Current Affairs

🌹 Claim 50% OFF FOREVER to The Lever and get a free copy of the Master Plan e-book: https://the.levernews.com/current-affairs-master-plan/ David Sirota, founder and editor-in-chief of The Lever, joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss his new book Master Plan: The Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption in America. They trace how corporate America seized control of U.S. politics, from the Powell Memo and Watergate to the rise of the Heritage Foundation, Roger Ailes, and the corporate capture of the courts. 0:00-13:48 Corruption Is the Water We Swim In 13:48-24:19 The Powell Memo 24:19-34:44 It's Part Of The Plan 32:44-38:02 How Corruption Changes Policy 38:02-43:16 Obama 43:16-46:07 Becoming Disillusioned 46:07-57:25 Undoing the Damage 🔎 David's Twitter: https://x.com/davidsirota 🔎 The Lever: https://www.levernews.com/ 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/joinNathan J. Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Current Affairs, speaks with Nika Soon-Shiong, founder and Executive Director of the Fund for Guaranteed Income, and Alanah Odoms, Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana. They discuss their collaboration on The Cost of Freedom: Truth and Reconciliation Guaranteed Income Program, a pilot exploring reparations through direct cash payments.Together, they examine how economic justice underpins civil rights, the historical links between slavery and mass incarceration in Louisiana, and how guaranteed income can reshape policy around public safety and justice.0:00-5:09 The State of Civil Liberties in Louisiana5:09-8:11 Connecting Universal Basic Income to Civil Liberties8:11-13:03 Guaranteed Income as Reparations13:03-19:34 How Guaranteed Income Changes Lives19:34-23:53 Responding to Critiques of Basic Income23:52-30:28 ACLU Louisiana’s Current Battles30:28-34:52 Impact & Policy Recommendations34:52-39:26 Drop Site News⚖️ Read The Cost of Freedom Report: https://www.laaclu.org/app/uploads/2025/06/the_cost_of_freedom_truth_reconciliation_guaranteed_income_program_final_report.pdf⚖️ Fund for Guaranteed Income: https://f4gi.org/⚖️ ACLU Louisiana: https://www.laaclu.org/🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/joinSupposedly, the world is divided into good, noble “lions” and evil, grasping “scavengers.” Guess which one Ben thinks he is?Script by Matt McManus & Nathan J. Robinson🦁 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/ben-shapiros-latest-book-adopts-a-horrifying-creators-vs.-parasites-worldview🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/joinAs the FDA finally cracks down on kratom, decades of deregulation have already flooded shelves with questionable supplements and off-brand opioids.💊 Read Emily Topping's article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/how-america-got-hooked-on-shady-gas-station-drugs🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/joinGianmarco Soresi joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson to talk about his acclaimed new special Thief of Joy, the pressures of fame, and why "the court jester was never supposed to have a chair next to the king."0:00-5:15 The Pressure of Being a Comedian5:15-7:24 Performing in America Today7:24-10:47 Israel/Palestine and Taking the Audience’s Temperature10:47-19:57 The Riyadh Comedy Festival19:57-23:21 Doing “Edgy” Comedy23:21-26:32 Can Right-Wing Comedy Ever Be Funny?26:32-29:37 A Charlie Kirk Joke29:37-32:34 Comedy’s Impact on Personal Relationships32:34-42:29 Thief of Joy, Touring, and Crowd Work🎤 Watch Gianmarco's new special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB9eWtzTOq0&t=3274s🎤 Follow Gianmarco on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GianmarcoSoresi🎤 Follow Gianmarco on Twitter: https://x.com/GianmarcoSoresi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor🎤 Follow Gianmarco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/?hl=en🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/join Hasan Piker, one of the most influential political streamers in the world, joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss the failures of the Democratic Party, what they refuse to learn from the success of Zohran Mamdani, and how they are largely responsible for America's ongoing descent into fascism. They also discuss the shifting hasbara surrounding the Gaza genocide, dissect the framing of Hasan’s media profiles, and examine the compromises and contradictions of figures like AOC and Bernie while looking ahead to the future of the socialist left. 0:00-9:36 What Democrats Refuse to Learn from Zohran 9:36-18:28 The Shift in Hasbara 18:28-23:10 Manufacturing Consent 23:10-29:19 The Left Is Always Right Too Early 29:19-37:46 Building Power 37:46-42:52 AOC, Bernie, and Compromise 42:52-48:47 The Descent Into Fascism 48:47-52:50 Being a Streamer 🇵🇸 Follow Hasan on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/hasanabi 🇵🇸 Follow Hasan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/hasanabi 🇵🇸 Follow Hasan on Twitter: https://x.com/hasanthehun?lang=en 🇵🇸 Follow Hasan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hasandpiker/?hl=en 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Kieran Andrieu is a British-Palestinian journalist, activist, and contributor to Novara Media. He joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss his decision to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, the risks involved in confronting Israel’s blockade of Gaza, and why he believes powerlessness in the face of genocide is an illusion.0:00-6:29 Kieran’s Family Story of Resistance6:29-10:33 Joining the Flotilla10:33-14:12 What Success Would Mean14:12-17:53 Powerlessness Is an Illusion17:53-20:57 The Case for Recognizing Palestine20:57-22:25 Shifts in U.S. Public Opinion22:25-28:02 What Comes Next🇵🇸 Follow Kieran Andrieu: https://x.com/kieran_andrieu?lang=en🇵🇸 Follow Novara Media: https://www.youtube.com/@NovaraMedia🇵🇸 Follow Global Sumud Flotilla: https://www.instagram.com/globalsumudflotilla/?hl=en🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Tommy Marcus (@quentin.quarantino) is an activist and content creator who has raised over $30 million for charitable causes. He joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss his journey aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the mission to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, and his response to official allegations that the flotilla is a “terrorist” operation.0:00-1:39 The Mission Explained1:39-3:18 Why Launch the Flotilla?3:18-10:13 Starvation as Israel’s Strategy10:13-13:51 Facing the Risks13:51-20:10 Tommy’s Political Transformation20:10-24:58 Why Zionist Narratives Stick24:58-31:03 From Victims to Perpetrators31:03-36:01 The Case Against Working With Zionists36:21-39:21 How Democrats Betrayed Gaza39:21-58:50 A Message to the World🇵🇸 Follow Quentin Quarantino: https://www.instagram.com/quentin.quarantino/?hl=en🇵🇸 Follow Global Sumud Flotilla: https://www.instagram.com/globalsumudflotilla/?hl=en🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🌹 Subscribe to The Majority Report using the coupon code CURRENTAFFAIRS: https://fans.fm/majority/join You can be committed to dialogue without pretending the right are reasonable and while aggressively challenging their views. 🌹 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/as-the-far-right-rises-dont-be-ezra-klein 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/ #ezraklein #currentaffairsmagazine #nathanjrobinson

Current Affairs editors Alex Skopic and Emily Topping join editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss their latest articles: the normalization of “selling out,” the weirdly viral “Dubai chocolate” craze, what GOP member podcasts reveal about right-wing propaganda, and why libertarian Rep. Thomas Massie outflanks most other Democrats on foreign policy.🦚 Selling Out: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/how-we-stopped-caring-about-selling-out🦚 Dubai Chocolate: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/dubai-chocolate-is-regime-propaganda🦚 Republican Podcasts: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-sad-world-of-republican-congressional-podcasts🦚 Thomas Massie: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/thomas-massies-anti-war-politics-put-democrats-to-shame🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Academia is not full of radicals. There just aren’t many Republicans, perhaps because Republicans despise the academy’s values of open-mindedness and critical inquiry. 🌹 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-myth-of-the-marxist-university 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Rahm Emanuel encourages us to fear China solely because this would unify the country. But what is the threat?🇨🇳 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/political-elites-just-make-up-new-enemies-whenever-they-need-them🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

From North Korea to the Caribbean to Yemen, Trump claims the right to murder whoever he wants, whenever he wants. Where is the opposition to this outrageous criminality?💀 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/who-will-stand-up-against-the-presidents-lawless-killings🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Taylor Lorenz, technology journalist and author of Extremely Online, joins Current Affairs Editor-in-Chief Nathan J. Robinson and Digital Editor John Ross (who was formerly a producer for The David Pakman Show) to discuss her bombshell Wired investigation into Chorus, Good Influence, and the 1630 Fund, the dark money network secretly funding Democratic influencers.0:00-10:04 Taylor's Reporting10:04-13:50 Why is Matters13:50-18:04 How Good Influence Works18:04-24:57 Suppression of Gaza24:57-29:12 The Decline of Journalism29:12-32:31 How Good Influence Provides Value32:31-35:11 The Democratic Party's "Messaging Problem"35:11-40:56 The Response to Taylor's Article40:56- 44:37 What We Can Learn From This🔥 Read Taylor's Article: https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/🔥 Read John's Article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/meidastouch-turns-democrats-minds-to-slop🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

The Democrats’ latest alternative to an agenda is being really sassy on social media. But without substance to back it up, they will never replicate the magic of a Bernie or Mamdani. 🐍 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/let-them-eat-memes 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

When pompous pundits and politicos begin to rationalize crimes against humanity, it’s no longer possible to laugh at them. The correct reaction is horror, disgust, and a determination to end their influence.🤡 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-clowns-arent-funny-anymore🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Yasmine Taeb, Legislative and Political Director of MPower Change Action Fund—the largest Muslim digital activist organization in the U.S.—joins Current Affairs editor Alex Skopic to discuss the bipartisan complicity in the Gaza genocide, the rise of progressive challengers like Omar Fateh and Zohran Mamdani, and the Islamophobic attacks Muslim candidates continue to face.✊ MPower Change Website: https://www.mpowerchange.org/✊ MPower Action Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpoweraction/?hl=en✊ MPower Action Twitter: https://x.com/MPowerAction0:00–4:32 Origins of MPower Action and the No Muslim Ban Ever Campaign4:32–7:37 Gaza Genocide and U.S. Complicity7:37–10:49 Democratic Party Silence and Support for Israel10:49–16:47 Progressive Challengers Taking on Pro-War Democrats16:47–20:45 Islamophobia and Attacks on Muslim Candidates20:45–24:24 Kamala Harris, the DNC, and Palestinian Exclusion24:24–29:57 Iran, the JCPOA, and the Push for Diplomacy🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Jason Woods, national spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United, joins Current Affairs associate editor Alex Skopic and contributor Stephen Prager to discuss the Starbucks union drive and the fight for fair wages.☕ Mutual Aid for Jason Woods: https://www.instagram.com/p/DM3UFBvxNq8/☕ SBWU's Website: https://sbworkersunited.org/☕ SBWU's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbworkersunited/☕ SBWU's Twitter: https://x.com/SBWorkersUnited0:00-5:24 Why Starbucks Workers Unionized5:24-11:20 The Reality of Barista Pay11:20-16:11 Dress Codes as Union-Busting16:11-20:45 Sip-Ins20:45-23:50 Organizing in the South vs. North23:50-28:00 Every Job Requires Skill28:00-32:01 Steps to Unionize🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers and one of America’s foremost labor leaders, joins Current Affairs editor in chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss her new book Why Fascists Fear Teachers. Weingarten explains why Mike Pompeo once called her “the most dangerous person in the world,” how right-wing figures like Chris Rufo are manufacturing distrust in public schools, and why education remains a radical force for pluralism, empathy, and democracy. She also addresses the weaponization of anti-Semitism in the context of academic freedom, the destruction of Gaza’s schools (scholasticide), and the role of teachers’ unions as both defenders of democracy and pillars of the labor movement. 🍎 Buy Randi's Book: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers 🍎 Randi's Twitter: https://x.com/rweingarten 0:00-6:37 “The Most Dangerous Person in the World” 6:37-11:50 The Truth About “School Choice” 11:50-26:06 Why Fascists Fear Teachers 26:06-31:03 How Anti-Semitism is Weaponized to Undermine Academic Freedom 31:03-34:12 Gaza Scholasticide 34:12-37:19 Supporting Teachers 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

From BetterHelp to bourbon, A-list celebrities are cashing in on our trust. Why is there no longer any stigma for sellouts? 💰 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/how-we-stopped-caring-about-selling-out 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, physician, former Detroit health commissioner, and candidate for U.S. Senate in Michigan, joins Current Affairs editors Nathan J. Robinson and Alex Skopic to discuss the Democratic Party’s deep unpopularity, why Medicare for All remains a moral and economic imperative, the bipartisan silence surrounding the genocide in Gaza, and why all U.S. military aid—offensive and defensive—should end.🌹Abdul's Website: https://abdulforsenate.com/🌹Abdul's Book: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/2021/02/the-definitive-case-for-medicare-for-all🌹Abdul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abdulelsayed/?hl=en🌹 Abdul's Twitter: https://x.com/AbdulElSayed0:00-5:42 Unpopularity of the Democratic Party5:42-14:01 Medicare for All14:01-17:19 Labor17:19-27:23 Gaza27:23-31:31 Islamophobia31:31-40:28 Abdul's Senate Race🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Nathan J. Robinson delivers remarks during the Current Affairs 10th anniversary party on the evening of August 8th, 2025 in New Orleans. 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Saikat Chakrabarti, co-founder of Justice Democrats and former chief of staff to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, joins Nathan J. Robinson to discuss his 2026 congressional campaign to unseat Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Party’s failure to respond to genocide in Gaza, and how decades of complacent leadership have left the party morally bankrupt and politically adrift.🔥 Saikat's Website: https://www.saikat.us/en 🔥 Saikat's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saikatforcongress/ 🔥 Saikat's Twitter: https://x.com/saikatc 0:00–5:30 Gaza 5:30–19:27 The Democratic Party 19:27–21:41 Nancy Pelosi 24:00–29:00 Zohran Mamdani 29:00–36:14 Saikat's Policy Agenda 36:14–42:27 Campaigning in a Hopeless Moment 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a reconstructive surgeon and healthcare advocate, joins Nathan J. Robinson and Emily Topping to discuss her viral criticism of UnitedHealth, the systemic cruelty of the insurance industry, and how corporations are quietly reshaping American medicine through coercion, denial, and intimidation.🩺 Dr. Potter's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrElisabethPotterMD🩺 Dr. Potter's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drelisabethpotter?lang=en🩺 Dr. Potter's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelisabethpotter/🩺 Dr. Potter's Website: https://www.drpotter.com/🩺 New York Times article on Dr. Potter: https://archive.ph/vrnN60:00-10:00 Insurance Is Out of Control10:00-14:05 "Peer-to-Peer" Calls14:05-20:07 The Cruelty of Insurance Companies20:07-24:14 The Waiver System24:14-30:42 UnitedHealth's Intimidation Tactics30:42-37:28 Luigi Mangione + The Need for Reform🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Podcast bros are interviewing presidents and power players without doing basic research beforehand. The result is a propagandistic catastrophe.💀 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/rise-of-the-idiot-interviewer 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Max from UNFTR joins Nathan J. Robinson to discuss Zohran Mamdani's victory, the limits of third-party politics, and how the Democratic Party can be taken over with five bold, non-negotiable demands for progressive transformation. ⚙️ Subscribe to UNFTR: https://www.youtube.com/@UNFTR ⚙️ Read the 5 Non-Negotiables: https://www.unftr.com/5nn 0:00-8:10 Zohran Mamdani 8:10-36:57 Can Third Parties Succeed? 36:57-59:50 The Five “Non-Negotiables" 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on July 15, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsBarry Eisler, a former CIA agent and bestselling novelist, joins Nathan J. Robinson to discuss his new book, The System. They talk about how power actually works in Washington, how politicians get absorbed into the duopoly, why partisan conflict is mostly theater, and how language, fiction, and euphemism shape our understanding of violence, war, and the state. 🕸️ Purchase The System: https://barryeisler.com/books/the-system/ 🕸️ Barry's Other Writing: https://barryeisler.com/books/ 🕸️ Follow Barry on Twitter: https://x.com/barryeisler 🕸️ Follow Barry on Substack: https://barryeisler.substack.com/ 0:00–5:33 Introducing *The System* 5:33–10:41 The Illusion of Partisanship 10:41–15:14 Understanding the Duopoly 15:14–27:06 The Co-optation of AOC 27:06–34:09 Chomky's Martian 34:09–39:28 How Language Masks Violence 39:28–45:24 Rationalizing Atrocity 45:24–56:03 “Are We the Baddies?” 56:03–1:06:15 The Politics of Thrillers 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Middle East analyst Mouin Rabbani joins Nathan J. Robinson to discuss the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They examine the illusion of ceasefire negotiations, the weaponization of humanitarian aid through the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and the eugenic logic underpinning Israel’s military campaign. They also explore how death tolls are systematically undercounted, how Palestinian voices are censored in Western media, why Israeli hasbara no longer works, and how genocidal logic is rationalized through propaganda. 🇵🇸 Follow Mouin on Substack: https://substack.com/@mouinrabbani 🇵🇸 Follow Mouin on Twitter: https://x.com/MouinRabbani 0:00-9:55 The Illusion of Negotiations 9:55-21:54 Weaponization of Aid and the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" 21:54-25:24 Genocide as Eugenics 25:24-30:15 Undercounting Deaths 30:15-37:49 Media Censorship of Palestinian Voices 37:49-41:21 The Collapse of Israeli Hasbara 41:21-50:33 Genocidal Rhetoric and International Law 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

MAGA followers say they want to expose powerful, predatory billionaire elites. But Donald Trump is the exact person who should be their enemy.🏝️ Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-epstein-case-reveals-the-fraud-of-trumpism 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Honor Cargill-Martin, a historian of the ancient world, discusses how myths about the Roman empire originated and continue to warp our political discourse.🏛️ Honor's Substack: https://allancienthistory.substack.com/🏛️ Honor's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRIbS3NQ4ksTUrMiaMVQ-Q🏛️ Interview Transcript: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/what-the-right-doesnt-know-about-rome0:00-4:28 The Roman Empire TikTok Trend4:28-12:27 The Roman Empire Loved by MAGA Never Existed12:27-15:17 What JD Vance Doesn't Understand About Rome15:17-20:53 Do All Democracies Have to Die?20:53-32:30 Myth vs. Reality in Roman History32:30-42:46 Messalina42:46-49:01 How to Understand Our Own Time🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Kishore Mahbubani is a renowned diplomat, scholar, and one of the most insightful analysts of global power dynamics. He served as Singapore’s Ambassador to the United Nations and as President of the UN Security Council, and is the author of books including "Has China Won?" and "Has the West Lost It?"Mahbubani joins Current Affairs to explain why the United States is losing ground to China--not because of Chinese aggression, but because of internal dysfunction, elite failure, and strategic incoherence. He critiques the emotional, zero-sum mindset dominating U.S. foreign policy and calls for a more rational, cooperative approach to global affairs.🌏 Follow Kishore on Twitter: https://x.com/mahbubani_k🌏 Buy Kishore's Books: https://mahbubani.net/books/0:00-3:57 The Good News3:57- 6:54 Why Americans Fear China6:54-9:51 The Failure of American Elites9:51-15:31 Why Trump Should Work With China15:31-21:38 Is China Communist?21:38-23:37 Is America The Best Model?23:37-27:14 Does America Think Strategically?27:14-30:08 America's Wasteful Defense Spending30:08-35:15 America's Strategic Errors35:15-41:17 America's Disdain for the UN41:17-46:17 The Potential For Cooperation🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

He has shown that a socialist message can win people over. His campaign is a model that should be emulated everywhere.🗽 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/zohran-mamdanis-victory-is-just-what-the-left-needed🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

The latest Democratic fad sidelines equality and justice in favor of a focus on cutting red tape. This is not the path forward.🌎 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/abandon-abundance🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Ralph Nader is one of the most important and successful activists in American political history. He played a key role in creating the consumer rights movement in the 1960s and ’70s, and his push for auto safety regulation led to measures that saved countless lives. He has also run multiple insurgent campaigns for president, challenging the two-party system and offering powerful criticisms of corporate power.Nader joins Current Affairs to analyze Donald Trump’s authoritarianism, the Democratic Party’s failure to offer a compelling alternative, and the media’s role in narrowing public imagination. He also responds to Ezra Klein’s recent critique in Abundance, arguing that it shifts blame away from institutional failures and undermines genuine political accountability.📣 Ralph's latest book, Civic Self Respect: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/718731/civic-self-respect-by-ralph-nader/📣 Ralph's website: https://nader.org/📣 Interview transcript: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/ralph-nader-on0:00–5:36 Trump’s Authoritarian Rule5:36–10:39 What Deserves Our Focus Now10:39–15:43 Democratic Party Malpractice15:43–21:19 Ezra Klein’s Attack on Nader21:19–29:45 How Ordinary People Build Power29:45–38:39 Proven Victories by Citizen Action38:39–45:58 Pessimism as a Tool of Control45:58–52:28 Nader Reflects on His Life's Work🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Katrina vanden Heuvel is the publisher and editorial director of The Nation, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and an advocate for diplomacy, disarmament, and international cooperation. She returns to Current Affairs to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, the erosion of U.S. diplomacy, and the bipartisan consensus around militarism.She outlines the details of the Quincy Institute’s U.S. peace plan, explains why diplomacy is often smeared as appeasement, and explores what a negotiated end to the war might actually look like. We also explore whether Trump, despite his transactional and erratic instincts, might paradoxically be the only figure capable of restarting peace talks. Nathan concludes with an analysis of the "security dilemma" and how the logic of militarism is driving a global arms race under the guise of self-defense.🕊️ Read Katrina in The Nation: https://www.thenation.com/authors/katrina-vanden-heuvel/ 🕊️ Subscribe to The Nation: https://subscriptions.thenation.com/TNA/?f=Site01&s=F5X001 🕊️ The Quincy Institute's Peace Plan: https://quincyinst.org/research/a-u-s-peace-plan-for-ukraine/#executive-summary0:00-5:15 Is Trump Interested In Peace?5:15-17:05 The U.S. Peace Plan for Ukraine17:21-26:53 Diplomacy vs. Appeasement26:53-31:21 How Does The War End?31:21-38:58 The Security Dilemma

Even by the standards of right-wing rhetoric, Miller’s public statements are uncommonly shameless. He treats his audience as stupid and gullible. 🦎 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-brainless-propaganda-of-stephen-miller 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

Andrew Cuomo is not just unfit for office—he’s dangerous. In this interview, Lindsey Boylan, the first woman to publicly speak out about Cuomo’s abusive behavior, explains how his pattern of harassment, retaliation, and intimidation mirrors the authoritarian tactics of Donald Trump. Boylan describes how Cuomo weaponized state resources, silenced critics, and surrounded himself with enablers, all while cultivating a media image of competence and compassion. This interview complements a larger piece by Nathan J. Robinson, editor of Current Affairs, on Cuomo’s deadly mishandling of COVID, corruption scandals, abuse of elderly prisoners, and his pro-corporate, pro-Israel, anti-worker agenda. Despite resigning in disgrace, Cuomo is now the frontrunner in the race for New York City mayor. Boylan’s warning is urgent: his abuses will continue unless we stop him now. 🗽 Watch Our Other Video on Cuomo: https://youtu.be/gYg-Ihd74pU 🗽 Read the AG's Investigation of Cuomo: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021.08.03_nyag_-_investigative_report.pdf 🗽 Read Nathan's Article on Cuomo: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/andrew-cuomo-is-worse-than-you-even-know 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

The former governor is a corrupt abuser of power with a pro-corporate agenda and a proven track record of deadly negligence. He will do nothing to improve New Yorkers’ lives. Why on Earth is he a contender for mayor? Nathan J. Robinson, editor of Current Affairs Magazine, reads his article "Andrew Cuomo Is Worse Than You Even Know" 🗽 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/andrew-cuomo-is-worse-than-you-even-know 0:00–4:37 The Story of Mr. Smalls 4:37–13:23 Abuse of Power & Workplace Misconduct 13:23–21:09 Deadly COVID Mismanagement 21:09–25:18 Corruption & Cover-Ups 25:18–39:35 Cuomo’s Political Record & Ideology 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 30, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsProfessor Richard Wolff is the host of the weekly program Economic Update, co-founder of Democracy at Work, and the author of numerous books including Understanding Marxism, Understanding Socialism, Capitalism Hits the Fan, and The Sickness Is the System.He joins Current Affairs to explain how economics is deliberately taught in a way that confuses people and obscures the realities of power and exploitation. He dismantles the myth that capitalism delivers prosperity, showing instead how it generates instability, inequality, and crisis. Wolff also offers a sober analysis of America’s imperial decline, critiques Trump’s economic agenda, and exposes the economic lies behind anti-immigrant rhetoric.📚 Subscribe to Richard's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@democracyatwrk/videos📚 Buy Richard's Books: https://www.rdwolff.com/books0:00–11:53 Why Economics Is Designed to Confuse You11:53–22:26 What Marxism Actually Reveals About Capitalism22:26–30:55 Capitalism Isn’t What You Think It Is30:55–36:48 Capitalism’s “Success” Story Is a Lie36:48–44:35 The End of American Empire44:35–47:45 Will Trump Cause A Recession?47:45–57:23 The Economics of Immigration

This panel was recorded on October 16th, 2024A special event hosted by Current Affairs Magazine at The New School in New York City to celebrate the release of The Myth of American Idealism, the new book co-authored by Noam Chomsky and Nathan J. Robinson. The panel explores Chomsky’s lifelong critique of U.S. foreign policy—from Vietnam and Iraq to Ukraine and Gaza—and examines why his radical analysis of American power remains essential.Joining Nathan are leading journalists, scholars, and close collaborators of Chomsky who reflect on his influence, his moral clarity, and the urgent relevance of his work today.Nathan Robinson - Co-author of The Myth of American Idealism, Editor-in-Chief of Current Affairs MagazineAmy Goodman - Host of the independent global news program Democracy Now! since 1996, author of six books, winner of the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence and the Gandhi Peace AwardBev Stohl - Ran Prof. Chomsky's office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for over 20 years and is the author of Chomsky and Me: A MemoirGreg Grandin - Professor of history at Yale University, author of Kissinger's Shadow, Empire's Workshop, and Fordlandia: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for History and the National Book AwardVictor Pickard - Media studies professor, Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, author of America’s Battle for Media Democracy: The Triumph of Corporate Libertarianism and the Future of Media Reform and Democracy Without Journalism?📖 The Myth of American Idealism: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/📖 Chomsky and Me: https://orbooks.com/catalog/chomsky-and-me/

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 20, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsJohn Cassidy, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of Capitalism and Its Critics, joins Nathan J. Robinson to explore the history of capitalism. Cassidy examines why capitalism has been criticized from its inception, the diverse range of critiques it has faced, and how these criticisms have evolved over time.Through profiles of both iconic figures and overlooked thinkers, Cassidy unpacks the multifaceted critiques of capitalism, from its inherent exploitation and inequality to its destructive environmental impact. He also highlights the often-dismissed contributions of female critics and explores right-wing condemnations of capitalism, providing a thorough and nuanced exploration of the ideological battle over capitalism's role in the modern world.0:00-7:15 Why Criticize Capitalism?7:15-9:58 The Different Flavors of Capitalism9:58-12:51 A Narrative-Driven History of Capitalism12:51-16:44 Profiles of Capitalism's Critics16:44-21:43 Female Critics of Capitalism21:43-25:01 Most Ignored Critics of Capitalism25:01-29:13 Right-Wing Critics of Capitalism29:13-33:30 The Future of Capitalism💰 Buy John Cassidy's Book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374601096/capitalismanditscritics/

The Democratic Party is sclerotic. It’s easy to heap blame on Joe Biden now that he is weak and powerless. But that’s a convenient way of avoiding a major reckoning. Nathan J. Robinson, editor of Current Affairs, reads his article "The Problem Goes Well Beyond Biden" 🦚 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-problem-goes-well-beyond-biden 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 16, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsChas Freeman is one of the most insightful voices in U.S. foreign policy, with a distinguished career as a diplomat and a deep expertise in U.S.-China relations. In this conversation with Nathan J. Robinson, Freeman offers a searing critique of America's current approach to diplomacy, the global balance of power, and its role in key international conflicts.Freeman challenges the pervasive "China threat" narrative, arguing that the U.S. has misunderstood China's rise and wrongly positioned it as an existential threat. He compares the foreign policy approaches of Presidents Biden and Trump, highlighting the surprising continuities in their handling of China. Freeman also deconstructs the oversimplified and inflammatory discourse surrounding Taiwan, calling for a more nuanced understanding. Shifting to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Freeman explains how U.S. diplomatic failures helped fuel the war and why America’s actions have deepened the crisis. Finally, Freeman offers a sharp critique of U.S. policy towards Israel, urging the U.S. to stop enabling Israel’s expansionist policies and to push for a real peace agreement with the Palestinians.0:00-6:03 The Decline of American Diplomacy6:03-15:26: China15:26-18:30: Biden v. Trump Approach to China18:30-23:58: Taiwan23:58-35:07: Russia/Ukraine35:07-49:09: Israel/Palestine🤝 Buy Chas Freeman's Books: https://chasfreeman.net/books-and-publications/

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 14, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsTed Rall is one of the most influential political cartoonists on the left today. In his new book “What’s Left: Radical Solutions for Radical Problems," he presents a manifesto for left-wing politics in 2025, blending incisive analysis with his political cartoons.Rall outlines what it means to be a leftist in an era where the Democratic Party has abandoned progressive ideals. He argues that the left must focus on real, substantive demands — from healthcare and the defense budget to a livable wage, offering both a critique of the past and a vision for what the future could hold if we organize around principles that actually improve people's lives.0:00-7:04 A Manifesto for the Left7:04-11:49 Defining Core Leftist Values11:49-19:20 The Power of Simplifying Complex Ideas19:20-27:48 Liberals vs. Leftists27:48-41:17 Key Priorities for the Left41:17-46:58 The Broad Appeal of Left-Wing Ideas🎨 Buy Ted's Book: https://rall.com/2025/05/01/book-ted-rall-whats-left🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on April 18, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsAmerica is in crisis, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Around the world, other countries have already solved many of the problems we’re told are unsolvable here: from unaffordable healthcare to lack of parental leave, crumbling infrastructure, climate disaster, and more. So why can’t the U.S. do what other nations have already done?We’re joined by journalist and lecturer Natasha Hakimi Zapata, author of Another World Is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe, a new book that explores how other countries have tackled problems the U.S. treats as unsolvable. From universal healthcare in the U.K. to paid family leave in Norway, public housing in Singapore, and green energy in Uruguay, Zapata shows what’s possible and how it was achieved. She traces the political fights, the movements, and the leadership that made these victories real, offering lessons for Americans ready to demand more. The solutions exist. The question is whether we’re willing to fight for them. 0:00–15:17 The Fight to Create the NHS 15:17–21:44 Parental Leave & Childcare That Actually Works 21:44–27:00 Why These Aren’t “Handouts” 27:00–29:32 How Singapore Made Public Housing Work 29:32–33:52 Estonia’s Model of Digital Democracy 33:52–36:47 Uruguay’s Green Energy Revolution 36:47–45:23 How to Win These Fights in the U.S. 🌎 Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Another-World-Possible-Lessons-America/dp/162097844X 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

In “On Democracies and Death Cults,” Murray offers a straightforward “good versus evil” account of the Israel-Palestine conflict. He does this by excluding every piece of information that undercuts his thesis and even spreading outright falsehoods.🦚 Read the article: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/douglas-murrays-expertise-is-a-sham 🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership 🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs 🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on May 6, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsLorne Michaels might be the most powerful figure in American comedy — and yet, most people barely know who he is. In this episode, New Yorker editor Susan Morrison joins us to discuss her new book Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, a deeply reported, wildly entertaining biography of the man behind SNL. We explore how Michaels built a cultural institution from scratch, reinvented the variety show format, and launched the careers of generations of comedy legends — all while staying deliberately out of the spotlight. Morrison explains how Michaels has shaped American humor and politics, maintained control over a live show for nearly 50 years, and earned a reputation as one of the most inscrutable and effective bosses in showbiz.0:00–1:55 Spy Magazine vs. Trump1:55–14:54 Why Lorne Michaels?14:54–28:50 Reinventing the Variety Show28:50–31:28 How SNL Shaped Comedy31:28–34:21 SNL and Politics34:21–38:01 Lorne’s Management Style38:01–43:20 Favorite Sketches🎭 Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/532520/lorne-by-susan-morrison/🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on April 29, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!Liberalism and socialism are often treated as opposites — but what if they’re actually part of the same fight for freedom, equality, and democracy? We’re joined by political theorist Matt McManus, author of The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism, a new book that challenges conventional narratives about liberalism, socialism, and the history of political philosophy.McManus explains how thinkers from John Stuart Mill to John Rawls argued that true freedom requires not just political rights, but freedom from domination in the workplace and economy. He also addresses the deep confusion around the word "liberal" today — why many leftists recoil at liberalism after decades of association with hollow technocrats like Matt Yglesias — and why the older liberal tradition, rooted in egalitarian principles, is worth retrieving.0:00–6:45 Why Political Philosophy Matters6:45–23:34 Recovering the Radical Roots of Liberalism23:34–27:20 John Rawls Was More Radical Than You Think27:20–32:30 Can Liberalism Be Saved From Its Hypocrisy?32:30–38:42 What Separates Liberal Socialists From Other Socialists38:42–46:06 Why Understanding Liberalism and Socialism Still Matters Today🌹 The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism: https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234🦩SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE: https://www.currentaffairs.org/membership🦩 PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/CurrentAffairs🦩THE MYTH OF AMERICAN IDEALISM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738224/the-myth-of-american-idealism-by-noam-chomsky-and-nathan-j-robinson/

🦩 This episode originally aired on April 22, 2025. Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairsMost people never think twice about shrimp. But as it turns out, these creatures make up the majority of animals alive on farms at any given time—hundreds of billions every year. And the conditions they endure are often horrifying: overcrowding, eye mutilation, and inhumane slaughter methods are all standard practice. So why don’t we care?We’re joined by Andrés Jiménez Zorrilla, chairman of the Shrimp Welfare Project. He walks us through the shocking scale of global shrimp farming, the mounting scientific evidence for shrimp sentience, and the practical reforms that can drastically reduce animal suffering.0:00–5:20 Why We Care About Pandas But Not Shrimp5:20–10:54 The Most Abused Animals on Earth10:54–17:18 Can Shrimp Feel Pain?17:18–22:36 Inside the Brutal World of Shrimp Farming22:36–31:32 How We Can Make Shrimp Suffer Less🦐 Yes, Shrimp Matter: https://asteriskmag.com/issues/09/yes-shrimp-matter🦐 Shrimp Welfare Project: https://www.shrimpwelfareproject.org/

A bit of a change of pace for the CA podcast today: We're going to be doing SCIENCE instead of politics. We're joined by one of the world's leading popular science writers, physics professor Sean Carroll, whose bestselling books include The Big Picture: On the Origins of Life, Meaning, and the Universe Itself and Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime. His latest book is The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Quanta and Fields.Sean is here today to discuss how our understanding of the world around us has developed over time, how much stranger the world is than our "common sense" perceptions of it would indicate, and how laypeople with no background in the physical sciences can begin to grasp and appreciate the deepest hidden truths about the Universe. Sean is an eloquent spokesperson for the view that a godless universe can still be a poetic and beautiful one, and there may be more connections between the political and the physical than it first appears...