Knox Thames

Knox Thames, diplomat and international human rights lawyer who led work on religious minorities, discusses Pakistan, Afghanistan, and religious freedom in South Asia. He explains why Pakistan is confronting the Taliban and how border disputes and regional alliances raise escalation risks. He highlights threats to Shia and other minorities and recounts Shahbaz Bhatti’s advocacy against blasphemy laws.

Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer and former State Department envoy, delves into the use of AI in undermining religious freedoms and persecuting minorities. He shares insights on how authoritative regimes exploit AI, juxtaposed with its potential to enhance creativity. The conversation further explores the morality needed in AI development, its implications for privacy, and the importance of human connection in church settings, stressing that while technology offers opportunities, it also presents ethical dilemmas.

Maria Baer, cultural commentator on status and family, and Knox Thames, former State Department advisor on religious minorities, discuss birthright citizenship, organized birth tourism, and upcoming Supreme Court questions. They explore global religious freedom, persecution hotspots, and U.S. diplomacy. A personal report examines grandparents raising grandchildren and the strains and faith that sustain kin caregivers.

Join Isaac Rose-Berman, a gambling policy expert, and Knox Thames, a seasoned human rights lawyer, as they dive into pressing issues. Rose-Berman discusses the alarming rise of sports betting, particularly its impact on youth and communities. Thames sheds light on the recent Druze massacre in Syria, advocating for the protection of religious minorities. Together, they explore the disturbing persistence of QAnon and its infiltration into mainstream politics, emphasizing the psychological motives behind such conspiracy theories.

Nicole Martin, chief impact officer at Christianity Today, shares insights from the Lausanne conference on global missions. Knox Thames, author of 'Ending Persecution,’ discusses the alarming rise in religious persecution, especially in nations like Burkina Faso and Nigeria. The conversation delves into the role of corrupt governments and the importance of international dialogue in fostering global religious freedom. Additionally, they explore the complexities of celebrity conversions and the responsibility of the church in supporting new believers.