S8 Ep928: In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacu
In Declaring Independence, Edward J. Larson describes how Henry Knox executed a daring winter transport of heavy artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston. This logistical feat allowed Washington to fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to evacuate the city. (10/16) 1753
8m May 26
8m
S8 Ep928: Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that re
Guest Author Edward J. Larson discusses his book Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. The unprovoked burning of Norfolk, Virginia, by the Royal Navy in January 1776 served as a catalyst for independence. This violence convinced many colonists that reconciliation with the British Crown was impossible. (9/16) 1750
10m May 26
10m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16)
Josh Ireland explains that following Trotsky's death, Ramon served twenty years in a Mexican prison before returning to Moscow as a hero. Trotsky's wife, Natalia, lived a diminished final chapter after losing her entire family. (8/16) 1919
7m May 26
7m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16)
Josh Ireland recounts how Ramon Mercader used a mountaineer's ice pick to fatally wound Trotsky inside his study. Captured by guards, Ramon maintained a web of lies to conceal his true role as a Soviet operative. (7/16) 1917
13m May 26
13m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16
Josh Ireland describes how Ramon Mercader seduced Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's inner circle under a false identity. Meanwhile, a chaotic machine-gun raid by Stalinist gunmen failed to kill Trotsky, leading to even tighter security measures. (6/16) 1914
7m May 26
7m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16)
Josh Ireland recounts how the Mercader family, led by the radicalized Caridad, was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War. Her son Ramon was trained as a ruthless agent capable of carrying out high-stakes assassinations. (5/16) 1907
11m May 26
11m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agen
Josh Ireland details how, in Mexico, Trotsky faced constant threats from Stalin's assassins. Despite the fortified walls of his compound, the NKVD relentlessly monitored his correspondence and successfully infiltrated his inner circle with undercover agents. (4/16) 1906
6m May 26
6m
S8 Ep927: Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16)
Josh Ireland explains that Trotsky was expelled from the Politburo after labeling Stalin the "gravedigger of the revolution." He began a global exile, eventually finding sanctuary in Mexico at the invitation of muralist Diego Rivera. (3/16) 1906
14m May 26
14m
S8 Ep927: In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious
In The Death of Trotsky, Josh Ireland describes how the intellectual Trotsky and bureaucratic Stalin competed for power following Lenin's death. Stalin maneuvered patiently to isolate Trotsky, who missed Lenin's funeral while recovering from a mysterious and poorly timed illness. (2/16) 1902
5m May 26
5m
S8 Ep927: Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Ireland explains the eme
Guest Author Josh Ireland discusses his book The Death of Trotsky: The True Story of the Plot to Kill Stalin's Greatest Enemy. The Russian Revolution began with Bolshevik fanatics using violence to impose their will on the masses. Irelandexplains the emerging rivalry between Trotsky and Stalin amidst the brutal purge of original revolutionaries. (1/16) 1902
13m May 26
13m
S8 Ep926: STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, HOLIDAY 5-25-2026. 1623 PERSIA.
STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, HOLIDAY 5-25-2026. 1623 PERSIA. On Memorial Day 2026, the United States and Iran find themselves in a strategic quagmire as they play down hopes for an imminent breakthrough to end their conflict. While diplomats have reportedly settled the "easy" 99% of the issues, the core conflict that led to the war remains unresolved. This pattern follows a...
27m May 25
27m
S8 Ep925: Focusing on solutions, Bruce Bechtol argues in Rogue Allies that the U.S. must enforce existing sanctions to target North Korea's finances. North Korea utilizes sophisticated cyber laundering through Bitcoin and lax regulations in countries like the UA
Focusing on solutions, Bruce Bechtol argues in Rogue Allies that the U.S. must enforce existing sanctions to target North Korea's finances. North Korea utilizes sophisticated cyber laundering through Bitcoin and lax regulations in countries like the UAE to fund its operations. Containment strategies should include cyber warfare, vessel seizures, and selective strikes. Bechtol warns that Russia ...
8m May 25
8m
S8 Ep925: Bruce Bechtol details North Korea's massive military support for Russia and Middle Eastern proxies in Rogue Allies. North Korea has supplied Russia with 20,000 containers of munitions and 60% of its artillery shells for the war in Ukraine. In the Middle E
Bruce Bechtol details North Korea's massive military support for Russia and Middle Eastern proxies in Rogue Allies. North Korea has supplied Russia with 20,000 containers of munitions and 60% of its artillery shells for the war in Ukraine. In the Middle East, North Korea trained Syria in chemical warfare and constructed a 45-kilometer tunnel network for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Weapons like RPGs a...
12m May 25
12m
S8 Ep925: In Rogue Allies, Bruce Bechtol explores the nuclear and cyber dimensions of the alliance. North Korea provided Iran with highly enriched uranium warhead designs and constructed their underground nuclear facilities. The transfer includes advanced missile b
In Rogue Allies, Bruce Bechtol explores the nuclear and cyber dimensions of the alliance. North Korea provided Iranwith highly enriched uranium warhead designs and constructed their underground nuclear facilities. The transfer includes advanced missile boosters, like those for the Hwasong-15. Bechtol also identifies North Korea as a leading global cyber thief, using malware and cryptocurrency l...
8m May 25
8m
S8 Ep925: Bruce Bechtol discusses his book Rogue Allies, highlighting the strategic partnership between North Korea and Iran. He emphasizes that U.S. administrations have historically underestimated this threat. Since 1983, North Korea has operated on a "cash and c
Bruce Bechtol discusses his book Rogue Allies, highlighting the strategic partnership between North Korea and Iran. He emphasizes that U.S. administrations have historically underestimated this threat. Since 1983, North Korea has operated on a "cash and carry" basis with Iran, providing weapons for hard currency or oil. The proliferation extends to surrogates like Hamas. Bechtol confirms North ...
10m May 25
10m
S8 Ep924: Keach Hagey addresses the development of ChatGPT and the subsequent power struggle at OpenAI. She explains how Altman's shift from prioritizing AI regulation to commercial monetization triggered a conflict with the nonprofit board, leading to his tempo
Keach Hagey addresses the development of ChatGPT and the subsequent power struggle at OpenAI. She explains how Altman's shift from prioritizing AI regulation to commercial monetization triggered a conflict with the nonprofit board, leading to his temporary firing. The board cited management issues and Altman's tendency to "bend the truth" as reasons for the dismissal. Additionally, a major fall...
5m May 25
5m
S8 Ep924: Keach Hagey details Altman's trajectory from a Stanford dropout to a central figure in Silicon Valley. After launching the app Loopt, Altman used his masterful storytelling skills to impress investors and Steve Jobs, despite the company's eventual commerc
Keach Hagey details Altman's trajectory from a Stanford dropout to a central figure in Silicon Valley. After launching the app Loopt, Altman used his masterful storytelling skills to impress investors and Steve Jobs, despite the company's eventual commercial failure. Recognizing investing as his "superpower," Altman became the president of Y Combinatorin 2014, leading successes like Airbnb and ...
14m May 25
14m
S8 Ep924: Keach Hagey explores Sam Altman's upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. She describes Altman's parents: Jerry, an idealistic real estate developer, and Connie, an ambitious dermatologist and entrepreneur who served as the family's primary breadwinner. Altman
Keach Hagey explores Sam Altman's upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. She describes Altman's parents: Jerry, an idealistic real estate developer, and Connie, an ambitious dermatologist and entrepreneur who served as the family's primary breadwinner. Altman was recognized early for his brilliance and attended the progressive John Burroughs School, which emphasized a moral responsibility to improv...
7m May 25
7m
S8 Ep924: Keach Hagey recounts the January 2016 founding of OpenAI in San Francisco, initially established as a modest nonprofit research lab in Greg Brockman's apartment. Co-founded by Sam Altman, Brockman, and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, the organization aime
Keach Hagey recounts the January 2016 founding of OpenAI in San Francisco, initially established as a modest nonprofit research lab in Greg Brockman's apartment. Co-founded by Sam Altman, Brockman, and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, the organization aimed to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) safely outside of profit motives. Major initial backers included Elon Musk and Peter Thiel,...
10m May 25
10m
S8 Ep923: The concluding sections of AI Valley analyze the shift toward an "accelerationist" political landscape. While the Biden administration proposed testing rules for safety, the Trump administration favors rapid development to maintain a competitive edge o
The concluding sections of AI Valley analyze the shift toward an "accelerationist" political landscape. While the Bidenadministration proposed testing rules for safety, the Trump administration favors rapid development to maintain a competitive edge over China. This environment has led Sam Altman to retract his earlier calls for regulation. Instead, tech companies now advocate for "fair use" po...
6m May 25
6m
S8 Ep923: Gary Rivlin details the dramatic November 2023 firing of Sam Altman by OpenAI's nonprofit board in AI Valley. The board alleged Altman gave "short shrift" to the company's original trust and safety mission in favor of rapid growth. This decision nearly de
Gary Rivlin details the dramatic November 2023 firing of Sam Altman by OpenAI's nonprofit board in AI Valley. The board alleged Altman gave "short shrift" to the company's original trust and safety mission in favor of rapid growth. This decision nearly destroyed the $90 billion startup when 700 employees threatened to resign in protest. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella intervened, offering to hire t...
13m May 25
13m
S8 Ep923: The quest for "artificial empathy" is a central theme in AI Valley. Gary Rivlin discusses how "personality engineers" fine-tune bots like Pi to be kind, conversational, and admit ignorance. Unlike IQ-focused models, these bots use flattery and human trait
The quest for "artificial empathy" is a central theme in AI Valley. Gary Rivlin discusses how "personality engineers" fine-tune bots like Pi to be kind, conversational, and admit ignorance. Unlike IQ-focused models, these bots use flattery and human traits to mimic genuine connection. Rivlin predicts AI will soon serve as emotional companions or affordable therapists for those who cannot pay fo...
7m May 25
7m
S8 Ep923: AI Valley examines the "innovator's dilemma," where tech giants like Google hesitate to release advanced AI that might cannibalize their lucrative search advertising profits. This "bigness" often slows innovation, leading geniuses like Mustafa Suleyman to
AI Valley examines the "innovator's dilemma," where tech giants like Google hesitate to release advanced AI that might cannibalize their lucrative search advertising profits. This "bigness" often slows innovation, leading geniuses like Mustafa Suleyman to leave DeepMind at Google to found independent ventures like Inflection. However, the staggering cost of GPUs and computing power often pulls ...
11m May 25
11m
S8 Ep923: Addressing public fear, AI Valley uses historical analogies to argue for moderate regulation to build trust. Gary Rivlin compares AI to the automobile; early cars lacked seatbelts and killed thousands, yet society did not revert to horse-and-buggy travel.
Addressing public fear, AI Valley uses historical analogies to argue for moderate regulation to build trust. Gary Rivlincompares AI to the automobile; early cars lacked seatbelts and killed thousands, yet society did not revert to horse-and-buggy travel. Similarly, 19th-century railroads only gained public confidence once government standards ensured safety and reliability. Currently, most Amer...
9m May 25
9m
S8 Ep922: Gary Rivlin's AI Valley explores the ideological rift between "doomers," who fear existential AI threats, and "accelerationists," who demand rapid development. He highlights "bloomers" like Reid Hoffman, who believe AI will revolutionize healthcare and ed
Gary Rivlin's AI Valley explores the ideological rift between "doomers," who fear existential AI threats, and "accelerationists," who demand rapid development. He highlights "bloomers" like Reid Hoffman, who believe AI will revolutionize healthcare and education by acting as a "co-pilot" for human intelligence. Hoffman views AI as a tool that grants humans "superpowers," such as instant transla...
11m May 25
11m
S8 Ep922: In AI Valley, Gary Rivlin explains how OpenAI transitioned from a $10 million nonprofit endeavor to a multi-billion dollar enterprise. The immense cost of specialized chips and million-dollar salaries for machine learning talent rendered the original nonp
In AI Valley, Gary Rivlin explains how OpenAI transitioned from a $10 million nonprofit endeavor to a multi-billion dollar enterprise. The immense cost of specialized chips and million-dollar salaries for machine learning talent rendered the original nonprofit model unsustainable. Consequently, Altman orchestrated a "for-profit subsidiary" to attract massive capital, notably from Microsoft, whi...
7m May 25
7m
S8 Ep922: Gary Rivlin introduces his book AI Valley, highlighting the pivotal 2017 "transformer" paper by Google researchers that allowed computers to understand language contextually. This breakthrough became the foundation for OpenAI's ChatGPT, as the transformer
Gary Rivlin introduces his book AI Valley, highlighting the pivotal 2017 "transformer" paper by Google researchers that allowed computers to understand language contextually. This breakthrough became the foundation for OpenAI'sChatGPT, as the transformer architecture solved previous struggles with natural language processing. Rivlin details Sam Altman's rise through Y Combinator, an influential...
11m May 25
11m
S8 Ep921: (3/3) Athens Supreme, Sparta Discredited. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The two examine how historical narratives are "plundered" by powers seeking to legitimate their own agendas. Germ
(3/3) Athens Supreme, Sparta Discredited. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The two examine how historical narratives are "plundered" by powers seeking to legitimate their own agendas. Germanicus highlights how the British Empire elevated Athens as an enlightened, cosmopolitan model to burnish its own imperial propaganda, while dis...
9m May 25
9m
S8 Ep921: (2/3) The Self-Dealing Emperor. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The Roman emperor system, initiated by Augustus, was fundamentally built on "self-dealing," where the ruler acted as the "sin
(2/3) The Self-Dealing Emperor. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. The Roman emperor system, initiated by Augustus, was fundamentally built on "self-dealing," where the ruler acted as the "single decider" of wealth, contracts, and appointments to maintain control. By the time of Domitian, this corruption was an automated "machine." ...
14m May 25
14m
S8 Ep921: (1/3) The Great Game. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Germanicus compares 19th-century British strategy to modern American policy, noting both pursued a 78-year containment of Russia. Brita
(1/3) The Great Game. Gaius and Germanicus debate in their favorite wine bar by the Thames, in Londinium, Spring 92 AD. Germanicus compares 19th-century British strategy to modern American policy, noting both pursued a 78-year containment of Russia. Britain's efforts from 1830 to 1908 involved "wasteful wars" in places like Afghanistan and the Crimea to block Russian expansion in Eurasia. This ...
36m May 25
36m
S8 Ep920: Luis Elizondo credits journalists and Chris Mellon for bringing the UAP issue into the public eye through The New York Times. He describes Mellon as a "national treasure" who pushed for congressional oversight after discovering the Pentagon was withholdin
Luis Elizondo credits journalists and Chris Mellon for bringing the UAP issue into the public eye through The New York Times. He describes Mellon as a "national treasure" who pushed for congressional oversight after discovering the Pentagon was withholding data. Despite bipartisan legislative efforts, "pockets" within the Pentagon—often termed "weebies" who outlast political appointees—continue...
13m May 25
13m
S8 Ep920: Luis Elizondo explores the "legacy program," a term for historic efforts by the government and defense contractors to exploit recovered UAP technology. He confirms the existence of material artifacts from non-conventional crashes, though specific location
Luis Elizondo explores the "legacy program," a term for historic efforts by the government and defense contractors to exploit recovered UAP technology. He confirms the existence of material artifacts from non-conventional crashes, though specific locations remain classified. He mentions "DIRDs"—Defense Intelligence Reference Documents—written to investigate how to replicate UAP performance. Eli...
7m May 25
7m
S8 Ep920: Luis Elizondo explains that the Roswell incident of 1947 was not a joke but a serious event involving recovered biological evidence and crash materials. He notes a significant uptick in UAP activity coinciding with the dawn of the atomic age, particularly
Luis Elizondo, former head of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program(AATIP), discusses his decision to resign from the Pentagon in 2017. Frustrated by the bureaucracy's refusal to acknowledge unusual aerial systems interfering with military platforms, he wrote a final appeal to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Elizondo details his transition from a counterintelligence career to ...
7m May 24
7m
S8 Ep920: Luis Elizondo, former head of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), discusses his decision to resign from the Pentagon in 2017. Frustrated by the bureaucracy's refusal to acknowledge unusual aerial systems interfering with military
Luis Elizondo, former head of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), discusses his decision to resign from the Pentagon in 2017. Frustrated by the bureaucracy's refusal to acknowledge unusual aerial systems interfering with military platforms, he wrote a final appeal to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Elizondo details his transition from a counterintelligence career to...
10m May 24
10m
S8 Ep919: Jeremy Zakis discusses the onset of a "super El Niño" weather pattern impacting both the United States and Australia. While currently experiencing unusually wet and cold conditions in New South Wales, Australia is preparing for catastrophic drought and bu
Jeremy Zakis discusses the onset of a "super El Niño" weather pattern impacting both the United States and Australia. While currently experiencing unusually wet and cold conditions in New South Wales, Australia is preparing for catastrophic drought and bushfires by December. The discussion highlights differences in fire management between California's forced evacuations and Australia's choice-b...
9m May 24
9m
S8 Ep919: Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. Th
Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. This surge in prey has caused a corresponding increase in snake sightings, as predators forgo hibernation to feed. Most notably, a large red-bel...
9m May 24
9m
S8 Ep919: Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. Th
Jeremy Zakis details a burgeoning mouse plague in Western and South Australia, where mice are breeding rapidly and have become resilient to standard toxins. In response, the government has authorized farmers to double the dosage of zinc phosphide bait. This surge in prey has caused a corresponding increase in snake sightings, as predators forgo hibernation to feed. Most notably, a large red-bel...
7m May 24
7m
S8 Ep918: In the final segment, Michael McFaul outlines a grand strategy for democratic revival, asserting that democracies still hold superior military and economic power if they remain united. He stresses the urgent need to fix domestic polarization and insti
In the final segment, Michael McFaul outlines a grand strategy for democratic revival, asserting that democracies still hold superior military and economic power if they remain united. He stresses the urgent need to fix domestic polarization and institutional "wobbling" to restore the U.S. as a global beacon of emulation. McFaul argues for reforming international trade and investing in Cold War...
9m May 23
9m
S8 Ep918: Michael McFaul proposes a forward-looking strategy that includes helping Ukraine win to undermine Putin's dictatorial logic. He advocates for capitalizing on Russia's "brain drain" by reforming Western visa policies to attract the talent currently fleeing
Michael McFaul proposes a forward-looking strategy that includes helping Ukraine win to undermine Putin's dictatorial logic. He advocates for capitalizing on Russia's "brain drain" by reforming Western visa policies to attract the talent currently fleeing autocratic regimes. By welcoming entrepreneurs and scientists, the West can weaken its adversaries while boosting its own technological edge....
10m May 23
10m
S8 Ep918: Focusing on U.S. leadership, Michael McFaul discusses the importance of "peace through strength" while maintaining robust alliances with fellow democracies. He critiques recent U.S. foreign policy for causing doubt among allies and urges a return to a val
Focusing on U.S. leadership, Michael McFaul discusses the importance of "peace through strength" while maintaining robust alliances with fellow democracies. He critiques recent U.S. foreign policy for causing doubt among allies and urges a return to a values-based approach that supports dissidents like Jimmy Lai. McFaul warns of a "self-help alliance" between Russia, China, Iran, and North Kore...
8m May 23
8m
S8 Ep918: Michael McFaul explores the evolution of Putinism, characterizing Vladimir Putin as an ideological risk-taker who views the West as a threat to "Russian civilization." He critiques the West for lacking a "Plan B" during Putin's early aggressions in Georgi
Michael McFaul explores the evolution of Putinism, characterizing Vladimir Putin as an ideological risk-taker who views the West as a threat to "Russian civilization." He critiques the West for lacking a "Plan B" during Putin's early aggressions in Georgia and Crimea, suggesting that faster NATO expansion might have deterred the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. McFaul highlights how autocratic models ...
10m May 23
10m
S8 Ep918: Michael McFaul analyzes how China's "Century of Humiliation" profoundly shapes Xi Jinping's drive for national strength and order. He observes that Xi is significantly more autocratic than his predecessors, utilizing modern surveillance technology to repr
Michael McFaul analyzes how China's "Century of Humiliation" profoundly shapes Xi Jinping's drive for national strength and order. He observes that Xi is significantly more autocratic than his predecessors, utilizing modern surveillance technology to repress pluralism. McFaul explains how Xi is moving away from the market ideas that fueled China's growth, potentially stifling the economy throug...
6m May 23
6m
S8 Ep918: Drawing on his time in Moscow during the early 1990s, Michael McFaul describes the revolutionary transition from Gorbachev's reforms to the radicalism of the Yeltsin era. He highlights the unprecedented uncertainty of the Soviet collapse and the subsequen
Drawing on his time in Moscow during the early 1990s, Michael McFaul describes the revolutionary transition from Gorbachev's reforms to the radicalism of the Yeltsin era. He highlights the unprecedented uncertainty of the Soviet collapse and the subsequent failure of the West to invest in Russia's democratic consolidation. McFaul notes that the 1992 U.S. election's focus on domestic issues dist...
13m May 23
13m
S8 Ep918: In Autocrats vs. Democrats, Michael McFaul examines the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, critiquing the U.S. decision to "look away" from human rights for economic gain. He argues that while economic engagement enriched American capitalis
In Autocrats vs. Democrats, Michael McFaul examines the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, critiquing the U.S. decision to "look away" from human rights for economic gain. He argues that while economic engagement enriched American capitalism, the theory that economic growth would naturally lead to democratization in China failed. Drawing on George Shultz's memoirs, McFaul advocat...
9m May 23
9m
S8 Ep918: Michael McFaul discusses his book Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America and the New Global Disorder, reflecting on the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis as the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. He emphasizes that the primary lesson learned was the
Michael McFaul discusses his book Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America and the New Global Disorder, reflecting on the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis as the most dangerous moment of the Cold War. He emphasizes that the primary lesson learned was the necessity of crisis management mechanisms and direct communication to prevent nuclear obliteration. McFaul argues that today's lack of connect...
9m May 23
9m
S8 Ep917: The 13 letters attributed to Plato remain a source of intense scholarly debate, with some considered clear forgeries. In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm accepts five letters as genuine, including the detailed Seventh Letter, which defends Plato's actio
The 13 letters attributed to Plato remain a source of intense scholarly debate, with some considered clear forgeries. In Plato and the Tyrant, James Romm accepts five letters as genuine, including the detailed Seventh Letter, which defends Plato's actions in Syracuse. Critics like Karl Popper viewed the letters and the Republic as evidence that Plato was an enemy of the "open society." While Pl...
8m May 23
8m
S8 Ep917: In the Republic, Plato argues that philosophers make the best kings because they can perceive the "Form of Justice." James Romm explains that Plato illustrates this through the Allegory of the Cave, where the philosopher must return from the light of the
In the Republic, Plato argues that philosophers make the best kings because they can perceive the "Form of Justice." James Romm explains that Plato illustrates this through the Allegory of the Cave, where the philosopher must return from the light of the sun to lead those in darkness. The work concludes with the Myth of Er, a soaring account of the soul's thousand-year journey and reincarnation...
12m May 23
12m
S8 Ep917: As Syracuse collapsed into disorder, the mother city of Corinth sent Timoleon with a small hired army to intervene. James Romm notes that to the surprise of many, Dionysius the Younger abdicated voluntarily in exchange for a peaceful retirement in Corinth
As Syracuse collapsed into disorder, the mother city of Corinth sent Timoleon with a small hired army to intervene. James Romm notes that to the surprise of many, Dionysius the Younger abdicated voluntarily in exchange for a peaceful retirement in Corinth. He lived his remaining years in impoverishment, reportedly working as a music teacher and priest. His downfall became the source of the prov...
6m May 23
6m
S8 Ep917: Dion eventually led an invasion fleet to liberate Syracuse, but the revolution quickly descended into chaos and factional splits. James Romm explains that despite his Platonic education, Dion committed the political murder of his rival, Heraclides, which
Dion eventually led an invasion fleet to liberate Syracuse, but the revolution quickly descended into chaos and factional splits. James Romm explains that despite his Platonic education, Dion committed the political murder of his rival, Heraclides, which caused him a deep spiritual crisis. Dion was eventually assassinated by a faction of his own army led by Calippus, another student from Plato'...
12m May 23
12m
S8 Ep917: During his five-year exile, Dion determined to overthrow the regime after Dionysius confiscated his estate and forced his wife to marry a loyalist. James Romm notes that Plato refused to join the coup but made a third voyage to Syracuse in 361 BCE to plea
During his five-year exile, Dion determined to overthrow the regime after Dionysius confiscated his estate and forced his wife to marry a loyalist. James Romm notes that Plato refused to join the coup but made a third voyage to Syracuse in 361 BCE to plead for Dion's reinstatement. These political failures directly informed the Republic, where Plato uses the "tyrannical man" to condemn autocrac...
7m May 23
7m