American Prestige

Richard Seymour, political writer known for work on imperialism and contemporary politics, offers extended analysis on U.S. power and geopolitics. He discusses the collapse of ideological justifications for war. He explores how modern conflicts look like raw power politics. He examines U.S.-Israel ties and implications for global capitalism and shifting hegemony.

Afeef Nessouli, a journalist splitting time between Beirut and New York reporting on Lebanon. He describes Israeli airstrikes and ground invasion in southern Lebanon. He details mass displacement, damaged infrastructure and barriers to evacuation. He examines Hezbollah’s dual military and social role, shifting public opinion, weak government response, sectarian tensions, and grassroots relief efforts.

Mark Ames, co-host of Radio War Nerd and longtime geopolitical commentator. He joins a crossover chat on Iran and geopolitics. They debate market reactions to strike delays. They discuss credibility, bargaining leverage, and how past strikes shape perception.

Coverage of a massive Russian drone barrage signaling a renewed offensive in Ukraine. Discussion of rising settler violence around Nablus and a Hamas disarmament proposal. Reports on clashes across Sudan and Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting resuming. A U.S.-backed operation in Ecuador may have destroyed a dairy farm labeled a drug camp. Political shifts in Denmark and surprising UN voting patterns also featured.

A fast-paced rundown of shifting diplomacy and failed peace proposals around the Iran conflict. They cover ultimatums over Iranian power plants and the changing threat landscape. Mediation efforts by regional actors and Pakistan’s role get attention. The conversation touches on US troop moves, possible military options, Israeli operations in Iran and Lebanon, and wider economic fallout like helium supply disruptions.

Udi Greenberg, historian of Israeli politics and society, explains Israeli public support for military action and the strategic consensus prioritizing force over negotiation. He discusses sustained backing despite casualties, the sidelining of Palestinian sovereignty debates, media and military messaging, and Israel’s deep reliance on U.S. support.

Andrew Hartman, historian and author of Karl Marx in America, offers a sharp mini bio as a scholar of Marx’s influence in the US. He previews how Marx’s philosophy shaped politics and culture across American history. Short, lively teasers highlight key themes and what to expect from the series.

Sam Biddle, technology journalist known for investigative reporting on surveillance, AI, and defense. He discusses how AI and LLMs are being used to select and prioritize targets, tools like Palantir’s Maven and Claude speeding airstrike decisions, risks from stale or misinterpreted intelligence, and how human review and policy guardrails may be bypassed.

An update on the Iran conflict, covering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and who can pass. Discussion of strikes on South Pars and their effects on Gulf energy infrastructure. Reports on casualty figures across Iran, Lebanon, and others. Consideration of U.S. and Israeli targeting of Iranian leaders and the prospect of a wider ground invasion.

Coverage of targeted killings in Iran and how they reshape regional power dynamics. Reporting on Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon and ongoing strikes in Gaza. Discussion of large U.S. war funding requests and possible troop deployments. Examination of U.S. pressure on Zambia over mineral deals and shifting diplomatic moves in Venezuela and Cuba.