Episode #158 - Joaquin Flores and Unraveling the Geopolitics of Israel and Gaza
Oct 24, 2023
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Geopolitical analyst Joaquin Flores joins to unpack the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, discussing geopolitics, energy shortages, Middle East dynamics, US politics, potential resolutions, and the fight until submission.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is driven by Cold War geopolitics, religious movements, and the crisis of modernity.
Underreported aspects of the conflict include Cold War geopolitics and internal dynamics within Israel.
The conflict intersects with global conflicts, such as the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, and is utilized by different players for their geopolitical interests.
Deep dives
Geopolitical angles and Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The conflict between Israel and Palestine is not just about the Israeli-Palestinian divide, but is driven by Cold War geopolitics and the crisis of modernity. Pan-Arab nationalism and secular Israeli nationalism are no longer the main drivers, as the conflict has become more intertwined with religious and mystical movements. The Western powers have an interest in keeping the conflict alive, while Israel aims to integrate economically into the region. Netanyahu's struggle for power and the conflict within Israeli politics also play a role in the ongoing dynamics.
Underreported aspects of the conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often portrayed as a struggle between Israelis and Palestinians, but there are other underreported aspects to consider. Cold War geopolitics are still at play, with Israel being strategically positioned to counter Russia and China's growing alliance. Additionally, there are internal dynamics within Israel, such as the fight for constitutional reforms and clashes between the judiciary and the Knesset. These underreported angles provide a broader understanding of the conflict beyond the surface-level narratives.
Interconnections with other global conflicts
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is part of a larger web of global conflicts and geopolitical strategies. It intersects with the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, with Russia conducting an attritional war against the West and potentially forcing the West to lose either Ukraine or Israel. The conflict also affects Lebanon, with the need for Hezbollah reinforcement, and Iran, which mobilized forces to the Azeri border. The interconnections highlight how different players, including the West and Russia, are taking advantage of the crisis for their own geopolitical interests.
Geopolitical tensions and energy collateral in Israel-Europe relations
The podcast episode delves into the geopolitical tensions and energy collateral between Israel and Europe. It highlights the divide between the 'Davos crowd' and American/Anglo interests, particularly regarding Europe's access to oil and gas from Russia and Iran. The JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and its role in opening up European investment into Iranian oil and gas is discussed, along with the impact of former President Trump's opposition to it. The episode also explores the importance of energy dependence for Europe's economy, the challenges faced by countries like Italy in accessing gas, and the potential significance of pipelines like Turkstream and the East Med pipeline.
Internal Israeli politics, Russia's role, and the future of Israel-Europe relations
The podcast delves into the complex dynamics of internal Israeli politics and its implications for Israel's relationships with Russia, Iran, and Europe. It suggests that Russia could play a crucial role in balancing Israeli interests and security concerns. The potential for Israel to pivot towards India and Russia, seeking energy collateral and stability in the region, is explored. The episode also highlights the challenges faced by Israel in terms of its reliance on the United States for security guarantees and the need for a realignment of power dynamics. Furthermore, it discusses the possibility of finding off-ramps for the Israel-Palestine conflict and the potential benefits of peace and integration in the region.
Geopolitical analyst and commentator Joaquin Flores joins me to try and unpack the multi-layered problems surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th.
