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Kelly, from Marquette University, writes:
I’m a history student at Marquette University, and my thesis examines the recurring patterns that precede major global conflicts. 
In the 1920s, Germany became a pariah state under the punitive terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The resulting national humiliation, economic collapse, and political fragmentation created fertile ground for the rise of Hitler, whose regime sought to reclaim status and redress perceived injustices through militarization and expansion. That trajectory ultimately led to World War II.
Setting contemporary political figures aside for the moment, it’s worth noting that several world leaders have openly expressed doubts about the reliability of the United States as a long‑term partner. New military and economic alliances are emerging without U.S. participation. In many respects, the United States appears increasingly isolated on the world stage. I agree with those who argue that the international system is unlikely to return to its pre‑2020 configuration.
This raises a critical question: could a sustained loss of prestige and global influence push the United States toward electing a leader who promises to restore national prominence by any means available, including coercive force? In other words, are we witnessing conditions analogous to Germany’s post‑Versailles grievance narrative, conditions that might encourage a future leader to pursue an aggressive, restorative agenda?
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In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
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Today we welcome Markham Hilsop to the show. Markham is a Canadian journalist and CEO of Energi Media, one of Canada's leading independent news organizations. Our journalism currently averages over 6 million views/reads per month. We also have a sizable and growing US audience. Energi Media is celebrating its 18th year. 
This was an enjoyable episode for all of us here at the Nova Society.
We will apologize in advance for some of the poor quality of the recording, but we found this guest so engaging that our team worked overtime to salvage as much of this interesting interview as possible.
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Today we welcome Wesley Warshawer to the show.
Wesley Warshawer is a business analyst in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry, a Fulbright Scholar to South Korea, essayist, podcast host, and speaker. 
He loves his work. For a living, he analyzes situations with data and communicates about it. 
But outside of semiconductors, he is passionate about exiting the safety of his “bubble” to learn. After a profound epiphany during a study abroad semester in India at 19, Wesley has sought wisdom through travel. Travel can be across the world or across town. It can be as simple as visiting a new neighborhood, trying a new restaurant, or meeting someone new. Outside your comfort zone, you are a sponge for personal insight and growth. 
Wesley shares his epiphany moments and encourages audiences to leave the comfort of their bubble to learn more about themselves. 
Support the show
The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Today, Dr. Don Kettl agreed to stay around and help answer some listener questions.
Tam from Boulder, Colorado, writes:
 Trump recently announced that if Republicans win both the House and Senate in the midterms, he will issue a $5,000 check to every American. Speaker Johnson has hinted that the House might be willing to work with him on something like this, though he added, “no promises.”
To me, this sounds uncomfortably close to buying votes, and I must imagine there are legal or ethical boundaries around even suggesting something like this. 
 So, my question is: Is this kind of promise actually illegal, or does it fall into the category of political messaging that’s technically allowed?
And more importantly, given all the previous financial‑incentive promises, checks, rebates, cryptocurrency ideas, and so on, has any of this been effective politically, or does it mostly fade once the election is over? 
We also had time for a bonus question. 
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The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

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Today, we’re delighted to welcome back Jen Thompson as she joins us on the eve of her forthcoming book, Wild Pivot: Notes from a Political Life Rewritten.
A former high‑powered Republican strategist and congressional lawyer, Jen built her career at the center of national politics before a near‑fatal car accident forced her to step away from Washington and rethink everything, professionally, personally, and philosophically. Her story is one of ambition, impact, and ultimately, transformation.
www.jenthompsonwritethings.substack.com
Support the show
The Nova Society Podcast 
In season 5, we will transition to 3 episodes per week and expand episode lengths for more in-depth conversations.
Stay tuned for more information about our proposed weekly second channel, The Nova Society-Side Projects, where we have conversations with guests about topics important to them and to you, our listeners.

Our Buzzsprout Home Landing Page
Direct SMS message to the podcast from the “message us” link on our page.

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Email us your Questions
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