Piercing the Veil: Recent Episodes

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Placing political appointees and campaign donors into ambassadorships has been a long-standing tradition of American politics. The practice has generated strong criticism from career diplomats and political scientists for eroding diplomatic performance and public trust. Join us for today’s discussion as we debate whether ambassadors should only be career civil servants or if political appointees also have a place.

• What qualities determine an effective ambassador?

• What is the rationale for political appointees and rich donors becoming ambassadors? What about for career diplomats?

• Which ambassadorships are the most politically desirable?

• Do lavish parties enhance diplomatic presence?

References:

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Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the largest war in Europe since World War II. Ukrainians have resisted fiercely and have defied expectations of a quick Russian victory. Today’s discussion includes:

• Did this invasion come more from Putin or Russian elites?

• How the strength of Ukraine revitalized the democratic world

• Can the Russian economy survive international sanctions?

• Why there is little hope for regime change in Russia

• How to help Ukraine as a democratic citizen

References:

Donate to Ukrainian Aid Organizations

Zelensky-EU meeting Story

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Email: piercingtheveil@substack.com

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The size and power of big tech companies have increasingly grown over the past decades. Some have argued strong antitrust policy needs to make a comeback in order to check Big Tech’s power. Others have stated such an effort may harm consumers and innovation. Today’s discussion includes:

• How did Big Tech become so big?

• How are antitrust laws evolving in response?

• Is “bigness” actually better for consumers and employees?

• Is Big Tech really engaging in anti-competitive behavior?

• Potential remedies

Further Reading:

“The New Brandeis Movement: America’s Antimonopoly Debate” by FTC Chair Lina Khan

“Tech and Antitrust”by Ben Thompson

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Email: piercingtheveil@substack.com

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The United States and 12 other countries have enacted a diplomatic boycott against the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Discover the implications and more on today’s episode:

• What is a diplomatic boycott? Why is there one against the Beijing Games?

• Have there been boycotts in previous Olympics?

• Will there be any retaliation by the Chinese government?

• Why did the IOC ban South Africa for 24 years but allow Germany to host in 1936?

• Are the Olympics more of a liberalizing force or a propaganda tool?

Further Reading:

“Beyond the Final Score: The Politics of Sport in Asia” by Victor Cha

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Apple Podcasts

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Email: piercingtheveil@substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit piercingtheveil.substack.com