Michael Phillips

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.

Ilya Ayoub, Lebanon- and Middle East-focused historian and journalist, outlines Lebanon’s devastation and regional stakes. Michael Phillips, historian and author, and Stephen Monicelli, political extremism reporter, dig into the Fifth Circuit and Judge James Ho’s influence. Molly Conger, journalist and podcaster, with Mia Wong, breaks down shadow banking risks and modern financial fragilities.