Pod Save the World
Pod Save the World
Each week, “Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor and Obama’s former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes break down the biggest developments in foreign policy, national security and global politics. They try to explain which stories matter and why, and what we can all do to understand and shape the world around us.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 17, 2024 • 38min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 7: Lost And Found In Translation
Exploring the challenges of Chinese dissidents in exile with language barriers, efforts to learn English, and navigating society. Discussing translation challenges, cultural nuances, and the complexities of linguistic identity. Delving into Guangcheng's journey with English, authenticity, and the impact of Trumpism in the GOP.
16 snips
Feb 17, 2024 • 50min
Breaking: Putin Kills Alexei Navalny
Discussion on the death of Alexei Navalny, blame being put on Putin, Biden's response, Navalny's political journey and corruption exposure, controversies surrounding Navalny, Trump's alignment with oligarchs, Biden's speech and support for Ukraine, potential impact of Navalny's death on US Congress and European support for Ukraine, importance of individuals in shaping history.
13 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 20min
Trump Tells Putin to Invade NATO Nations
Topics discussed include: Israel's impending offensive in Rafah and Biden's frustration with Netanyahu, efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Trump's comments encouraging Russia to invade NATO members, Pakistan's shocking election results, King Charles's quirky views on modern medicine, corruption in American foreign policy, and the frustration and dysfunction in Congress.
Feb 10, 2024 • 43min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 6: The Great Moving Right Show
A year after arriving in the US, a story about NYU severing ties with Chinese activist Guangcheng causes uproar. Controversy surrounds NYU's alleged treatment of Guangcheng. The hosts discuss relationships and therapy while exploring the dispute. Guangcheng finds a new home with the help of a State Department official and private equity exec. Guangcheng's changing perspectives lead to his surprising support for Trump. The podcast explores the unexpected support of Chinese dissidents for Trump despite his racism and xenophobia.
Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 33min
Tucker Carlson Goes to Moscow
US strikes against Iran-backed militia groups, Gaza conflict and children's statistics, Biden's foreign policy challenges, Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin, El Salvador's election and Bukele's popularity, Europe's far-right parties, historic first in Northern Ireland, King Charles' cancer diagnosis, Rishi Sunak's fasting, Liz Truss' plans for CPAC, and discussion on Alex Ward's book 'The Internationalists'.
5 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 51min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 5: Guangcheng’s Year of Living Famously
Blind activist Chen Guangcheng's journey from China to the US and his glamorous welcome, followed by the cracks that appear beneath the surface. Discussions on his arrival, negotiations for a book deal, criticism and praise for Bob Fu, tension and political manipulation, controversy over forced sterilization, and differing interpretations of an incident and concerns about reputation and freedom of speech.
Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 28min
Will Biden Bomb Iran?
Tommy and Ben discuss the drone strike in Jordan, pressure on Biden to retaliate against Iran, UN employees implicated in a Hamas attack, Nancy Pelosi's criticism of ceasefire activists, NATO member fears of Russia, Trump's tariffs on China, Kenyan court blocking police deployment to Haiti, French farmers protesting in Paris. They also talk about Iran's proxy groups, why Iran funds them, and US conventional wisdom on deterring Iran through military action.
Jan 27, 2024 • 47min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 4: Coming To America
Legal activist Guangcheng escapes house arrest and seeks sanctuary at the US embassy in Beijing, triggering intense negotiations between the US and China. The podcast explores the challenges faced by the US in protecting human rights while respecting jurisdiction. It also delves into Guangcheng's decision to reject a deal and his quest for freedom, which leads to negative press coverage for the Obama administration.
Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 17min
Netanyahu Rejects a Two-State Solution (again)
Topics discussed in the podcast include Gaza ceasefire deal, Bibi's rejection of a two-state solution, Biden administration's military campaign in Yemen, UAE weapons funneling to Sudan, mass protests in Germany, British conservatives' attempts to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, Elon Musk's visit to Auschwitz, and Winston Churchill's odd auction item. The podcast also features an interview with Ricardo Zuniga on spiraling gang violence in Ecuador.
Jan 20, 2024 • 37min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 3: A Dissident Is Born
This podcast tells the story of Guangcheng, a political dissident in China who is kidnapped by the authorities and thrown in jail. Despite their efforts to take away his power, his imprisonment transforms him into a symbol of dissent. After years of detention, Guangcheng decides to make an escape, but the question remains of how and who can he turn to for help.
