Ben Rhodes: Is Trump Stumbling into a Wider War?
Summary
Tim Miller interviews Ben Rhodes about rising global tensions, including Russian threats to NATO and the strategic risks of a fractured world order favoring China. They discuss the Trump administration’s dismissal of Ukrainian drone technology and the geopolitical consequences of US munitions depletion. The conversation shifts to domestic politics, analyzing the backlash against pro-Israel spending in Democratic primaries and the disconnect between party leadership and younger voters on Israel.
Topics discussed
Intro: Ben Rhodes joins to discuss his new book and recent news
Rising tensions in the Baltics and fears of Russian escalation
Global conflict risks and paths for the Ukraine war
Ukrainian drone tech vs. Pentagon spending and Don Jr.
Fractured world order: US decline and China's rise
Impact on allies: Gulf states, South Korea, and Europe
The dangers of a Chinese-led surveillance state
AIPAC ads on Ted Cruz and money in politics
Democratic Party divisions over Israel and Gaza
Hassan Piker, Mike Rogers, and handling dissent
Strategies for shifting the Democratic Party's stance
Political storytelling: Obama's speeches and narrative control
Authenticity in politics: Huey Long vs. JD Vance
Reflections on the failure of the 'Resistance' movement
Liz Cheney, Kamala Harris, and establishment pitfalls
DSA, online activism, and definitions of political success
Enis Cantor's controversial career and free speech
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