In The Atlantic Realists: Empire and International Political Thought Between Germany and the United States (Stanford UP, 2022), intellectual historian Matthew Specter offers a boldly revisionist interpretation of "realism," a prevalent stance in post-WWII US foreign policy and public discourse and the dominant international relations theory during the Cold War. Challenging the common view of realism as a set of universally binding truths about international affairs, Specter argues that its major features emerged from a century-long dialogue between American and German intellectuals beginning in the late nineteenth century. Specter uncovers an "Atlantic realist" tradition of reflection on the prerogatives of empire and the nature of power politics conditioned by fin de siècle imperial competition, two world wars, the Holocaust, and the Cold War. Focusing on key figures in the evolution of realist thought, including Carl Schmitt, Hans Morgenthau, and Wilhelm Grewe, this book traces the development of the realist worldview over a century, dismantling myths about the national interest, Realpolitik, and the "art" of statesmanship.
What to know about the Fed’s aggressive strategy to get inflation under control. Also, what the White House said in its warning to big oil, and how the industry is pushing back.
Plus: millions of American cars have been recalled because of a safety issue, which American sports league will only show games on streaming, and Squid Game in real life! The reality show coming to Netflix…
The Supreme Court released opinions on Wednesday in six different cases across a range of issues including veterans’ benefits, Medicare reimbursements, and gambling on tribal lands. Those six decisions did not include the case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, but in the meantime abortion access has already ended in many states.
A disastrous combo of warm weather and rain in recent days caused unprecedented flooding and mudslides in Yellowstone National Park. Homes near the park were swept away into the water and brown river water engulfed roads.
And in headlines: Advisers to the FDA voted unanimously to authorize COVID vaccines for toddlers, President Biden signed an executive order to combat anti-LGBTQ+ bills, and the Federal Reserve raised interest rates.
America is a golden land of opportunity. Yet many of the country's young people don't see it that way. They believe the American dream is unattainable and that America is a racist and bigoted place full of evil oppressors.
Ian Rowe, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of the new book "Agency," wants to change that narrative and prove to America's youth that there is something worth striving for.
"I want young people to know that they can do hard things," Rowe explains. "That they live in a good, if not great, country. That, with the right ingredients, they can lead a life of their own choosing."
Rowe thinks there's two factors responsible for American youth: a "blame the system" narrative and a "blame the victim" narrative.
"In the 'blame the system' narrative, if you are not achieving the American dream, the reason is America itself. That America itself is this oppressive nation. That based on superficial characteristics like gender or race, you're oppressed," says Rowe.
The other philosophy blames the individual themselves.
"It's your fault. It's some pathology that you have. You didn't pull yourself up by your own bootstraps," says Rowe. "But if a young person hasn't had the right kind of nurturing from a strong family, strong faith-based organization, strong educational opportunity, then it's very difficult for them independently to overcome these hurdles."
Rowe joins the show to discuss his new book and how we can inspire young people to succeed.
We also cover these stories:
President Joe Biden threatens to use emergency powers if oil companies don't boost supplies amidst growing gas prices.
Mayra Flores wins a special election in Texas, marking the first time a Republican will represent the Rio Grande Valley since 1871.
George Washington University retires its century-old Colonials moniker over outcry from student activists.
Paris Marx is joined by Gita Jackson to discuss how streaming has altered the film and television industry, what happens as their business models are coming under question, and whether cinemas have reason to celebrate streaming’s woes.
Gita Jackson is a staff writer at Motherboard, Vice’s tech vertical. Follow Gita on Twitter at @xoxogossipgita.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.
EA considered a merger with NBC Universal, and had talks with other companies.
Raven Software at Activision Blizzard and Bioware contractors at Keywords Studios have voted to unionize. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer said the company would recognize the Raven Software union if its acquisition of Activision Blizzard goes through.
CNN+ was shut down after a few weeks of operation.
Netflix’s share price plummeted in April after reporting it lost subscribers. The following week, the cinema celebrated the negative turn on streaming at CinemaCon.
The Mandalorian pioneered a new kind of film set with massive LED screens instead of green screen.
On this week’s episode of The Waves, Slate science writer and editor Shannon Palus is joined by Popular Science executive editor and author Rachel Feltman to talk about sex, baby. Rachel’s new book, “Been There, Done That” explores the quirky, wild, and often queer side of the history of sex. Shannon and Rachel talk about why animal sex is so relevant to human sex, the “loop-de-loop” of sexual evolution, and they ponder the age old question, “Why are even men?”
In Slate Plus, Rachel talks about why Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may in some cases not be as terrible as you think.
The hearings have started for the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. The televised hearings have already circled in on a major, and possibly criminal theme: Donald Trump would not accept that he lost the election and was willing to listen to any theory or allegation—no matter how little evidence there was to support it—that would let him stay in office. Why are former Trump officials finally willing speak out against the former president?
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