DiscoverFareed Zakaria GPSAn exclusive interview with a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado
An exclusive interview with a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado

An exclusive interview with a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado

Update: 2024-08-111
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Digest

This episode of GPS begins with an introduction and a preview of the topics to be discussed, including an exclusive interview with Maria Corina Machado, the so-called Iron Lady of Venezuela, and the potential for a violent response from Hezbollah and Hamas after the killing of their leaders. Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's leading opposition figure, discusses her personal safety and the threats she faces from the Maduro regime. She details the opposition's efforts to prove their landslide victory in the recent election and outlines their plan for a negotiated transition to democracy. Ronan Bergman, a staff writer for the New York Times magazine, discusses the potential for a violent response from Hezbollah and Iran after the killing of their leaders. He explains that the attacks are likely to be coordinated but not synchronized, and that the Israeli military and defense establishment are broadly supportive of the Biden administration's pressure on Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire. Baha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center from Beirut, discusses the potential impact of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on Lebanon. He expresses concern that the conflict could escalate into a full-blown war, and that the Lebanese people are terrified of another conflict. He also highlights the importance of the Qatari, Egyptian, and US efforts to resume discussions around a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the gender gap in American politics and how it could play out in the 2024 election. He argues that the two parties are not so much divided by gender, but rather by their views on gender, and that the Democratic Party has failed to offer a robust vision of masculinity for young men. Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, discusses the importance of communication and the skills needed to be a "super communicator." He argues that we have forgotten how to have meaningful conversations, and that we need to learn how to communicate effectively across political divides. He also highlights the importance of understanding the different types of conversations we have, and how to match our communication style to the situation.

Outlines

00:00:00
Venezuela, the Middle East, and the 2024 Election

This episode of GPS explores the political landscape in Venezuela, the potential for violence in the Middle East, and the impact of the gender gap on American politics.

00:06:57
Maria Corina Machado: Venezuela's Opposition Leader

Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's leading opposition figure, discusses her personal safety and the threats she faces from the Maduro regime. She details the opposition's efforts to prove their landslide victory in the recent election and outlines their plan for a negotiated transition to democracy.

00:13:28
Israel's Response to Hezbollah and Hamas

Ronan Bergman, a staff writer for the New York Times magazine, discusses the potential for a violent response from Hezbollah and Iran after the killing of their leaders. He explains that the attacks are likely to be coordinated but not synchronized, and that the Israeli military and defense establishment are broadly supportive of the Biden administration's pressure on Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire.

00:20:49
The Impact of the Conflict on Lebanon

Baha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center from Beirut, discusses the potential impact of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on Lebanon. He expresses concern that the conflict could escalate into a full-blown war, and that the Lebanese people are terrified of another conflict. He also highlights the importance of the Qatari, Egyptian, and US efforts to resume discussions around a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

00:26:23
The 2024 Election: A Battle of Sexes and the Importance of Communication

Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses the gender gap in American politics and how it could play out in the 2024 election. He argues that the two parties are not so much divided by gender, but rather by their views on gender, and that the Democratic Party has failed to offer a robust vision of masculinity for young men. Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, discusses the importance of communication and the skills needed to be a "super communicator." He argues that we have forgotten how to have meaningful conversations, and that we need to learn how to communicate effectively across political divides. He also highlights the importance of understanding the different types of conversations we have, and how to match our communication style to the situation.

Keywords

Maria Corina Machado


Maria Corina Machado is a Venezuelan politician and activist who is the leading figure in the opposition to the Maduro regime. She was banned from running for president in the recent election but remains a powerful voice for democracy in Venezuela.

Hezbollah


Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. Hezbollah has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel, and is a major player in the Middle East.

Hamas


Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political organization and militant group. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel.

Gender Gap


The gender gap in American politics refers to the difference in voting patterns between men and women. Women are more likely to vote for Democratic candidates, while men are more likely to vote for Republican candidates.

Super Communicators


Super communicators are people who are skilled at communicating effectively with others. They are able to build relationships, navigate disagreements, and listen attentively. Charles Duhigg argues that these skills can be learned.

Q&A

  • What is the current situation in Venezuela, and what are the prospects for a peaceful transition to democracy?

    Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's leading opposition figure, believes that the Maduro regime is in its weakest position ever, with no legitimacy and isolated from the Venezuelan people and the international community. She believes that the opposition's landslide victory in the recent election provides a unique opportunity for a negotiated transition to democracy.

  • What is the likelihood of a violent response from Hezbollah and Iran after the killing of their leaders?

    Ronan Bergman, a staff writer for the New York Times magazine, believes that Hezbollah and Iran are likely to retaliate against Israel, but that they will try to avoid a full-blown war. He believes that the Israeli military and defense establishment are broadly supportive of the Biden administration's pressure on Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire.

  • How could the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah impact Lebanon?

    Baha Yahya, director of the Carnegie Middle East Center from Beirut, expresses concern that the conflict could escalate into a full-blown war, which would have devastating consequences for Lebanon. He believes that the Qatari, Egyptian, and US efforts to resume discussions around a cessation of hostilities in Gaza could help to de-escalate the situation.

  • How could the gender gap in American politics play out in the 2024 election?

    Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, argues that the two parties are not so much divided by gender, but rather by their views on gender. He believes that the Democratic Party has failed to offer a robust vision of masculinity for young men, which could lead to further polarization in the electorate.

  • What are the key skills needed to be a "super communicator"?

    Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, argues that we have forgotten how to have meaningful conversations, and that we need to learn how to communicate effectively across political divides. He highlights the importance of understanding the different types of conversations we have, and how to match our communication style to the situation.

Show Notes

Today on the show, Fareed is joined by a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for an exclusive interview to discuss the fallout from her country’s contested election, and why she is still hopeful for Venezuela’s future despite the threats she says she and her allies are facing from Maduro’s regime. 

 

Then, the Middle East is on edge as the region braces for a possible retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah following the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Staff writer for the New York Times Magazine Ronen Bergman tells Fareed about the mood within Israel, and the increasing desire for a ceasefire among the Israeli defense establishment. 

 

Next, Maha Yahya, director at the Carnegie Middle East Center, speaks with Fareed about fears of a wider war in the Middle East. She discusses the view from Lebanon, and the hopes for a deal that she says could deescalate the entire region. 

 

Then, the Atlantic’s Derek Thompson joins the show to tell Fareed about the role that gender is likely to play in the US presidential election. He argues it will be a central factor, but not in the way that you might expect. 

 

Finally, Charles Duhigg speaks with Fareed about his book “Supercommunicators,” and gives some practical tips for building relationships and having healthier conversations. 

 

GUESTS: María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA), Ronen Bergman (@ronenbergman), Maha Yahya (@mahamyahya), Derek Thompson (@DKThomp), Charles Duhigg (@cduhigg) 

 

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An exclusive interview with a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado

An exclusive interview with a Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado

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