Description:
Patrik Baab interviews Joe Lauria, editor-in-chief of Consortium News for his show Gegen den Strom, asking who really governs the United States.
Who really governs the United States? The elected politicians — or the economic interests that fund their election campaigns?
The U.S. midterm elections are on Tuesday. According to American journalist Joe Lauria, Donald Trump is coming under increasing pressure. Yet, the problems extend far beyond the incumbent president.
Lauria is the editor-in-chief of Consortium News. In a conversation with Patrik Baab, he analyzes the political and social crisis in the United States.
His thesis: American democracy is increasingly shaped by powerful economic lobbies, the arms industry, and the interests of large corporations. On key issues, Democrats and Republicans differ less than their public disputes might suggest.
Lauria is particularly critical of American foreign policy. He discusses the prospect of continued war with Iran, the support for Israel, the war in Ukraine, and Europe's role within Washington's geopolitical strategy.
He also identifies profound problems in the domestic sphere. What has become of Trump's promise to rebuild American industry? Why do many workers feel abandoned by both major parties? And what consequences might artificial intelligence and digitalization have for the labor market?
A key focus is the role of the media. Lauria argues that major media outlets do not merely report on political conflicts but actively contribute to social division. He also warns of authoritarian trends and discusses potential threats to democratic institutions and elections.
Finally, the discussion addresses a fundamental question: How do Americans perceive their own country? And what would need to happen for the political landscape to truly change?
A conversation about power and money, war and democracy, the crisis within American society, and the future of the United States.
Patrik Baab is a German journalist and author of several books, including Auf beiden Seiten der Front: Meine Reisen in die Ukraine [On Both Sides of the Front: My Travels in Ukraine] (2023).
Who really governs the United States? The elected politicians — or the economic interests that fund their election campaigns?
The U.S. midterm elections are on Tuesday. According to American journalist Joe Lauria, Donald Trump is coming under increasing pressure. Yet, the problems extend far beyond the incumbent president.
Lauria is the editor-in-chief of Consortium News. In a conversation with Patrik Baab, he analyzes the political and social crisis in the United States.
His thesis: American democracy is increasingly shaped by powerful economic lobbies, the arms industry, and the interests of large corporations. On key issues, Democrats and Republicans differ less than their public disputes might suggest.
Lauria is particularly critical of American foreign policy. He discusses the prospect of continued war with Iran, the support for Israel, the war in Ukraine, and Europe's role within Washington's geopolitical strategy.
He also identifies profound problems in the domestic sphere. What has become of Trump's promise to rebuild American industry? Why do many workers feel abandoned by both major parties? And what consequences might artificial intelligence and digitalization have for the labor market?
A key focus is the role of the media. Lauria argues that major media outlets do not merely report on political conflicts but actively contribute to social division. He also warns of authoritarian trends and discusses potential threats to democratic institutions and elections.
Finally, the discussion addresses a fundamental question: How do Americans perceive their own country? And what would need to happen for the political landscape to truly change?
A conversation about power and money, war and democracy, the crisis within American society, and the future of the United States.
Patrik Baab is a German journalist and author of several books, including Auf beiden Seiten der Front: Meine Reisen in die Ukraine [On Both Sides of the Front: My Travels in Ukraine] (2023).
Timeline:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:13 U.S. Midterm Elections: Outlook & Power Dynamics
00:03:07 U.S. Foreign Policy, Iran & the Role of Israel
00:06:15 Who Really Governs the U.S.? Political Parties & Lobbying Power
00:09:22 The Role of Big Tech and AI in the Defense Sector
00:10:48 U.S. Economy: Jobs, Tariffs & the Working Class
00:14:58 Loss of Trust & Political Representation of the Working Class
00:17:35 Mainstream Media, Polarization & Shaping Public Opinion
00:22:02 Geopolitical Strategy: Proxy Wars & Allies
00:24:38 Cult of Personality, Symbols of Power & the Constitution
00:29:36 Potential Succession in the White House: Vance or Rubio?
00:34:30 U.S. Security Strategy & Networks in Europe
00:36:01 Social Division & the Myth of the 'Noble Lie'