Adam and Drew discuss the Trump administration’s military buildup in the Caribbean and the attacks on alleged Venezuelan drug boats. Learn about the administration’s justification, the legal and ethical questions surrounding it, and why this matters for America’s image—and for how our generation understands the use of power.
Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the Trump administration's Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Learn about this proposal's effects on universities, their autonomy, the ramifications for students' rights, and how it may affect a few nearby St. Louis universities.
In this episode of "Simplifying the State," hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel talk about the complex world of AI and its potential impact on politics and society. From the rise of deepfakes to the bipartisan push for AI regulation, the discussion explores how AI could reshape public trust, influence elections, and impact everyday life.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Drew Garfinkle discuss the recent speech by President Trump to the top military leaders in the country, exploring the implications of his rhetoric on the military and domestic politics. They talk about the use of the National Guard and ICE in civilian contexts and the potential dangers of militarization.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Nicholas, and Drew talk about the looming government shutdown on October 1st at 12:01 AM. If no deal is reached before then, hundreds of thousands of people could lose their jobs, and many people could go without pay while some social benefits are stopped.
In this episode, we explore the collapse of the Nepalese government, which was driven by widespread corruption and economic disparity. Discover how a social media ban ignited protests, leading to a swift governmental change, and the role of Nepal's youth in demanding reform.
In this episode, hosts Adam Watson, Nicholas Perrin, and Drew Garfinkel delve into the alarming rise of political violence in the United States. They discuss recent events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and explore the deepening political polarization that fuels such violence. They also touch on the role of social media, the impact of political rhetoric, and the urgent need for universal condemnation of violence across the political spectrum.
In this Episode, Adam interviews Representative Ian Mackey about the recent cell phone ban in Missouri schools and its implications. Representative Mackey discusses his support bill that included the ban, emphasizes the disconnect between lawmakers and students regarding technology use, and highlights the need for more comprehensive safety measures in schools, particularly concerning gun violence. The discussion also touches on political maneuvering in Missouri, particularly regarding redistricting and the implications for future elections.
In this episode, Adam and Nicholas delve into the complexities of the Syrian Civil War, the fall of the Assad regime, and the implications for the future of Syria. They discuss the aftermath of Assad's rule, the involvement of international players, and the factors that led to the regime's unexpected collapse.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin discuss the recent summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, the current state of the Ukraine war, and the implications of ongoing diplomatic efforts. They analyze the stagnation of the war frontlines, the lack of substantial outcomes from the summit, and the long-term consequences for Russia and NATO. The conversation highlights the complexities of military support, economic challenges, and the uncertain future of geopolitical relations.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson discusses the recent deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., examining the legal framework behind it, the implications for local governance, and the political motivations driving this decision. He critiques the deployment as "overkill" amidst declining crime rates.
The new congressional district maps drawn up for Texas recently sent shockwaves through the state. When Democrat lawmakers left Texas to prevent the bill from passing and reducing Democrat House seating by five, shockwaves were sent through the nation. In this edition of Simplifying the State, Nicholas explains why the Democrats U-turned on gerrymandering, why the FBI might hunt down the Texan Democrats who left, and why gerrymandering is such a threat to democracy.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin delve into the complex political landscape of Southeast Asia, focusing on the historical and contemporary relations between Thailand and Cambodia. They explore the roots of their border conflicts, the implications for regional stability, and the role of ASEAN in mediating tensions. The discussion also touches on the influence of superpowers like the US and China in the region, and the potential for future political upheaval in Thailand.
In this Episode, Adam and Nicholas explore the recent trend of cell phone bans in schools across the United States, focusing on legislative actions in states like Missouri, Florida, and Alabama. The discussion highlights public opinion on these bans, the impact on students' mental health, and the differing views of educators, parents, and students regarding the presence of cell phones in educational settings. The conversation also delves into the arguments for and against these bans, emphasizing the balance between safety and the need for communication in emergencies.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Nicholas explains the recent increase of the NATO spending goal, from 2% to 5%, why Spain is pushing back against it, why the Slovenian government is in turmoil because of it, and predicts what will end of it. He also goes over the recent plan to continue sending weapons to Ukraine, Trump growing more critical of Putin while reconciling with Ukraine once more.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam Watson and Nicholas discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files and its implications for the Trump administration and the Republican Party. They explore the reactions from Trump's base, the fallout from his failure to release the files, and the impact of conspiracy theories on his political strategy.
In this episode, Adam Watson and Nicholas Perrin discuss the future of the Republican Party, focusing on the implications of recent legislation, the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, and potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election. They analyze the impact of healthcare policies, the dynamics of the House and Senate, and the challenges of finding a successor to Donald Trump.
In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam and Nicholas discuss the recent Democratic primary victory of Zorhan Mamdani in New York, exploring its implications for the Democratic Party's future strategies and potential candidates for the 2028 election. They analyze the lessons that can be learned from Mamdani's campaign, the viability of various Democratic candidates, and the importance of appealing to younger, anti-establishment voters.
The Pentagon’s budget is nearing $1 trillion. A missile that used to cost $25,000 now runs $400,000. And the company that makes your calculator? Yeah, they also build weapons. Adam and Nicholas unpack how the military-industrial complex quietly took over everything from jet engines to software updates—and why five companies basically hold the U.S. military hostage. Plus: a debate over whether we should nationalize the whole thing. Because trust-busting Raytheon might not be enough.
In this episode, we dig into recent protests across the country and how the government is responding with an unprecedented show of force — from thousands of National Guard troops to Marines in the streets. We talk about what it means when peaceful protests meet heavy-handed crackdowns, including the shocking moment a U.S. senator was detained while asking questions. With a military parade planned on the president’s birthday and threats against governors who oppose him, we explore whether these actions mark a shift toward authoritarianism in America.
