Episode 971: Examining Zionist Backlash and the United States’ Path Forward w/ Patrick Casey
Nov 7, 2023
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Patrick Casey, host of the Restoring Order podcast, joins Pete Quinones to discuss geopolitical reactions to the Israel-Palestine conflict, US-Ukraine relationship, social media's influence on politics, supporting the show, secession in the US, autocratic leadership, and running for office from jail.
Israel's relationships with Russia and China are evolving, potentially impacting its domestic and international affairs.
Social media platforms like Twitter play a significant role in shaping political discourse and opinions, with increasing resistance towards pro-Israel narratives.
Mizrahi Jews, historically facing discrimination, now hold power within the Likud party, highlighting the complexity of Israeli politics.
Deep dives
The Impact of Geopolitics on Shifting Alliances
The podcast episode discusses how recent geopolitical events, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine question, have exposed fault lines and shifting alliances in the 21st century. It highlights the changing relationship between Israel and countries like Russia and China, noting that Israel's past cozy relationship with these countries appears to be evolving. The episode also explores the potential geopolitical consequences of ongoing conflicts, such as the Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It speculates on the implications of these events and the alliances being formed or broken among nations.
The Evolution of Israel's Relationships
The podcast delves into the changing dynamics of Israel's relationships with other countries, particularly with Russia and China. It highlights how Israel, up until relatively recently, maintained friendly ties with both nations, despite its deep involvement in American politics. However, the episode suggests that these relationships are shifting, pointing out Netanyahu's push for peace during the Ukraine war and how it diverged from the more hardline views held by Likud advocates like Ben Shapiro. The episode poses questions about Israel's changing allegiances and potential consequences for both Israel's domestic and international affairs.
Twitter's Influence on Politics and Public Opinion
The podcast explores the role of social media platforms like Twitter in shaping public opinion and political narratives. It acknowledges that while Twitter may not necessarily represent real life, it has become a significant platform for generating and spreading political discourse. The episode mentions the pushback faced by certain individuals, who were previously critical of identity politics but have now embraced it when it comes to their own identity. The host also discusses the increasing resistance towards pro-Israel narratives on Twitter and the divisions within conservative media outlets regarding support for Israel. Additionally, the episode touches on the potential consequences of public engagement on social media, such as the risk of being misunderstood and the ease with which narratives can be distorted.
The Influence of Mizrahi Jews in Israeli Politics
The podcast episode discusses the influence of Mizrahi Jews in Israeli politics, particularly their support for the Likud party. Mizrahi Jews, who arrived in Israel after its founding and often faced discrimination from Ashkenazi Jews, have developed a sense of resentment and exclusion from the Zionist project. This resentment has become a major source of power for the Likud party. The speaker emphasizes the irony that the biggest supporters of Netanyahu are not white Jews, but rather the Mizrahi Jews. This discussion highlights the complexity of the Israeli political landscape and the role of historical grievances in shaping political alliances.
Examining the Israel Lobby and American Politics
The podcast episode delves into the influence of the Israel lobby on American politics and the expectations placed on politicians to support Israel's policies. The speaker acknowledges the strong influence exerted by the Israel lobby, including economic benefits offered through deals like the Abraham Accords. There is a critique of intellectuals who claim to be against identity politics but readily support pro-Israel policies due to their personal ties to the Jewish community. The episode raises questions about the relationship between Israel and the United States and the impact of waning influence from the Israel lobby on American politics. It also explores potential avenues for change, such as questioning foreign aid and focusing on issues like immigration, crime, and discrimination.
