It's Not Just Politics

Trust in Institutions and the Rise of Public Skepticism

This episode examines the growing erosion of trust in governments, regulatory bodies, and other institutions. Jae shares a personal story about disillusionment with refugee resettlement programs, while Tendai connects current anxieties with historical precedents like the Great Depression. The discussion includes the ethical implications of AI in regulatory processes and their impact on public confidence and societal stability.

Trump's Tariffs and the Politics of Identity

Tendai and Jae discuss Donald Trump's 2025 tariff hikes and their role within narratives of nationalism, economic sacrifice, and identity politics. They analyze parallels with post-colonial resistance, media propaganda, and voter sentiments tied to cultural and racial dynamics. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, they examine the political strategies shaping these divisive narratives.

Democracy Under Siege

This episode unpacks the risk to democratic norms posed by Donald Trump’s rhetoric, global examples of institutional erosion, and the human cost of flawed policy decisions on Social Security. With insights from Jae, a North Korean defector, and Tendai, a grassroots activist in Zimbabwe, we highlight the power of collective action in defending democracy. Historical parallels and expert perspectives frame a call for vigilance against authoritarian tendencies.