The Realignment

Gilman Louie discusses investing in frontier technologies like AI and energy, and how the US can outcompete rivals. They explore the potential of AI in solving coordination problems while acknowledging the risks. The importance of balancing potential and skepticism of AI is emphasized, along with the need for big ideas in problem-solving. The power of individuals in the tech industry and the role of multi-disciplinary solutions are also highlighted.

David M. Herszenhorn, Russian Editor of the Washington Post and author of The Dissident: Alexey Navalny, discusses Navalny's role as Putin's rival, the tradition of dissidents in Russia and Soviet history, the possibility of a democratic Russia, and the challenges Navalny faces. They also explore the imperial aspects of Putin's rule, the future of Russia after Putin, and the potential for a transition towards democracy.

Marshall and Saagar discuss Israel's invasion of Gaza and its implications for the U.S. They explore the challenges of the Israel-Gaza conflict, the impact of technology and social media in the developing world, and the difficulties faced by the Biden administration. They also address the challenges of news gathering on Twitter and the position of the center left of the democratic party.

Stuart A. Reid, an author and historian specializing in CIA and Cold War history, discusses the secret Lumumba Plot, the dual nature of the Cold War, the relevance of the United Nations, the unraveling of Cold War paranoia, and the shaping of the world in the past and present.

Nikhil Goyal, former Senior Policy for Education and Children for Senator Bernie Sanders, discusses the increase in child poverty rates during the pandemic, the role of temporary support programs, the need for permanent social and economic programs, the revival of New Deal ideas, the impact of individual decision making on poverty, the evolution of education policy, and the effects of Zoom school and school closures on child poverty and education.

Melissa Kearney, Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland, discusses the decline of marriage rates and its economic consequences. She examines the marriage gap between college-educated and non-college-educated Americans, government support for single-parent households, and ways to make marriage more appealing through changes in tax code and legal systems.

Bethany McLean, co-author of The Big Fail and co-host of the Capitalisn't podcast, discusses the impact of COVID on America, including snarled supply chains, school closures, poorly evaluated mask mandates, and how capitalism has jumped the rails in the 21st century.

Seth D. Kaplan, fragile states expert and author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time, discusses the roots of issues plaguing America and how revitalizing local institutions and social ties can help repair the country. Topics include the fragility of American society, addressing childhood poverty, the gap between diagnosis and action, and the collapse of neighborhood life.

Rikki Schlott, co-author of The Canceling of the American Mind, discusses cancel culture's origins, its impact on free speech, and the dangers of censoring differing viewpoints. The podcast also explores the role of social media, the complexities of cancel culture, and the importance of engaging with opposing ideas while defending free speech.

Marshall and Saagar discuss Israel, Gaza, Hamas, and the ongoing war. They explore challenges of verifying information, controversial claims about beheaded babies in Gaza, comparing Hamas to extremist groups, the role of religion in the conflict, turning off utilities in a conflict zone, ethical obligations of nations, and dynamics and divisions in Europe.