End of the Liberal Order & Return of War - John Mearsheimer, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen
Jun 7, 2024
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Experts John Mearsheimer, Alexander Mercouris, and Glenn Diesen discuss the collapse of the liberal international order, challenges in sustaining it with rising powers like China and Russia. They analyze the impact of US actions, false victories in Afghanistan on foreign policy, complexities of American history, conflicts in Ukraine, lack of political strategy, and the risks of incrementalism in foreign policy.
Rise of China & Russia challenges the liberal order, shifting towards a multipolar world.
US policies erode the liberal order through delegitimizing institutions and lack of diplomacy.
Conflict in Ukraine exposes complexities of US foreign policy, trust deficit with Russia, and war weariness.
Deep dives
The Decline of the Liberal International Order
The liberal international order that was fostered by the United States post-Cold War is facing challenges due to the rise of China and Russia as great powers, leading to a shift towards a multipolar world. The creation of an alternative order by China through institutions like the AIIB and Belt and Road initiative is undermining the existing liberal international order.
Challenges in Maintaining Liberal International Order
The United States' policies over the past years have contributed to the erosion of the liberal international order. Instances such as delegitimizing international institutions like the International Court of Justice showcase the diminishing influence of the liberal order. The aggressive use of force and lack of diplomacy have further strained the credibility of the United States in upholding liberal values.
Complexities of US Foreign Policy in Ukraine
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlights the complexities of US foreign policy and its impact on global relations. The push for military support to Ukraine reflects a lack of strategic clarity, while the trust deficit between the US and Russia poses challenges for reaching a peaceful resolution. The war weariness in Ukraine, coupled with disillusionment towards Western support, underscores the human toll and strategic implications of the conflict.
US Foreign Policy Establishment and Financial Ability
The podcast discusses how the US is perceived as an incredibly rich country that can financially sustain war efforts with minimal costs, mainly sacrificing the lives of others like Ukrainians while maintaining a favorable demographic position compared to countries like China and Russia. There is an assertion that the US foreign policy establishment downplays the significant costs of military interventions and disasters, largely attributing future prosperity to immigration and economic wealth.
European Alignment with the US and Impending Consequences
The episode explores the potential consequences of European alignment with the US post-war, highlighting a shift in perceptions where Europeans may realize they bear significant costs and liabilities in conflicts like the one in Ukraine, potentially leading to frictions between Europe and the US. The discussion emphasizes concerns of Europe's economic weakening due to actions against Russia and China, leading to increased political loyalty to the US despite aspirations for strategic autonomy.