Foreign Policy Live Why the World Is So Polarized Over Gaza
Feb 14, 2025
Pankaj Mishra, acclaimed author of "The World After Gaza," provides a profound analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and global polarization. He discusses the historical narratives shaping perceptions of Gaza and Israel's founding, highlighting the moral complexities involved. Mishra critiques America’s role and emphasizes empathy in understanding these crises. He also examines rising far-right ideologies in the West while expressing hope that younger generations may cultivate greater compassion amidst despair.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Global Polarization on Gaza
- Global opinions on the Gaza conflict are bewilderingly polarized, even between nations.
- Pankaj Mishra argues this polarization is rooted in differing historical narratives and the "color line" of race.
Motivation Behind the Book
- Mishra wrote "The World After Gaza" to explore the disproportionate Israeli response to the Hamas attack.
- He questions how a nation founded for Holocaust survivors commits atrocities on another stateless population.
The Uniqueness of Gaza
- Mishra believes no recent disaster compares to Gaza in terms of grief and bad conscience.
- He highlights the extensive broadcasting of the onslaught on Gaza by both perpetrators and victims.
