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Pod Save the World

Author: Crooked Media

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“Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor thought foreign policy was boring and complicated until he got the education of a lifetime working for President Obama’s National Security Council. On “Pod Save the World,” he and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes break down the latest global developments and bring you behind the scenes with the people who were there. New episodes every Wednesday. To get access to extended ad-free Pod Save The World episodes, sign up to be a Friends of the Pod member at crooked.com/friends
401 Episodes
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Roger Bennet and Tommy Vietor are back for Season 2 of World Corrupt! And this time, Rog and Tommy are diving into how Saudi Arabia, the biggest exporter of oil in the world and a nation in the news for human rights abuses, became the latest geopolitical power player sweeping global soccer. The Saudis have poured billions of dollars into the world’s most popular sport, including signing superstar players like Cristiano Ronaldo to eye-popping contracts. But the crown jewel in the Saudi investment portfolio? That would be the take over of one of England’s most historic football clubs, Newcastle United. A team with a rich history from an impoverished corner of the country, Newcastle had fallen upon hard times…and they welcomed the Saudis with open arms. But at what cost? Listen to the first episode of this four part series to find out.
Trump’s TikTok Flip Flop

Trump’s TikTok Flip Flop

2024-03-1301:27:335

Tommy and Ben discuss plans for delivering aid to Gaza through a maritime route and floating pier, US “red lines” over an Israeli invasion of Rafah and the public war of words between Biden and Netanyahu in weekend interviews. They they talk about Viktor Orban’s visit to Mar-a-Lago, concerns from the intelligence community about giving Trump classified briefings during the election, the debate over banning TikTok, election news in Portugal and Turkey, a mass kidnaping in Nigeria, a failed constitutional amendment vote in Ireland, and the photoshop scandal that is fueling even more rumors about the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Then Ben does a deep dive on the deteriorating situation in Haiti, which has become overrun by gangs, with Renatta Segura, Deputy Program Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
And, we're back! Join Roger Bennet and Tommy Vietor for another season of World Corrupt, with a focus on why Saudi Arabia is investing billions in football. Episode 1 coming March 16.   
Tommy and Ben discuss the futility of aerial aid drops by the US in Gaza, Kamala Harris’ speech calling for an immediate ceasefire, Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz’s visit to Washington, and do a preview of President Biden’s State of the Union address. Then they discuss the breakdown of order in Haiti as gangs overrun prisons, a German audio leak about long range missiles for Ukraine posted by Russian state media, France enshrining abortion into their constitution, the thousands of Russians who came out for Alexei Navalny’s funeral, repercussions for multiple US leakers of classified intelligence, and Tucker Carlson’s about face on Putin. Then Tommy speaks with Kholood Khair, a Sudanese political analyst and founder of the Confluence Advisory think tank about the civil war in Sudan. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Ben and Tommy discuss President Biden’s claim that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas may be imminent, the domestic political problems the war is creating for Biden, the latest on efforts to defer attacks by Iran’s proxy groups in the Middle East, and some rare good news about Iran’s nuclear program. They also discuss the staggering casualty numbers from the war in Ukraine, claims that a prisoner exchange involving Alexei Navalny was in final stages before his death, new reports about extensive Russian efforts to interfere in our elections, right-wing autocratic creeps at CPAC, an investigation into the Mexican president’s ties with drug cartels, Saudi Arabia dumping money on celebrities and CEOs in Miami, and why Taylor Swift’s dad was throwing punches in Australia. Then Ben talks with Wai Wai Nu, a human rights activist and founder of the Women’s Peace Network about the civil war in Myanmar. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Guangcheng has put his life on the line to stand up for noble causes and principles. He has also thrown his support behind Trump and, more recently, a range of intolerant ideas. There are so many things to admire about him, but there are others that are hard to excuse. We thought with this series that we could show how all these things could be true at once. But as we got closer to the end of the story, we learned just how hard that really is. 
Can Ukraine Outlast Putin?

Can Ukraine Outlast Putin?

2024-02-2101:33:056

Tommy and Ben discuss the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the military defeat of Avdiivka, panic at the Munich Security Conference over Republicans blocking more aid to Ukraine, and how Ukrainians have adapted to living in a state of war. Then they talk about calls for accountability for Alexei Navalny’s death and his wife Yulia’s promise to continue Alexei’s work, the arrest of an American dual national in Russia, Tucker Carlson’s Moscow metro propaganda videos, and an update on Russia’s space nukes. They also look at Netanyahu’s insistence on invading Rafah, a pro-Israel group’s attack on a Washington Post reporter, the Indonesian elections, why Jared Kushner is still a sniveling little prick, and a very Australian mankini scandal. Then Tommy talks with Mstyslav Chernov about his incredible documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
With a new position at the Catholic University of America and funding from a rightwing think tank, Guangcheng takes on a new challenge: strengthening his English. We examine why this became such a top priority for Guangcheng and his patrons, what it means to traverse borders and negotiate between languages, and how Guangcheng’s political beliefs are translated by different audiences in a country that elected Donald Trump. 
Tommy and Ben discuss the breaking news that Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, has died while in prison. The only information available so far is coming from prison officials and Russian government-run news channels, who claim that Navalny collapsed. Tommy and Ben talk about Navalny’s legacy, nearly universal blame being put on Putin for his death, Biden’s response, and what this means for Russia’s opposition and political future. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Tommy and Max Fisher talk about the disastrous humanitarian implications of Israel’s impending offensive in Rafah, the Biden administration’s shifting tone towards Israel, and efforts to reach out to the Muslim American community in Michigan. They also talk about Trump’s comments encouraging Russia to invade NATO members who don’t spend enough on defense, react to Tucker Carlson’s (boring) interview with Vladimir Putin, Pakistan’s shocking election results, the chances of Irish reunification, and King Charles’s quirky views on modern medicine. Then Ben speaks with New Jersey Congressman Andy Kim about his campaign to oust Senator Bob Menendez, and how corruption impacts America’s foreign policy. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Almost one year after arriving in the US, the New York Post publishes a story suggesting NYU is trying to sever ties with Guangcheng. Guangcheng alleges the university is bowing to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Guangcheng’s hosts at NYU accuse right wing political forces of misleading him. Things get very messy. Where Guangcheng lands next sets him on a path that eventually leads to throwing his support behind Trump for reelection in 2020.
Tommy and Ben talk about US strikes against facilities in Iraq and Syria used by Iran-backed militia groups, White House denials that the conflict in Gaza has drawn America into a regional war, haunting statistics for children in Gaza, souring public opinion on the war, and dehumanizing commentary about the Middle East. They also discuss how Biden’s foreign policy agenda is being held up by Congress, Zelensky’s potential government and military shake-up, Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin, El Salvador’s election and Bukele’s rising popularity, polling in Europe that forecasts momentum for far right parties, a historic first in Northern Ireland, King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, Rishi Sunak’s insane fasting regimen, and Liz Truss’ plans to attend CPAC. Then Tommy speaks to Alex Ward, national security reporter at Politico about his new book “The Internationalists”. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Following a tense negotiation between the US and China, Guangcheng arrives in the United States. He is greeted with a hero’s welcome. He gives speeches. He wins awards. And he tries to adjust to life in New York, hosted by NYU. But quickly cracks start to emerge beneath the glamorous facade.
Will Biden Bomb Iran?

Will Biden Bomb Iran?

2024-01-3101:31:057

Tommy and Ben talk about the drone strike by an Iranian-backed group on a US base in Jordan that killed three US service members, the pressure on Biden to retaliate against Iran directly, and the muddled politics of war. They also cover allegations that UN employees in Gaza participated in the October 7th Hamas attack, the International Court of Justice’s ruling about genocide charges against Israel, and Nancy Pelosi’s odd criticism of activists calling for a ceasefire. They also discuss NATO member fears about Russia, Trump floating major tariffs on China, a Kenyan court blocking the deployment of police to Haiti, and French farmers laying siege to Paris. Then, Tommy speaks with Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, about Iranian proxy groups, why Iran funds them, and the US conventional wisdom that Iran can only be deterred through military action. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Guangcheng escapes house arrest, but he’s not free yet. Without a real plan or a place to hide, he turns to the US embassy in Beijing. His moves set in motion a diplomatic maelstrom, where top officials from the two most powerful countries in the world negotiate over his fate – and their own.
Tommy and Ben discuss the latest news out of Gaza, including a potential ceasefire deal that would include a two month stop in fighting in exchange for hostages, a look back at Bibi’s rejection of a two-state solution throughout his political career, and the news that the Biden administration is preparing for a sustained military campaign in Yemen. They also talk about the UAE funneling weapons to Sudan, mass protests in Germany against the far-right ADF party, British conservative’s continuing attempts to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, Elon Musk’s visit to Auschwitz, and an odd auction item belonging to Winston Churchill. Then Ben speaks with Ricardo Zuniga, the former US Special Envoy to the Northern Triangle and Senior Advisor at the US Institute of Peace about the spiraling gang violence in Ecuador. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Guangcheng is kidnapped by Chinese authorities and thrown in jail. By keeping him under lock and key, the government hopes to take away his power. But his imprisonment transforms him into a cause and a symbol of dissent in China and across the world. Then after years of detention, Guangcheng decides to try to make an escape. But how and who can he turn to?
Ben and Tommy discuss US airstrikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen and why they are unlikely to deter them, and provide background and context on the Houthi’s origins and motivations. They also cover the latest in Gaza and frustration with the administration’s refusal to change course after 100 days. Then they discuss the recent spike in gang violence in Ecuador, efforts to prevent Guatemala’s new President from being sworn in, Taiwan’s election results and North Korea announcing the end of efforts to reunify the Korean peninsula. Then Tommy speaks with Oona Hathaway, Director of the Center for Global Legal Challenges at Yale Law School, about South Africa’s charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Guangcheng fights his biggest case in China – exposing the brutality of the One Child Policy. This, and a series of public and legal victories in the early 2000s, makes him into an icon in the US and an enemy of the state in China, an unlikely place for a blind man who grew up in a poor village. So how did it all begin? We talk to Guangcheng himself to find out.
It’s 2011. Hollywood A-lister Christian Bale is in China and gets punched in the face by security guards for trying to visit Chen Guangcheng, a local human rights activist under house arrest. It’s all captured by a CNN crew and broadcast across the world. A few months later Guangcheng would escape to the United States. But after you arrive in America as a hero, what happens next? 
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Comments (186)

r8z77

We would have called it "An Idiot Abroad" but it was alrready taken......https://archive.ph/Xr4i9

Feb 22nd
Reply

Bea Kiddo

Why the f is Tucker the fckr even allowed to talk to Putin and claim to be a journalist or any kind of news source. What a trip. Get ready for more of a shit show and Russia messing with our elections.

Feb 8th
Reply

Pedro Harcourt

because oil,the stability of the u.s. Petro dollar, and Israel as a proxy/projection of American power. democracy has fk all to do with it. $$$. and it all comes back to domestic politics. "It's the economy stupid ".

Jan 31st
Reply

Joe A. Finley II

We need a post-Israel-Hamas conflict follow-up with Tony B in which he basically is a HYPOCRITE when talking about Ukraine's future (systemic destruction of families and infrastructure, systemic food and medical insecurities, etc.) when it comes to the civilians of Gaza.

Jan 20th
Reply

Gina Ruzicka

✅WATCH>>ᗪOᗯᑎᒪOᗩᗪ>>LINK>👉https://co.fastmovies.org

Jan 18th
Reply

Kevin Webb

I'm curious what permanent solution exists to free Gaza from Hamas and terror groups generally. also, can those Shopify ads go. I almost stopped playback.

Jan 17th
Reply

Pedro Harcourt

why are you calling it a "war "?

Dec 13th
Reply

Aakash Amanat

Pod Save the World" is a podcast that stands out as a powerful and insightful resource for those interested in global affairs and foreign policy. Hosted by former Obama administration officials, Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, and Ben Rhodes, the podcast offers an informed and thought-provoking analysis of critical international issues. https://www.croozi.com/Business/locv?uid=653e7273f1b47&n=Kraft-Paper-Printer The podcast's in-depth discussions with leading experts and policymakers provide valuable insights into the complex world of diplomacy, geopolitics, and international relations. http://connect.releasewire.com/company/kraft-paper-printer-326883.htm

Nov 2nd
Reply

Jesse B

Ilhan Omar needs to shut the fuck up. Nobody cares you were a refugee, you have zero actual connection to Israel or Palestine and your hysterical wailing is entirely meaningless to those actually suffering. Same goes to all these naive college students jerking each other off with their liberal tears while proclaiming Israel the real terrorist state. You have no actual connection to either group of people and your protests accomplish jack shit in alleviating suffering. STFU

Oct 26th
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Carson Chiu

>Stoke fears of ethnic cleansing >tell ethnic armenians they should leave before Azerbaijan takes back their territory >ethnic armenians leave >accuse Azerbaijan of committing ethnic cleansing ???

Sep 28th
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Will Jones

rqiaq0

Jun 26th
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Itay Avi

you guys are attributing dogma and idealism to a corrupt leader whose only driving force is pragmatic avoidance of legal consequences. Bibi doesn't give a flying duck about his coalition partners and he didn't want this match up "all along." he probably detests them. they're just useful.

Jan 5th
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Étienne

Really disappointed by this series of PodSave the world. It has always topped my podcast list but this was an embarrassment. Roger should take up language classes to correct his dialect and be more genuine instead of cavorting his voice in every sentence. I have always appreciated your geopolitical analysis and hold high respect for Tommy and Ben. So this is a sincere review and a request, against my discontent.

Nov 14th
Reply (2)

Étienne

Roger's voice is superbly annoying. Please refrain from getting him overthe podcast ever again. Also absolutely pathetic episode. Half the time sponsorship, other time Roger blabbing his stupid experiences. No actual valuable content. Really disappointed. Had to make an account just to put in this review.

Nov 14th
Reply

Itay Avi

nothing muddies the waters and creates ambiguity about US policy toward Taiwan quite as effectively as contradictory messages depending on who is asked

Sep 21st
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Itay Avi

so fucking obsessed with Israel stfu

Sep 8th
Reply

Itay Avi

Calling Abbas powerless is ridiculous. The boys also never once said that what he said in Germany is demonstrably wrong. Progressive media needs to stop the Palestinian circle jerk

Aug 24th
Reply (1)

ID25905423

Outstanding podcast. How can I help?

Aug 7th
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Itay Avi

rich of American privilege to blame Israel for the slow down of peace process with the Palestinians while excusing American political deadlock for inaction on everything. No Israeli government has had the political mandate to negotiate for peace in over 3 years. Palestinian politics are in shambles. Instead of throwing blame around PSTW can be more nuanced in this discussion: the same powerlessness exists domestically in the US.

Jul 21st
Reply

Layer Cake

Great commentary on world affairs with journalists from all over. Far more dogmatic than UK political pods. Maybe this is the American norm now sadly. Certainly worth skipping the Western politics in certain episodes as can get very cringe. Ukraine coverage been excellent.

Apr 29th
Reply
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