In this episode we chat with Benjamin Decker, a technology researcher and former investigative journalist at The New York Times. He is currently the CEO of Memetica, an open-source and human intelligence digital investigative firm. Ben explains the role of memetics and the importance of studying online information and social culture. We address the implications and potential dangers of online content that threaten the United States, and discuss the role of open source intelligence in the Ukraine War. Find out why Ben says online content sharing is basically a high school popularity contest! To ..read more

We speak with Professor Jason Lyall of Dartmouth University and discuss his new book, Divided Armies: Inequality and Battlefield Performance in Modern War. Professor Lyall explains why both diversity and inclusion are important components of an effective military force. We also address the recent critique that the US military is "woke" and discuss why incorporating broad viewpoints are essential in the military academies. Professor Lyall's book, Divided Armies, is available from Princeton University Press: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691192437/divided-armies ..read more

In this special edition of Impolitic, we ask two scholars to help us answer the question: what is socialism? Robert Wyllie of Ashland University and Barry Eidlin of McGill University offer their respective insight and opinion on how socialism is defined, and the role it plays in both the United States and around the world ..read more

We speak with Dr. Nolan Cabrera of the University of Arizona to help us understand critical race theory (CRT). He provides a broad explanation and historical overview of the academic theory. We also discuss the various criticisms CRT has faced -- both in academia and in public discourse ..read more

We speak with Diane Benscoter, the founder of Antidote -- a non-profit organization that seeks to address psychological manipulation. Diane shares her own personal story as a former cult member and explains how other individuals may also be 'deprogrammed' to leave cults and reject unfounded conspiracy theories. Diane also emphasizes the public health dimension of Antidote's efforts to better educate the wider public and inform public policymaking. If you or someone you love is involved in a group or organization that might be using psychological manipulation, please visit Antidote (https://ant ..read more

In this episode we speak with Rabbi Ron Fish, the Northeast Division Director of Antisemitism Advocacy and Education at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Rabbi Fish describes the prevalence of white supremacy and racism in the United States today. We also discuss the various trends, world views, and manifestos of right-wing terrorists. Rabbi Fish concludes by offering thoughts on how local communities and faith-based religious organizations can come together to combat hate and extremism. Be sure to check out the Anti-Defamation League (https://www.adl.org/) to learn more about antisemitism and ..read more

In this episode we ask Stephanie Hegarty, an award winning journalist for the BBC, to provide an update on how QAnon has evolved over the years. She has covered QAnon extensively and released several mini-documentaries that attempt to understand the perspective of QAnon believers. We ask about the current status of QAnon today and whether individuals continue support the controversial "Q" movement ..read more

In this special edition of Impolitic we speak with Kimberly Cutter, writer and host of The Control Variable - an investigative podcast about American propaganda and understanding the causes of the January 6 insurrection. For more information on The Control Variable podcast, please visit their website (https://atomicwhalestudios.com/thecontrolvariable ..read more

We explore ANTIFA and attempt to determine if it is an organization or simply an ideology, and assess whether it is a movement for social justice or terrorism. In this episode we are joined by Professor Anna Meier of the University of Nottingham to help us better understand ANTIFA ..read more

In this episode we interview Professor Joseph Uscinski, an American political scientist who is considered one of the leading experts on conspiracy theories. We cover the basics of how individuals come to believe in conspiracy theories, the role of social media and whether conspiracies are expanding, and discuss whether to be optimistic or pessimistic about the future ..read more