Fresh off a joint trip to Europe, Shadi and Damir debate if the Balkans are where political theories go to die, and "Great Man" interpretations of history are vindicated. They also observe how Americans' and Europeans' responses to COVID continue to differ, and lament the return of DC's mask mandate. Finally, Damir and Shadi discuss the conundrum facing liberal politicians pressured to enact vaccine mandates. Are they a necessary step to corral intransigent holdouts? Or a new form of discrimination against blacks and hispanics, who are vaccinated at lower rates than whites?

Their conversation continues in a bonus episode out next week, in which they carry on their debate about democratic theory in the context of the ongoing strife in Tunisia. Subscribe here to get it straight to your inbox.

Recommended Reading:

• Damir's tweet
• Shadi's response