It Could Happen Here

It Could Happen Here Weekly 225

Mar 28, 2026
Guest
Dana El Kurd
Guest
Stephen Moncelli
Guest
Michael Phillips
Guest
Molly Conger
Dana El Kurd, researcher of Arab and Palestinian politics, gives regional context on Israel’s attack on Lebanon. Stephen Moncelli, journalist covering political extremism, and Michael Phillips, historian of Dallas racial history, outline the Fifth Circuit’s ideological shift. Molly Conger, reporter on financial systems, breaks down shadow banking and why non-bank finance matters. The conversation jumps from court power to regional war to financial fragility.
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INSIGHT

Why Disarming Hezbollah Is Practically Impossible Now

  • Lebanon lacks capacity to replace Hezbollah with the Lebanese army: the army is underfunded, ill-equipped, and dependent on external support while Israel holds military superiority.
  • Population sees disarmament demands as unrealistic given repeated Israeli violations.
INSIGHT

Israeli Policy Has Shifted Toward Domination Over Deterrence

  • Israeli strategy has evolved from deterrence to domination, degradation and preventing adversary recovery, making 'destruction' an end in itself rather than a step toward negotiated peace.
  • Politicians openly discuss annexation and flattening populated areas.
INSIGHT

Shadow Banking Now Exceeds Traditional Bank Assets

  • Nonbank financial intermediation (shadow banking) grew to trillions in assets, now surpassing traditional banks, and concentrates systemic risk outside standard regulation.
  • The sector held roughly $85.7 trillion broad assets in 2023 versus $31.1 trillion at banks.
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