomahawk missiles and other tools of war to Ukraine. Hardie suggests that Russia has been "more bark than bite" throughout the conflict and is extremely unlikely to resort to tactical nuclear use. Putin's response might be asymmetrical, perhaps strengthening air defense or stepping up "gray zone actions" in Europe, or supporting the Houthis. Direct military retaliation against a NATO member is improbable because Putin recognizes he would lose such a war.

PREVIEW: Israeli Strikes Hit Houthi Targets but Fail to Achieve Deterrence Guest: Bridget Toumey John Batchelor speaks with Bridget Toumey of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies about the lack of success in deterring the Houthis following failed US and British campaigns. The discussion focuses on a recent Israeli strike in late September. Initial reports suggested the Israeli attack was a success in targeting Houthi infrastructure. However, Toumey states that while strikes hit their targets, they have not managed to deter the Houthis. Deterrence likely requires much more significant action than infrastructure strikes, such as killing the leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, or senior military command. Alternatively, incurring costs on Iran for arming the Houthis might be necessary. Israel is expected to continue air strikes, though deterrence remains unachieved.

In this episode of The PDB Situation Report: The Trump administration is weighing whether to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles capable of striking deep inside Russia. Alongside new U.S. intelligence support, this move could escalate the conflict. We'll hear from George Barros of the Institute for the Study of War for more. Later, Israel's military continues its push through Gaza City as Hamas deliberates on a ceasefire proposal backed by President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and much of the international community. Bill Roggio from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins us to break it down. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief CBDistillery: Visit https://CBDistillery.com and use promo code PDB for 25% off your entire order! American Financing: Call American Financing today to find out how customers are saving an avg of $800/mo. NMLS 182334, https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-885-1881 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://www.AmericanFinancing.net/PDB. Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices