Pod Save the World Keir Starmer’s Last Stand?
7 snips
May 13, 2026 
Susie Hansen, journalist and author who lived in Istanbul for over a decade, discusses Turkey, Erdogan, and her book From Life Itself. Conversation covers how a neighborhood reveals refugee tensions and rising nationalism. They examine Erdogan’s Islamist-capitalist coalition, Turkey’s role as regional mediator, and how the 2016 coup reshaped politics and civic life in Istanbul.
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Insist On Hard Questions In High Profile Interviews
- Demand tougher, skeptical journalism when leaders justify war or coverups; don't accept PR framing.
- Ben Rhodes: press should hold figures like Netanyahu accountable on October 7th failures and Gaza civilian casualty claims.
The Real Threat Is Algorithmic Control Not Just Influencers
- Control of platform algorithms and ownership (TikTok, X) is the next front in shaping narratives about Gaza and Israel.
- Ben Rhodes: paid influencers matter less than algorithmic manipulation, shadow banning, and platform ownership by allies.
Trump's China Trip Is More Pageantry Than Policy
- Trump's Beijing summit is heavy on theater; real wins likely limited to purchase commitments and optics rather than binding security bargains.
- Ben Rhodes: China will push back on US Taiwan arms and seek AI/chip concessions while extracting trade wins.
