PODCAST · society
AMERICA UNBOUND?
by Dr. Narain Batra
All about free speech, free expression, culture, politics, technology, and America's global role and responsibilities.
Episodes
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CHINA'S HIDDEN PARADOX
For more than a decade, foreign policy circles in Washington and Western European capitals have wrestled with a singular, defining question of twenty-first-century statecraft. Is China an unstoppable economic colossus destined to remake the international order, or is it a fragile state burdened…
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The Art of the Conversation as Reconnaissance
How the World’s Greatest Minds Map the Unspoken How they use Conversation as Reconnaissance "Conversation as reconnaissance" is a brilliant idea. It repositions dialogue from a simple exchange of information to a strategic, exploratory probe—a way to map out a speaker's boundaries, unstated...
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GOLF WITH TRUMP
Imagine you’re mid-round at a country club, the pressure’s off, and the only person in America who truly knows how power feels at the highest level is walking beside you. You’ve spent years studying philosophy, American politics, the Supreme Court, and the workings of media. Now you finally have…
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WHAT’S THERE NOT TO LOVE?
From global capitals to the quiet towns, a momentous question hangs in the air: What’s there to love America? When people ask this, they are often looking at the ragged edges of the headlines, the intense political polarization, the economic anxieties, the cultural snarling…. If you love…
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AI IS REWRITING GLOBAL GEOPOLITICS
Artificial intelligence is no longer a story about clever chatbots or Silicon Valley wizardry. It has become a story about power — national power, economic power, and cognitive power. And like every transformative technology before it, AI is reorganizing the world’s strategic landscape faster…
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CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAVE US — FROM OURSELVES?
We stand at a remarkable and precarious moment in human history. The same intelligence — artificial intelligence — that could prevent the next LaGuardia, that could see the fire truck before the pilots can, that could save two young Canadians from dying in the dark on a New York runway — that…
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DIPLOMACY AT THE END OF A BARREL
AMERICA RED IN TOOTH AND CLAW Something that should alarm anyone who cares about how nations interact with each other: it's about a moment on cable news that revealed far more than just another heated political debate. It was a window into a fundamental shift in how America sees its role in the...
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TECHNOLOGY TO FASHION, THE PARADOX OF ORIGINALITY
Is anything truly new, or are we merely remixing the echoes of the past? From fashion to business and art, it feels like every novel idea has a familiar echo of something that came before. Every idea stands on the shoulders of older concepts, and every invention reimagines past creations. But…
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GOVERNING IN POLARIZED AMERICA
GOVERNING IN POLARIZED AMERICA The chokehold has been lifted. America breathes again! I mean we narrowly avoided complete, self-inflicted disaster. After harrowing days of the most long-drawn-out government shutdown in U.S. history—a marathon of political brinkmanship—Congress somehow reached a...
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Dartmouth's Lind & Press On Foreign Policy Choices
In the business world, prioritization is a crucial strategy to achieve definitive goals. Failure is not an option. In the case of the USA, the most important global power, what exactly does prioritization mean in foreign policy? To uphold the liberal order? To manage China so that it remains a...
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DARTMOUTH PROFESSOR TALKS ABOUT TRUMP AND THE NEW WORLD (DIS)ORDER
I have the honor of introducing a luminary in the field of international relations, Professor William Wohlforth. He is the Daniel Webster Professor of Government atDartmouth College. Professor Wohlforth is renowned for his multidisciplinary expertise in international relations, security, and...
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VERMONT STATE SENATOR
Joe Major serves as a Vermont State Senator. Although a freshman senator, he brings much leadership experience and dedication to public service. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Joe graduated from Howard University, also the Alma Mater of Kamala Harris. They were class fellows. Joe served...
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THE GOLDEN AGE OF MAGA TRIBALISM
When Donald Trump proclaims that America will “flourish and be respected again all over the world,” he evokes a grand, almost mythical image of dominance and superiority. He envisions America as the envy of all nations, reminiscent of past empires that thrived on military might and economic...
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DIPLOMACY IN EVERYDAY LIFE.
Diplomacy isn't just for diplomats, politicians, and world leaders. It's a crucial skill for navigating everyday interactions, whether at work, home or in social situations. For over two decades, I taught a graduate seminar, Global Corporate Diplomacy. Most of my students were middle-level…
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WE ARE RICH AND GREAT YET SO UNHAPPY
Why are we unhappy? Maybe because we have so much, we’ve lost track of what we need. We’re over-stimulated, over-caffeinated, and over it. We have more than enough of everything—except for the stuff that matters. Real connections, genuine purpose, and a sense of meaning. If Donald Trump stays in...
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WHY DID AMERICAN VOTERS OVERLOOK TRUMP’S LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES?
Since the US presidential election that shook the nation with Donald Trump’s sweeping victory across all demographics and races, experts have addressed various issues that influenced the election results, including immigration, inflation, foreign policy, misinformation, and cultural issues. An...
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IS ANYTHING TRULY NEW? THE PARADOX OF ORIGINALITY
In the grand symphony of human creativity, the question often arises: is anything truly new, or are we merely remixing the echoes of the past? From the Milan Fashion Week runway shows to the pages of fantasy novels, from the boardrooms of Silicon Valley to the canvases of modern art, the pursuit…
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TALKING TO STRANGERS MIGHT OPEN ANOTHER DOOR OF POSSIBILITIES
Engaging in conversations with strangers has been shown to have numerous positive effects on well-being. It can improve trust and contribute to a person's social health and overall well-being. Meeting strangers is not just beneficial; it's essential for business success in the 21st century.
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THE JOY OF CONVERSATION IN THE DIGITAL AGE
In a world increasingly dominated by screens, reclaiming the art of conversation is moreimportant than ever. By making a conscious effort to be present, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue, we can foster deeper connections, build stronger relationships, and create a more fulfilling...
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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CHOKE UNDER PRESSURE?
Early January 2002 President George W. Bush while watching a football game on television in his living quarters in the White House choked on pretzel and tumbled momentarily. But he never choked for a moment when he ordered the invasion of Iraq a year later. Nor did President Harry Truman choke…
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IN BUSINESS AND AS IN LIFE CHARACTER MATTERS
In a brief video presentation for the World Economic Forum, Wharton Business School’s organizational psychologist Adam Grant said, “It's character, not just talent, that determines success.” He was echoing the Greek philosopher Heraclitus (500 BC) who said that “Character is destiny.” In other...
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DOES CHINA ENHANCE OR THREATEN AMERICA’S FREEDOM?
The Tuck Business School’s Dean Matthew Slaughter and his colleague Matthew Rees issued a report about the whirligig of the business world and America’s pivotal role with an intriguing title, “Will the World Get a Vote in America?” They lament that America has lost its place in the global…
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HAS THE WORLD BECOME TOO MUCH FOR AMERICA?
Would America let down the world In 2024? Looking at the disorder and chaos of 2023, it seems more than ever that American global leadership is indispensable. Nonetheless, every year commentators and pundits utter the same shibboleths that the post-World War II global system which the United…
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INDIA EMBRACES GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
As it happened with other technologies of freedom such as the printing press, the Internet and social media, Generative AI would enable more people to access advanced AI capabilities, empowering individuals and groups to be more creative, productive, and knowledgeable. This would raise the…
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HOW MUCH FREE SPEECH CAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES HANDLE?
In several landmark cases (Schenck v. United States, Brandenberg v. Ohio, among others) the US Supreme Court has ruled that free speech under the First Amendment has absolute protection unless it creates clear and present danger amounting to an imminent threat of violence. But when does that...
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WHAT IF DONALD TRUMP WON THE PRESIDENCY IN 2024?
Democratic institutions are the pillars of a free and democratic society. They include the electoral system, the courts, the media, and the legislature. These institutions check and balance each other, ensuring that no one branch of government becomes too powerful. Trump has repeatedly attacked...
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WOULD SOME POWER GIVE US THE GIFT OF HUMANITY!
When the horrific savagery, red in tooth and claw, was let loose on innocent people in Israel and Gaza, and antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred were spreading in America and Europe, an anguished Jewish woman cried in pain, “Where is God in this time? Where is he or she?”
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IF YOU ARE FEELING LONELY, DEPRESSED OR ANXIOUS
“WHO YOU GONNA CALL?” Certainly not Ghostbusters, even “if you’re seeing things running through your head.” Nor would Elvis Presley’s romantic lyric “Tell me dear, Are You Lonesome Tonight,” would help you to get out of a funk, a shade of gray mood characterized by feelings of emptiness, lack of...
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CHINA LIES THROUGH MAPS TO CLAIM TERRITORY
Maps have always played a pivotal role in shaping geopolitical realities. They serve as powerful tools of communication, shaping public perception and, at times, laying the groundwork for territorial aggressions. China understands this power well and has been actively using maps to assert its...
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CHALLENGES GALORE FOR ACADEMIC LEADERS
Very soon, in a week or so, thousands and thousands of young people would be flocking to campuses across the country hoping to build a bright future for themselves, which would also shape the nation in this age of Generative Artificial Intelligence and MAGA tribalism. Parents would hope and pray...
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IF I WERE A JUROR IN THE TRUMP CASE
I would have to reprogram my mind and clear my conscience and try my best to become an impartial juror because the Sixth Amendment commands that the accused, Donald J. Trump, “shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury.” Jury duty is one of the most sacred…
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WHO ARE AMERICA’S RULERS?
Power and influence in American society are exercised by groups of people, whether Democrats or Republicans, who control the wealth of the nation. Any which way they can, they influence the national agenda. “Americans may be equal, but some are more equal than others,” economist Paul Krugman…
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WHY DO WE NEED FEARLESS AND ROBUST SPEECH ON UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES?
Freedom, innovation, and democracy go together University campuses have always been a place for resistance against oppression and a battleground for our freedom of expression since the early days of the Republic. Today both public and private universities are struggling with how to preserve and...
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WOULD AI ENRICH OR DIMINISH US?
While AI presents challenges and risks, its potential to enhance our humanity should not be overlooked. By augmenting human capabilities, transforming work and economy, addressing ethical concerns, and fostering human-machine collaboration, AI can be a powerful tool for progress and advancement.…
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GUNS, SEX, POLITICS, AND GOD IN AMERICA
Guns and sex—what can be done? If politicians don’t know what to do about guns, and they can’t fight against the “girlie men” and “bush-whooping women” of Hollywood, how would they control social media and AI, where no one has much control? Whether it was Dr. Alfred Kinsey or Playboy that…
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AFTER THE HINDENBURG SHARK ATTACK
Early January this year, when India’s top industrialist, Gautam Adani completed the purchase of Haifa Port in Israel, he was Asia’s richest and most admirable businessman. But then a sudden shark attack by a US based shot seller Hindenburg research group left Adani bleeding. How can the Adani…
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CAN THERE BE EVER CLIMATE JUSTICE?
Last month, a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean took a giant step for mankind. Vanuatu, an archipelago of islands, like many other countries in the Indo-Pacific such as Fiji, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Madagascar, is vulnerable to the ravages of extreme climate changes. The rising sea levels...
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DOES TECHNOLOGY ENHANCE OR IMPERIL FREEDOM AND SECURITY ?
The term cyberspace was coined by William Gibson in his 1984 science fiction Neuromancer—a dark social universe. But America created cyberspace, the Internet, based on its democratic value system—free, open, decentralized, distributed, and self-governing. What if the Internet had been created in...
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WHY FREEDOM MATTERS WHEN CHINA AND RUSSIA CAN DO WITHOUT IT
Spreading democracy is a worthy goal but the United States faces complex challenges in an interdependent world, challenges that are compelling policymakers, Democrats and Republicans, to act as pragmatist idealists. Instead of crouching toward China or Russia as a model, developing nations should...
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IS CHINA A PEACEMAKER OR A BULLY?
While China builds up its diplomatic presence in the Middle East and is perhaps looking forward to brokering a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia, in the South China Sea it has been gradually building strategic advantages that threaten the vital interests of the United States and its allies.
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WAR CRIMINALS AND WAR PROFITEERS
Hovering all around, over death and destruction, are the vultures of war—arms manufacturers, energy companies, politicians and oligarchs, black market traders, and human traffickers.
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UKRAINE WILL TEST AMERICA'S ENDURANCE
There’s no gainsaying the fact that although war has brutalized a vast swath of the Ukrainian population, the West’s geopolitical gains have been tremendous. With the admission of Finland and Sweden as full-fledged members, NATO would be enlarged, and Europe would be more united than ever since…
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METAVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES
“Beam me up, Scotty,” is science fiction but beaming up work to Scotty who lives in a remote place is a reality and may become a necessity. Smart people—digitally smart people who can work from anywhere—and brain inflow through immigration would keep the United States perpetually rejuvenated.
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CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FORESEE THE UNKNOWN, THE UNTHINKABLE?
Beyond academia, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is opening a wonderful world of immense possibilities. Such possibilities include, for example, helping save the Amazon by forecasting deforestation; automation and job creation through reskilling; mitigating and managing climate change by measuring...
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HOW TO MAKE WORK PLACE PRODUCTIVE AND ENJOYABLE
Work brings us together, promotes community relations and safety, and encourages civic participation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to achieving sustainable growth and prosperity.
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POLITICAL POWER OF CORPORATE AMERICA
American political power is a shared and decentralized phenomenon. Corporate America controls some levers of power and influence.
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HOW DEMOCRACY DEALS WITH LIES: BIG AND SMALL
It's true that nobody has a monopoly on truth; therefore, the First Amendment, in essence, says: Speak up fearlessly so that truth might emerge. In the marketplace of ideas, when robust and uninhibited discussion about public issues leads to outright lies, inaccurate information, or…
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America is rising again
America is vigorously responding to both internal and external challenges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does AMERICA UNBOUND? have?
AMERICA UNBOUND? currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is AMERICA UNBOUND? about?
All about free speech, free expression, culture, politics, technology, and America's global role and responsibilities.
How often does AMERICA UNBOUND? release new episodes?
AMERICA UNBOUND? has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to AMERICA UNBOUND??
You can listen to AMERICA UNBOUND? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts AMERICA UNBOUND??
AMERICA UNBOUND? is created and hosted by Dr. Narain Batra.
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