Peace Prizes and Firing Squads
Episode #268
This week, Bill and Phil examine the war in Ukraine and the growing divisions over how to confront Putin. Then, they explore what Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize says about the state of international law and the claims of genocide in Gaza. And finally, they consider Pete Hegseth’s proposal to livestream a firing-squad execution—asking what happens to democracy when punishment becomes political spectacle.
Links related to this week’s episode:
“Trump’s Affection for Russia Is No Mystery” by Jonathan Chait in The Atlantic
“The Baltic States Prepare for War” By Isaac Stanley-Becker in The Atlantic
“Ukraine’s Vulnerability Grows as Starlink Is Restricted and Russia Escalates” by Constant Méheut in The New York Times
“My U.N. Commission’s Finding: Israel Is Committing Genocide” by Navi Pillay in The New York Times
“Pete Hegseth’s Bloodlust Doesn’t Hide His Military Failures” by Phil Klay in The New York Times