9/25/26 Eli Clifton and Ian Lustick on the State of Israel’s Lobby in 2026
Summary
Scott Horton interviews Eli Clifton and Ian Shapiro, co-founders of the Quincy Institute, to discuss their new book, "Israel’s Lobby: America in the Grip of a Foreign Power." The conversation explores how billionaire donors like the Adelsons have distorted US foreign policy, leading to the Iran war and the suppression of free speech on university campuses. The guests argue that the Israel lobby now relies on coercive state power rather than public support to silence dissent, effectively placing American democracy and national security in the grip of a foreign regime.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest introductions
Book overview: Israel's Lobby
The Jonathan Pollard and Adelson story
Federalist 10 and the danger of factions
Suppression of speech on US campuses
Maccabee Task Force and state power
War on Terror, Iraq, and AIPAC tactics
Libertarian Institute fundraising segment
Shifting public opinion and coercive methods
Brandeis study and generational shift
Who is left in the war party?
Trump's reversal and donor influence
Origins of the Iran conflict
Manipulating Trump and the Golan Heights
Biden administration and donor influence
University Compact and civil liberties
Sponsor segments: Coffee and insurance
Hollywood, medical fields, and anti-semitism
TikTok ban and information warfare
The film Nasa and AI targeting
Sponsor segments: Expat Money and Tax
Debating the film's sources and context
Political costs and midterm implications
2028 outlook and the NRA comparison
Closing remarks and credits
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