Ep 19. 05/21/2017

In the 19th installment of Fareed Zakaria GPS's 2017 season, which aired on May 21st, the titular host welcomes a diverse group of guests to discuss a variety of pressing issues.

The episode begins with a segment on the current state of US politics. Zakaria sits down with Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author of “The Righteous Mind,” to discuss the tribalism and polarization that has become increasingly prevalent in American politics in recent years. Haidt argues that this polarization is partly due to a shift in the way each party views and interprets facts, with conservatives being more likely to value tradition and authority, and liberals being more likely to value individual rights and well-being. The conversation is engaging and thought-provoking, with both men offering insightful commentary on the nature of contemporary political discourse.

Next, Zakaria turns his attention to the recent government election in Iran. Joining him to discuss this topic is Vali Nasr, a Middle East expert and author of “The Shia Revival.” Nasr provides an in-depth analysis of the country's political landscape, explaining the nuances of the relationship between the government and the people, as well as the challenges facing President Hassan Rouhani in his second term. The discussion is lively and provides valuable insights into the complexities of the Iranian political landscape.

Later in the episode, Zakaria talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Mark Mazzetti and Matt Apuzzo about the ongoing investigations into ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. The three discuss the potential implications of these investigations, as well as the fallout from the firing of FBI Director James Comey. Mazzetti and Apuzzo provide unique perspectives on these hotly debated issues, shedding light on some of the most pressing questions surrounding the Trump administration.

The episode ends with a conversation between Zakaria and Michael Hayden, former director of the National Security Agency and CIA. Hayden provides his insights on a host of topics, including the recent North Korean missile tests, the state of the intelligence community under the Trump administration, and the broader implications of the global cybersecurity threat. The two men offer a comprehensive look at some of the most significant challenges facing the United States today, making for an enlightening and informative conclusion to the episode.

Overall, Fareed Zakaria GPS season 2017 episode 19 offers a rich and varied discussion of some of the most pressing issues of our time. With its thoughtful analysis, engaging dialogue, and expert perspectives, this episode is sure to appeal to anyone looking to stay informed on current events and global affairs.