Harvard Prof. Stephen Walt Dissects US Foreign Policy: Israel/Gaza, Ukraine, Iran, China, BRICS, & More | SYSTEM UPDATE #162
Oct 14, 2023
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Harvard Prof. Stephen Walt dissects US foreign policy including Israel/Gaza conflict, Ukraine war, Iran, China, BRICS alliance, and more. He discusses the motives behind the recent Hamas attack, the unsustainability of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, impact of conflict with Hamas on Israeli politics, implications of bombing Iranian infrastructure, Harvard's controversy, and dangers of universities becoming political players.
Hamas' attack serves as a reminder of the Palestinian cause but may be counterproductive in gaining sympathy.
Israeli government's actions in Gaza may violate international law and have consequences for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The current approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is unsustainable and calls for a just and lasting peace.
Deep dives
The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and US involvement in the Middle East
This episode discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, focusing on the recent outbreak of violence and the Israeli response, as well as the role of the Biden administration in supporting Israel militarily. It explores the criticisms against Harvard University for not condemning Hamas strongly enough and the efforts to blacklist pro-Palestinian Harvard students. The podcast also touches on the potential consequences of a US attack on Iran and the war in Ukraine, as well as the expansion of the China-led BRICS alliance and the shifting world order. The episode reflects on the influence of the so-called Israel lobby and the decline of anti-interventionist sentiments within the Republican Party.
The strategic logic behind Hamas' attack on Israel
The episode delves into the motives behind Hamas' attack, suggesting that it was a reminder to the international community not to marginalize the Palestinian cause. It discusses the audacity and sophistication of the attack, as well as the propaganda campaign carried out by Hamas through highly produced videos. The episode highlights that while the attack may have strategic logic from Hamas' perspective, it is ultimately counterproductive for the Palestinian cause and diminishes sympathy for their plight.
Repercussions of Israel's response to Hamas and potential political implications
The episode examines the response of the Israeli government and its military action in Gaza, suggesting that it may be violating international law and causing harm to innocent civilians. It raises concerns about the potential consequences for Israel, both domestically and internationally, particularly in relation to Prime Minister Netanyahu's political future. The podcast emphasizes the danger of overreactions in conflict situations and the need for a long-term political solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The unsustainability of the current approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The episode critiques the current approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which involves marginalizing the Palestinian issue and prioritizing normalization between Israel and other countries. It argues that this approach is unsustainable and highlights the need for a just and lasting peace that addresses the Palestinian question. The podcast emphasizes the challenges and dilemmas faced by Israel and the need to reconsider the long-term goals and endgame of the conflict.
Global perceptions of US foreign policy and the rise of anti-interventionism
The episode explores global perceptions of US foreign policy, particularly in relation to the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. It highlights the criticism of US double standards and selective application of moral and legal principles. The podcast discusses the impact of these perceptions on the rise of anti-interventionist sentiments, both in the US domestic context and globally. It also raises concerns about the potential consequences of US foreign policy on the rise of China and the need for a more nuanced and careful approach.