American Prestige

Sean Delehanty, historian and author of Company Men, traces how shareholder value became the guiding principle of American corporations. He walks through postwar corporatism, conglomerates, the rise of financial economics, hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts, private equity, and the 1990s consolidation of shareholder primacy. The conversation also examines how stock-centric pay reshaped the economy and who gained from those shifts.

Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post columnist covering international affairs, gives on-the-ground Davos reporting. He walks through Trump’s return and his “Board of Peace.” They unpack Jared Kushner’s Gaza reconstruction plan and its regional fallout. Conversations touch on Greenland, NATO tensions, elite attitudes toward Gaza, and whether Davos produced real deals or just theater.

Robert Wright, writer and NonZero host who analyzes foreign policy and geopolitics, joins to unpack recent Trump-era shocks. Short takes on January’s sudden interventions, whether Trump reflects deeper global shifts, and the stability question. Conversations hit possible Cuba action, the weakening of international law, and where Democrats stand in this turbulent moment.

Fierce clashes erupt in Syria as the government pushes across the Euphrates against the SDF. Israel plans to raze Rafah for controlled 'humanitarian cities' in Gaza's future. Trump's military posturing toward Iran raises eyebrows amid U.S. troop movements. Tensions escalate in Thailand with accusations against its military for demolishing homes in disputed areas. Meanwhile, Japan's prime minister calls a snap election, and discussions unfold at Davos over Ukraine's reconstruction, advocating a rapid EU membership.

Alice Lovejoy, a professor of film and media studies, dives into the intriguing relationship between cinema and the military-industrial complex. She explores how World War I reshaped film production through chemical industries, detailing Kodak's pivotal role. Lovejoy uncovers the dual-use nature of chemicals, revealing how innovations in film safety were tied to wartime technologies. She also highlights the moral dilemmas faced by companies like Kodak during the Cold War, illustrating how film history is deeply woven with military and environmental narratives.

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and author specializing in climate politics, dives into the challenges surrounding green energy transitions. She reveals why the rise of renewable energy doesn’t necessarily lead to a decline in fossil fuel use. The conversation touches on the complexities of dismantling fossil capital and how historical energy transitions didn’t phase out fossil fuels but rather increased total energy consumption. Thea also discusses the political implications of consumption and offers insights into sustainable alternatives for the future.

Negar Mortazavi, an award-winning journalist and host of The Iran Podcast, shares insights on the ongoing protests in Iran. She discusses the effects of a communications blackout and severe state crackdowns. Economic drivers like currency devaluation and corruption fuel unrest, although predictions of regime collapse may be premature. Negar also highlights the risks of U.S. military intervention, arguing it could harm civilians. The conversation digs into the role of exiles and regional dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of foreign involvement.

Shadi Hamid, a columnist at The Washington Post and author of The Case for American Power, dives deep into the complexities of American foreign policy. He discusses how the recent Gaza crisis shifted his political perspective and influenced his writing. Shadi argues for a nuanced view of U.S. power, balancing its moral potential against historical harms. The conversation touches on themes like American decline, the limits of democracy promotion, and the possibility of justified intervention in crises, offering a thought-provoking roadmap for future policy.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Biddle, a journalist from The Intercept, and Jay Caspian Kang, author of Time to Say Goodbye, explore the unsettling realm of prediction markets. They delve into the ethical quandaries of betting on coups and invasions, revealing how these platforms blur moral lines. The conversation touches on DARPA's controversial experiment with terrorism forecasting and the troubling normalization of profit-seeking from violence. Biddle and Kang challenge the implications of human suffering becoming a tradable asset in our financialized world.

The hosts dive into global affairs, starting with Delcy Rodríguez becoming Venezuela's president after Maduro's rendition. They discuss the implications of U.S. control over Venezuelan oil exports. In Yemen, Saudi forces are pushing back against separatists, leading to political turmoil. Israel’s ban on humanitarian organizations sparks concern for Gaza's humanitarian situation, while protests surge in Iran amid economic collapse. The podcast also addresses U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria and Trump's controversial plans regarding Greenland.