Daniel Bessner

In this discussion, historian and foreign policy analyst Daniel Bessner critiques American primacy and the flaws of realism in U.S. foreign policy. He highlights the downsides of interventions, particularly in Venezuela, and warns against the domestic effects of militarization. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of a massive defense budget and its potential to reshape society, increase inflation, and exacerbate inequality. Bessner questions whether a war-driven revival of the industrial sector is viable, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of U.S. global engagement.

Daniel Bessner, political scientist focused on U.S. grand strategy; Derek Davison, Middle East analyst and commentator. They dissect Iran’s maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz and the evolving nuclear negotiation posture. They debate whether U.S. actions reflect global hegemony or domestic/Israel-linked politics. They also examine drone warfare, China’s role, and limits of presidential emergency powers.

Michael Brenes, Yale historian of Cold War political economy, and Daniel Bessner, UW scholar of Cold War intellectual history, discuss Cold War liberalism as a durable framework. They trace its roots in New Deal institutions, emergency politics, and military Keynesianism. They explore how liberal universalism enabled U.S. global power, shifted into neoconservatism, and still shapes contemporary foreign policy.

Daniel Bessner, a historian and co-host of the American Prestige podcast, joins Glenn Loury, an economics professor at Brown University. They dive into the intricate relationship between capitalism and nuclear risks. The discussion sheds light on the implications of neoliberalism and critiques the current political landscape. They also explore the evolving perceptions of Jewish identity in relation to Israel and the challenges of self-censorship in public discourse. Throughout, they emphasize the need for new frameworks to tackle global challenges and political dynamics.

Daniel Bessner, historian and UW professor who edited Cold War Liberalism, joins to unpack how the Cold War reshaped global power. He questions the “cold” label, spotlights mass violence in the Global South, and debates spheres of influence, nuclear risk, and U.S. strategy toward China and Taiwan. The conversation also traces how liberal elites built the national security state and its lasting ironies.

Daniel Bessner, international relations scholar at the University of Washington and commentator on U.S. grand strategy. Derek Davison, Middle East analyst and newsletter author tracking regional military and political shifts. They debate Trump’s shifting goals, whether airstrikes can topple regimes, who might succeed Khamenei, risks of Turkish escalation, Iran’s retaliation logic, and Europe’s weak response.

Derek Davison, a commentator on international affairs and co-host of the American Prestige Podcast, and Daniel Bessner, a scholar and author, delve into a variety of pressing global topics. They dissect the recent Trump-Xi trade dynamics and the implications for US-China relations. The discussion also tackles Trump's controversial nuclear testing claims and the potential impact of AI on scientific advancement. They analyze Bill Gates's shift towards prioritizing immediate humanitarian needs and critique the ongoing situation in Gaza, highlighting the complexities of ceasefires and casualties.

Daniel Bessner, a writer and historian known for his insights on Hollywood's evolution, discusses the dangerous shift from creativity to capitalism in the film industry. He highlights how financial motivations are overtaking artistic expression, turning Hollywood into a franchise-focused landscape. Bessner explores the precarious state of television storytelling, the challenges faced by creators amid rising costs, and the impact of class stratification. Despite the grim realities, he finds a glimmer of hope for the future of innovative storytelling.

This engaging discussion features Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist specializing in relationships, alongside Glenn Loury, an economist from Brown University, and Daniel Bessner, an international studies professor. They delve into the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting how technology can lead to loneliness amidst hyperconnectivity. The trio examines the dynamics of long-term relationships, the clash of sexual fantasies with societal norms, and critiques America's literacy crisis while navigating the challenges presented by a profit-driven media landscape.

Guest Daniel Bessner, a Professor of International Studies, offers keen insights into the failures of post-Cold War liberalism and the rise of populism. He discusses capitalism's impact on society and critiques the Democratic Party's disconnect with voters. The conversation touches on U.S. foreign policy missteps, especially regarding Ukraine, and the complexities of immigration tied to American actions in Central America. Bessner also challenges traditional views about Trump, arguing against labeling him as a fascist.