11/18/24 Keith Knight interviews Scott about his New Book 'Provoked'
Nov 21, 2024
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Scott Horton, author of 'Fool's Errand' and 'Provoked', dives into the intricate realities of U.S. foreign policy. He discusses how past events from the Cold War and NATO's broken promises sowed discord with Russia. The conversation also addresses the economic turmoil in post-communist Russia and critiques U.S. military interventions, exploring their historical context. Horton sheds light on America's involvement in Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of international relations and the façade of democracy in color revolutions.
The podcast emphasizes the impact of President Biden's sanctions against Russia, aimed at deterring further aggression in Ukraine.
Scott discusses the misleading historical assurances regarding NATO's eastward expansion, which have fueled current geopolitical tensions with Russia.
The episode critiques how U.S. foreign policy decisions have provoked Russia, contributing to a sense of encirclement and aggressive responses from Putin.
The discussion highlights the military-industrial complex's role in justifying ongoing military engagements, often prioritizing economic interests over humanitarian concerns.
Deep dives
Biden's Sanctions Against Russia
The episode discusses President Biden's announcement of sweeping sanctions against Russia due to its aggressive military action against Ukraine. Biden condemns Russia's invasion as unprovoked and unjustified, labeling it a premeditated attack. This move aims to deter further aggression by imposing significant economic penalties on key sectors of the Russian economy. The response highlights the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions on the international stage.
The Historical Context of NATO
The podcast delves into the historical agreements surrounding Germany's reunification in the early 1990s, which involved assurances that NATO would not expand eastward. Secretary of State James Baker's discussions with Soviet Premier Gorbachev purportedly included promises that NATO would not move into Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, these assurances have been viewed as misleading, as NATO has since expanded to include several Eastern European nations. This expansion has been a point of contention for Russia, contributing to the current geopolitical tensions.
Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy Decisions
The episode highlights how U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly under Presidents Bush and Clinton, laid the groundwork for worsening U.S.-Russia relations. The expansion of NATO is cited as a significant provocation, as it was perceived by Russia as a direct threat to its national security. The podcast argues that these actions contributed to a sense of encirclement felt by Russia, prompting aggressive responses from Putin's administration. As tensions escalate, these historical decisions have led to dire consequences, including the war in Ukraine.
The Unipolar Moment after the Cold War
The discussion touches on the so-called 'unipolar moment' after the Cold War, when the United States emerged as the sole superpower. This led to an aggressive foreign policy aimed at maintaining dominance in various regions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The rhetoric surrounding U.S. exceptionalism fueled initiatives that often disregarded the interests of other nations, including Russia, which felt marginalized in global affairs. The podcast suggests that this unipolar mindset has been detrimental to diplomatic relations and has contributed to ongoing conflicts.
America's Military-Industrial Complex
The episode explores the influence of the military-industrial complex on American foreign policy, particularly how it has sought to justify ongoing military engagements abroad. A significant focus is on the economic motivations behind military spending, illustrating how defense contracts bolster local economies but often at the expense of broader humanitarian considerations. The podcast critiques this cycle of militarization, arguing that it perpetuates violence rather than promoting peace. By highlighting these dynamics, the discussion calls into question the ethics of U.S. military involvement in international conflicts.
Color Revolutions and U.S. Interventions
The concept of color revolutions, framed as popular uprisings backed by U.S. interests, is examined within the context of Ukraine's political turmoil. The podcast details the way the U.S. has historically intervened in countries to support regime changes that align with its geopolitical goals, often resulting in instability. This approach emphasizes a double standard, where the U.S. justifies its actions as promoting democracy while disregarding the sovereignty of other nations. The consequences of these interventions, particularly in Ukraine, have been profound and have fueled ongoing conflict.
Consequences of the Donbass War
The podcast discusses the war in Donbass following the 2014 coup in Ukraine, highlighting the chaos that ensued as different factions vied for power. The conflict escalated dramatically after Crimea was seized by Russia, leading to an increased military response from the Ukrainian government. The struggle for control has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis, as the region remains divided. This conflict serves as a backdrop to the broader tensions between Ukraine and Russia, complicating efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
Libertarian Institute Managing Editor Keith Knight interviews Scott about his new book Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine.
