Trump's Tariffs And Its Geoeconomic Implications W/ Karthik Sankaran Parallax Views W/ J.G. Michael podcast

1:05:38

On this May Day edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, political theorist Matt McManus joins us to unpack The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism, his groundbreaking new book. We explore: Liberal Socialism Defined: Why liberal rights and socialist economics aren’t mutually exclusive—and how methodological collectivism and normative individualism unite them. Historical Roots: From Mary Wollstonecraft and Thomas Paine’s radical democracy to John Stuart Mill’s social liberalism, contrasted with Edmund Burke and Ludwig von Mises. Core Principles: A developmental ethic over mere inquiry, economic democracy within a liberal framework, and, for some, extending democratic values into the family. Key Influences: John Rawls’s Theory of Justice, Samuel Moyn’s critique of Cold War liberalism and the relationship between Samuel Moyn's book LIBERALISM AGAINST ITSELF: COLD WAR INTELLECTUALS AND THE MAKING OF OUR TIMES and Matt's book, and a speculative look at Richard Rorty’s pragmatic liberalism in relation to Liberal Socialism. Global & Anti-Colonial Critiques: Addressing charges of Eurocentrism and imperialist bias by anti-colonial and Global South critiques of Liberal Socialism. Critiques from the Left & Right: Responses to neoliberal, libertarian, and Marxist-Leninist objections, and why caricaturing Marx misses his nuanced view of liberal institutions. If you’re interested in the crossroads of political philosophy, the future of democratic socialism, and reclaiming a tradition of freedom and equality, tune in to this deep dive with Matt McManus.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Remembering Pope Francis and Confronting Authoritarianism w/ William Dowell 38:35

2 days ago38:35

38:35

On this edition of Parallax Views , we remember the late Pope Francis in conversation with veteran journalist William Dowell, who recently penned the WhoWhatWhy article “The Passing of a Genuinely Christian Pope.” Dowell reflects on Francis’s lasting spiritual legacy, portraying him as a humble and principled leader who consistently emphasized compassion for the poor, migrants, and marginalized—offering a distinct moral voice in a time often marked by political polarization and societal uncertainty. Drawing on decades of experience covering the Vatican and international affairs, Dowell shares thoughtful reflections on papal transitions, the evolving role of the Catholic Church, and how Francis’s message of empathy and humility resonated with younger generations and diverse global audiences. The conversation also widens to examine broader political and cultural dynamics, including the rise of populist and authoritarian currents in the United States, especially in light of the 2nd Trump presidency. Dowell offers his perspective on recent political developments and contrasts the ethos of Francis’s leadership with contemporary trends he sees as driven more by power than principle. In an age where foundational democratic and ethical values are frequently contested, the discussion offers space for reflection on the role of conscience, truth, and leadership. This wide-ranging dialogue is both a tribute to a unique papacy and an invitation to deeper thought.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Follow the Money: The Think Tank Funding Tracker w/ Ben Freeman & Nick Cleveland-Stout 1:03:00

8 days ago1:03:00

1:03:00

You're Listening to Parallax Views https://parallaxviews.podbean.com/ Support the Show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews On this edition of Parallax Views with J.G. Michael , we explore the powerful financial forces behind Washington D.C.’s most influential think tanks—and how those funding streams may shape U.S. foreign policy and defense strategy. Joining us are Ben Freeman and Nick Cleveland-Stout of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft to discuss their eye-opening project: the Think Tank Funding Tracker (TTFT) . The TTFT is designed to bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the world of policy influence, exposing the financial ties between think tanks and their funders. Specifically, we look at three major sources of funding: U.S. government funding, led by the Department of Defense Foreign government contributions, including major donors like Saudi Arabia and Qatar Defense contractor money, with Northrop Grumman leading the charge Think tanks play a vital role in shaping public policy through research, analysis, and recommendations. But as Ben and Nick explain, financial backing can create conflicts of interest and biases that may influence the narratives and policy prescriptions these institutions offer. Some think tanks rank high in transparency—others, particularly those with more hawkish foreign policy stances, score a troubling zero. We also address the issue of “dark money” think tanks, declining public trust, and how the TTFT includes concrete policy recommendations to encourage better disclosure practices. The conversation highlights the need for vigilance in understanding who is funding the experts shaping public debate and decision-making. One key case study we explore is the Atlantic Council, a major D.C. think tank whose funding sources exemplify the complex web of influence at play in the policy space. If you’re interested in U.S. foreign policy, military-industrial complex dynamics, Middle East geopolitics, or political influence in Washington, this is a must-listen episode that breaks down the often unseen forces shaping global affairs. For more information please read Quincy Brief #68: Big Ideas and Big Money: Think Tank Funding in America .…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Shoot Pro Wrestling Revives Catch-as-Catch-Can Style w/ Jake Shannon, Pat Miletich & Matt Granahan 57:21

9 days ago57:21

57:21

On this special episode of Parallax Views , we enter the world of Shoot Pro Wrestling (SPW)—a new promotion looking to bring the raw intensity and legitimacy of catch-as-catch-can wrestling back to the forefront of combat sports and professional wrestling. Joining the conversation are three key figures behind the SPW movement: – 🧠 Jake Shannon, catch wrestling historian and founder of Scientific Wrestling – 🥊 Pat Miletich, UFC legend, coach, and one of the original hybrid fighters in American MMA – 🤼 Matt Granahan, colorful grappling promoter and self-proclaimed "King of Connecticut" Together, we dive deep into the lineage of catch wrestling, tracing its influence on both modern MMA and professional wrestling, and how SPW aims to resurrect this foundational style—not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a vital evolution of shoot-based combat. Highlights from the conversation include: – The roots of SPW’s ruleset in the philosophy and techniques of the legendary Karl Gotch, as Jake Shannon explains how Gotch’s vision is now being implemented in real-world matches. – Pat Miletich’s reflections on how catch wrestling shaped his fighting style and mindset, and why he believes it instills a toughness many athletes can greatly benefit from. – Pat’s firsthand account of being at the Tokyo Dome when Kazushi Sakuraba defeated Royce Gracie, and Jake discusses how Sakuraba’s iconic declaration after that historic match—“Pro Wrestling is Strong!”—relates to Shoot Pro Wrestling's attitude and ethos. – A discussion of fighting spirit, its philosophical importance, and how it manifests in catch wrestling’s brutal simplicity and mental discipline. – Matt Granahan makes a big announcement about Shoot Pro Wrestling's women’s division, marking a new chapter for female competitors in the catch lineage. – A lively pitch to both pro wrestling fans and MMA fans on why Shoot Pro Wrestling offers something radically different: real grappling, no gimmicks, no predetermined outcomes—just pure, unfiltered combat with roots in both strategy and skill. - An exploration of how foundational catch wrestling is to both MMA and pro wrestling. Although much has been made of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's influence on the combat sports landscape, as it should, the impact of catch wrestling on combat sports deserves greater recognition. - Talking about catch wrestling as a science and a system - Pro wrestling legend Larry Zbyszko's involvement in the Shoot Pro Wrestling venture. This episode explores the tension between tradition and innovation and why catch wrestling—often unfairly overshadowed by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and theatrical pro wrestling—may finally be getting its due in the form of an exciting new promotion dedicated to the grappling fighting style. For fans of mixed martial arts history, wrestling and combat sports philosophy, and raw fighting, this is one you won’t want to miss.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Grappling With Grapplevision: An Unstructured Deep Dive Into the Phantom Funhouse of Pro Wrestling 4:37:12

17 days ago4:37:12

4:37:12

On this edition of Parallax Views , the biggest wrestling event of the year is only days away: WrestleMania. Billed as the "Showcase of the Immortals," WrestleMania is the marquee event of World Wrestling Entertainment and has been going strong for over 40 years. On April 19th and 20th, WWE will present WrestleMania 41 . Yes—FORTY-ONE. Ahead of the big event, I spoke with Gary from the YouTube channel Grapplevision —one of the most unique and compelling voices in pro wrestling media today. While most wrestling YouTubers focus on current events or canonical moments like the Montreal Screwjob, Hulk Hogan’s heel turn, or Mick Foley’s infamous fall off the Hell in a Cell, Grapplevision dives into the ghosts and glitches of wrestling history. It's a channel immersed in what you might call phantom histories : forgotten figures, obscure promotions, uncanny storylines, and the lingering specters of wrestling’s carny roots. What sets Grapplevision apart is its unmistakably hauntological aesthetic—think VHS degradation, lost tapes, and late-night public access weirdness. The channel’s documentaries are layered with analog textures and deep archival digs, evoking the era of tape trading and underground fandom. In many ways, it feels less like a recap or explainer and more like a séance conducted with a turnbuckle and a cathode-ray screen. From the blurred lines of shoot vs. worked fights (explored in the "Wrestling Gets Real" series), to Japanese deathmatch icon Atsushi Onita’s exploding barbed wire spectacles, to strange pop culture crossovers featuring Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, and Jim Varney’s Ernest P. Worrell— Grapplevision chronicles the strange, forgotten, and surreal corners of the squared circle. All this with an intro that cheekily nods to David Cronenberg’s Videodrome . In this sprawling, four-and-a-half-hour conversation, you'll hear from someone who's not only been inside the industry but has also taken on the role of archivist and cultural historian. Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, there's something here for anyone interested in performance, memory, mythology, and media.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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On the Joe Rogan Experience's Dave Smith-Douglas Murray Debate w/ Ralph Leonard 1:13:47

17 days ago1:13:47

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On this edition of Parallax Views , host J.G. Michael welcomes back writer and commentator Ralph Leonard to unpack his recent UnHerd article, "Dave Smith–Douglas Murray Debate Highlights Right-Wing Fault Lines." In this wide-ranging conversation, Leonard breaks down the recent viral Joe Rogan-hosted debate between anti-war libertarian comedian Dave Smith and neoconservative public intellectual Douglas Murray — a fiery exchange that has become a flashpoint for deeper tensions within the contemporary Right. Leonard and Michael explore how the Israel-Gaza conflict has brought long-simmering ideological contradictions on the Right to the surface, pitting libertarian anti-interventionism and populist anti-elitism against the hawkish commitments and institutional allegiances of neoconservatism. They discuss the dynamics of the debate itself — from Murray’s criticisms of Rogan's platforming of uncredentialed “armchair experts” and conspiratorial thinkers to Smith’s defense of the democratic value of non-expert participation in public discourse. The episode also dives into the broader ecosystem of the “podcast bros” — the rise of Rogan-style infotainment as a dominant force shaping public opinion, its appeal as anti-establishment counterprogramming, and its vulnerabilities to pseudoscience and ideological echo chambers. Leonard offers a nuanced take, arguing that while the Rogan-verse isn’t above critique, it still offers a space for airing out dissent and confronting controversial issues in ways legacy media often avoids. Together, Leonard and Michael navigate the complicated cultural terrain where influence, ideology, and epistemology collide — from libertarian anti-interventionism to the moral and strategic blind spots of neoconservatism — offering listeners a critical lens through which to understand not just one debate, but the fracturing landscape of the Right in 2025.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Weapons Sales Trump Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy w/ Dr. Annelle Sheline 46:29

22 days ago46:29

46:29

On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Dr. Annelle Sheline, a frequent guest on the program and a former Biden-era State Dept. official who resigned over the U.S. handling of Gaza, returns to discuss her briefing "Under Primacy, Weapons Sales Will Always Supersede Human Rights" . But first we discuss the article she recently co-wrote for Responsible Statecraft entitled "Trump drops news bomblet: Direct US-Iran talks this Saturday" . The conversation begins with a discussion of Netanyahu's meeting with Donald Trump earlier this week and some talk about the upcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran. We then get into the main event of this conversation: the ways in which weapons sales have trumped human rights rhetoric in U.S. foreign policy. For as much as the United States has often talked about human rights, it has often sold weapons to autocratic human rights abusers. We'll discuss a number of historical moments related to this including the assassination of Salvador Allende and the bloody Chile coup of 1973, Jimmy Carter vs. Ronald Reagan on human rights & U.S. foreign policy, the Iran-Contra affair, the legacies of the Cold War and the Global War on Terror, how wars abroad often lead to repression at home (and concerns about Trump's plans for pro-Palestinian voices in America), bridging the gap between human rights and realism/U.S. national interests, a brief look at the Leahy Laws, sanctions and weapons sales, the U.S.'s unconditional support of Israel's actions in Gaza as undermining claims to defending human rights, and much, much more.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Politicide: War, Memory, and Control in Gaza w/ Geoffrey Aronson 43:45

22 days ago43:45

43:45

On this edition of Parallax Views, Geoffrey Aronson, a noted analyst Middle East affairs and formerly the director of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, returns to discuss his latest Responsible Statecraft piece entitled "Israel's plan for Gaza is clear: 'Conquest, expulsion, settlement'" . One of the key aspects of Geoffrey's analysis in said article is that Israel is currently pursuing a policy of "politicide", or, as he puts it, "destroying for all time any Palestinian hope for sovereignty west of the Jordan River." We'll be delving into elements of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that long predate the events of October 7th and what has transpired since. For example, Geoffrey will takes us back to 2005 when then Israeli Prime Minister evacuated Israeli settlers from Gaza. We'll also discuss the resurgent right-wing in Israel and its aims in Gaza, how the so-called "Day After" in Gaza is today, a brief excursion into what is happening in Syria and the weakness of Arab states (and what that means), and much, much more.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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An Inside View of the Luna Hearing on the JFK Assassination w/ Jim DiEugenio 1:03:17

22 days ago1:03:17

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In this episode of Parallax Views, returning guest and veteran JFK assassination researcher Jim DiEugenio joins us to unpack the recent developments in the long-running battle over JFK assassination records. We dive into the legacy of President Trump’s January 2025 executive order concerning the JFK files and discuss the implications of the recent congressional hearing led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna — to which Jim himself testified! Jim, who was in attendance at the Luna hearing, shares his firsthand impressions of the proceedings and what they may signal for the future of the JFK Records Act. But this conversation goes beyond the question of conspiracy: we explore the broader stakes of transparency, institutional trust, and the historical significance of declassified documents — including revelations like Operation Northwoods, which had nothing to do with the assassination itself but emerged from the Assassination Records Review Board process and reshaped how we understand Cold War covert operations. Whether or not you believe there was a conspiracy to kill JFK, the questions raised by these files and the government’s resistance to disclosure remain urgent. Tune in for a timely conversation on truth, secrecy, and why history still matters — no matter how long ago it happened. And yes, we'll address conservative pundit Ben Shapiro's angry dismissal of anyone interested in the assassination because it happened "a long time ago". Additional topics covered include: - Oliver Stone, the attacks on his movie JFK months before the film was even released, and the role of the Vietnam war in shaping Oliver Stone as a filmmaker and a human being. - CIA spymaster James Jesus Angleton's chilling quote about the CIA: “If you were in a room with them, you were in a room full of people that you had to believe would deservedly end up in hell. I guess I will see them there soon.” - The release of the unredacted Schlesinger Memo and what it tells us about covert operation during the Cold War. Learn what it is and how it enhances our understanding of a moment in history and politics. - The surprise appearance of John Davisson, a senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington, who raised privacy concerns related to information in the recently released documents. - Jim's thoughts on Democrats' lack of interest in the hearing and why he thinks Democrats are passing up a big opportunity with it - And much more!…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Trump’s Tariffs, Trumponomics vs. Bidenomics, & More w/ Doug Henwood 38:09

23 days ago38:09

38:09

On this edition of Parallax Views, the Left Business Observer's Doug Henwood, host of the influential radio program Behind the News, returns to the program to discuss Trump's tariffs, Bidenomics vs. Trumponomics, the legacy of the anti-WTO/anti-globalization protests of the late 1990s, and much more! Literally a half hour before Doug and I began recording Trump announced a 90-day pause on some of his tariffs . We'll be discussing what Doug sees as Trump's nostalgia about a romanticized 1950s America and how he believes that is driving Trump's policies in many ways. Doug talks about what he sees as the nonsensical nature of Trump's tariffs and how stocks shot up immediately after Trump announced the 90-day pause. Although sometimes there's more noise than signal when looking at the stock market, in this case the response of the stock market over the past week has reflected very real economic anxieties. He also notes that the bond market has been reacting strangely in the past week in a way that is worrying. Doug notes that we'll likely see prices increase in May and June and discusses the effect these tariffs will have on those at the bottom of the income distribution. All of this will factor into Doug's analysis of why he thinks Trump has announced a 90-day pause on some tariffs. We'll also discuss in-depth the pros and cons of Bidenomics and then look at that in comparison to Trumponomics. We'll discuss industrial policy, ways of bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. in a productive rather than destructive manner, and we'll look at the effect of tariffs on poorer countries like Vietnam or Cambodia. We'll also discuss how there's been a wide backlash against Trump's tariffs from across the political spectrum including libertarians like Thomas Sowell, CNBC's Jim Cramer, and even some protectionists. Doug Henwood sums up the backlash as being driven ultimately by the crudeness of the tariff policy. The conversation will also delve into Trump's romanticism about the 19th century U.S. economy, the legacy of the anti-WTO/anti-globalization protests of the late 90s, the potential of a pro-trade internationalism that isn't neoliberal and is informed by socialist or left-wing concerns, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the Biden team's failure to tout the positive aspects of Bidenomics, Trump's anti-libertarian streak, DOGE, the misanthropy of the Silicon Valley right-wing, comparing and contrasting the Ralph Nader and Donald Trump views on foreign trade, and much, much more!…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Trump's Tariffs and Its Geoeconomic Implications w/ Karthik Sankaran 51:23

23 days ago51:23

51:23

On this edition of Parallax Views, the Quincy Institute's Karthik Sankaran—writer, analyst, and longtime observer of global macroeconomic trends—joins the program to unpack the Trump administration’s sweeping new tariff policy. Billed as a "reciprocal tariff" strategy, the move abandons long-held trade norms like Most Favored Nation (MFN) status in favor of a confrontational approach that targets countries based on bilateral trade deficits with the U.S. We'll end begin by discussing the logic and methodology that Karthik believes are driving the Trump tariff policies. We'll also delve into why the tariffs have been criticized across the board by neoliberals (of which Karthik describes himself as), right-wing libertarians like Thomas Sowell, and even progressively minded protectionists. The conversation will also delve into an area of particular interest to Karthik: how this will effect the Global South. We'll also delve into what the tariffs mean for U.S. foreign policy and international relations, why Brazil may come out of this better than other countries, what the tariffs mean for Europe and the EU, nearshoring vs. off-shoring and how nearshoring could be beneficial to Mexico, the U.S. move towards economic protectionism even under Biden, and what the tariffs mean for China. Also, Karthik will address listeners that disagree with his neoliberal worldview. Karthik describes himself as a "Neoliberal Peacenik". Whether or not you agree with his overview worldview, hopefully you'll find it interesting and informative.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Harvard’s Faculty Dismissals & the Assault on Free Inquiry in Higher Ed w/ Jonathan Feingold 30:49

23 days ago30:49

30:49

On this edition of Parallax Views , legal scholar and Boston University Law professor Jonathan Feingold joins us to discuss a growing crisis in higher education: the escalating assault on academic freedom. At the center of this episode is the recent dismissal of Dr. Cemal Kafadar and Dr. Rosie Bsheer—faculty leaders of Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies—following politically charged accusations related to programming on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Feingold, a member of Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff-Boston Area , breaks down why these dismissals are not just isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of repression targeting scholars and students advocating for Palestinian human rights. We dig into the weaponization of antisemitism discourse, the chilling effect on scholarship, and how elite institutions like Harvard are capitulating to pressure from right-wing forces and donor lobbies—including those aligned with Trump’s authoritarian cultural agenda. This story isn’t just about Israel-Palestine. Even for those uninterested in debates over Israel-Palestine, the implications of this case are far-reaching. It raises urgent questions about academic freedom, free speech, and free inquiry in American universities. What happens when controversial topics become grounds for dismissal? How do elite institutions navigate the tension between political pressure and intellectual autonomy? And what does this say about the health of democratic discourse in higher education? This episode is not just about one controversy at Harvard—it’s about the future of the university itself.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Netanyahu in D.C., Israel's Actions in Gaza, Civilizational States, & Saudi Leverage w/ James Dorsey 1:01:23

24 days ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Recorded: 4-7-2025 On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist James M. Dorsey of the Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey Substack returns for another Middle East update. In this conversation we go over the visit Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is making to Washington D.C. to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit will reportedly entail discussion focused on Israeli hostages in Gaza as well as U.S. tariffs. This comes on the heels of Netanyahu facing re-emerging politically turmoil domestically Israel. Netanyahu is complaining more and more of a "leftist deep state" in Israel and the U.S (see also: this report from The Times of Israel) . Additionally, hundreds of thousands are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah due to airstrikes and a deadly assault on medics in Gaza . Israel has had to walk back its account of how the assault on those medics happened as video of it has emerged . We'll be discussing all of this on the show as well as the relationship between Trump and the Gulf States, specifically Saudi Arabia and the UAE. What does this mean for Israel (and the Palestinians)? We'll discuss what leverage the Saudis may have in regard to what happens next in Gaza. We'll also discuss Turkey-Israel relations and Syria. And, of course, Iran will play into the discussion. And we'll delve into the rise of civilization-states, the difference between nation-states vs. civilizational states, and the battle of narratives between Israelis and Palestinians. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael!…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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Rafah Reduced to Rubble as Turmoil in Israel Ratchets Up: Reflections from an Israeli w/ Ori Goldberg 1:30:56

24 days ago1:30:56

1:30:56

Recorded 4/7/2025 On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli commentator Ori Goldberg returns to the show to discuss the latest development in Gaza and Israel. This conversation came about due to the horrific stories coming of the southern Gaza city Rafah and touches upon that as well as the political turmoil currently bubbling to a fever pitch in Israel. J.G. specifically reached out to interview Ori in the hopes of trying to make sense of what is happening on the ground. Abstractions are often attendant to discussions of Israel/Palestine, but the human cost cannot be forgotten. That is what led to this discussion, and it proved difficult on some level due to the intense nature of the horrors we've seen in the past year and a half whether it be the events of October 7th or the scenes coming out of Rafah. Ori's approach is highly reflective in nature and as such has a certain unique quality. Whether you agree or disagree with Ori's thinking, this is hopefully going to be a powerful discussion.…

Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

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A Brief History of Civil Society in Israel w/ Dahlia Scheindlin 43:27

29 days ago43:27