Global alliances are shifting. Tech stacks are splitting. And social media is reshaping democracy in real time. In this electrifying episode, Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist, CNN host, and global affairs analyst, joins Phil Fersht to unpack the messy intersection of politics, AI, and power.  

What You’ll Hear in 30 Minutes 

• Why Fareed says global allies are hedging their bets on America 
• The new Cold War over tech stacks: Chinese vs. non-Chinese 
• Social media’s algorithmic grip on democracy 
• Are we facing the systemic breakdown of compromise? 
• Why the next election might hinge on a TikTok 
• Urban America’s affordability crisis: housing, healthcare, education 
• What Gen Z’s radical turn means for politics 
• How Fareed is fighting back against digital distraction (spoiler: karaoke is involved)  

Guest Snapshot 

Fareed Zakaria is a globally recognized journalist, author, and host of CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS. Known for his razor-sharp commentary on international affairs, economic policy, and technology, Fareed has been a leading voice on globalization, democracy, and disruption for decades. His work appears in The Washington Post, CNN, and bestselling books like The Post-American World and Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World.   

Timestamps 

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction  
00:36 – Global Alliances Are Fraying  
02:41 – The Bipolar Tech Stack: US vs. China  
04:42 – Nvidia, Intel, and Chips in Geopolitics  
06:44 – Democracy, AI, and the Social Media Machine  
09:45 – Charlie Kirk, Virality, and Political Radicalization  
13:05 – The Power (and Danger) of Algorithms  
15:40 – Is the American Dream Still Alive?  
18:30 – The Urban Crisis of Affordability  
20:22 – Why Gen Z is Embracing Radical Ideas  
21:59 – How social media is Rewiring Our Brains  
24:20 – Deep Work, Human Connection, and Staying Sane  
26:30 – Fareed’s Final Reflection  

Explore More 

• Fareed Zakaria on LinkedIn
• Phil Fersht on LinkedIn
• More from HFS

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