Why does the US support Israel? A geopolitical analysis with economist Michael Hudson
Nov 10, 2023
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Economist Michael Hudson and journalist Ben Norton analyze the US support for Israel from a geopolitical and economic perspective. They delve into the historical reasons behind this support, including the desire to control energy supplies and trade routes in the Middle East. The podcast also explores the geopolitical dynamics surrounding US support for Israel, potential military action against Iran, and the connection between the US-Israel relationship and war crimes. Additionally, they discuss the US military plan, relations with India, and the role of religion in geopolitics. Insights on classical antiquity, debt history, and the Crusades are also discussed.
The US supports Israel because of its strategic importance in controlling energy supplies, trade routes, and as a military base to dominate the Middle East.
Israel's role as a US ally helps secure US control over the Middle East, counter the rise of alternative powers, and confront potential conflicts against Iran.
Deep dives
Geopolitical and economic reasons behind US support for Israel
Israel is a crucial extension of US geopolitical power in the Middle East. Its strategic importance lies in its control over energy supplies, access to trade routes, and its use as a military base to dominate the region. The US has a historical aim of maintaining control over critical areas worldwide to prevent any hostile power from dominating them. The US views Israel as an instrument for its dominance in West Asia, particularly due to its massive oil and gas reserves, vital trading routes like the Suez Canal, and its location as a gateway between Asia and Europe in the Belt and Road Initiative. US support for Israel serves its economic and military interests in the region.
The shift in US focus from Saudi Arabia to Israel
Historically, the US had a twin-pillar strategy in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and Iran as its pillars. However, with the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran became less aligned with US interests, and Israel assumed a more crucial role in maintaining control over the region. Israel's importance stems from its strategic location, control over critical trade routes like the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and its role in preserving US dominance over energy supplies. Furthermore, as Saudi Arabia's foreign policy becomes less aligned with US interests due to its growing ties with China, Israel's significance for US control over the region is further heightened.
Challenges to US control and the role of Israel
The US is increasingly facing challenges to its control over the Middle East and its dominance over energy supplies. China's growing influence in the region, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, threatens US control over trade routes and energy imports. The US sees Israel as a key player in countering these challenges and maintaining its dominance. Israel's role as a US ally helps secure US control over the region, prevent the rise of alternative powers, and counter the potential threat of countries like Iran. The US support for Israel goes beyond altruistic motives and is driven by its need to maintain strategic control.
The US pursuit of dominance and the potential for conflict
The US' pursuit of dominance in the Middle East and control over energy supplies has led to tensions and potential conflicts. The US aims to control critical regions and prevent any foreign power from dominating them. This strategy involves fueling conflicts and using other countries, like Israel, as proxies to fight wars that serve US interests. The current situation between Israel, Gaza, and the broader Middle East can be seen as part of the US strategy to confront Iran and maintain its dominance. The US is positioning itself for potential conflicts against Iran, which could have far-reaching consequences for the region and the world at large.
A geopolitical analysis of why the United States so strongly supports Israel: Economist Michael Hudson discusses with journalist Ben Norton.
VIDEO: https://youtube.com/watch?v=9AeAfFfTqMk
TRANSCRIPT here: https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/11/12/why-us-support-israel-geopolitics-michael-hudson
Check out our video "Origins of debt: Michael Hudson reveals how financial oligarchies in Greece & Rome shaped our world": https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hqe3IQQo_t4
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