Judging Freedom COL. Karen Kwiatkowski : Divorcing the Empire.
Dec 9, 2025
COL. Karen Kwiatkowski, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and national security critic, discusses controversial U.S. actions abroad, which she argues fit the definition of a terrorist state. She critiques the lack of congressional war declarations and highlights the economic drain of American imperialism. Drawing on her 'Divorcing the Empire' essay, she emphasizes the need for personal preparedness in the face of potential financial collapse, while also condemning militarized policing tactics. Kwiatkowski calls for greater political accountability and active citizen engagement.
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State Violence As Terrorism
- Col. Karen Kwiatkowski argues U.S. actions like strikes aimed at changing another country's leadership fit common definitions of terrorism.
- She warns such foreign interventions bypass the Constitution and Congress, eroding democratic war-decision norms.
Government As Betraying Partner
- Kwiatkowski likens the U.S. government to an unfaithful husband and the American people to the betrayed wife.
- She says the constitutional myth is unraveling and advocates 'divorcing the empire' and the government itself.
Empire Can't Thrive As Debtor
- Kwiatkowski states history shows empires cannot remain debtors indefinitely and will collapse.
- She highlights U.S. global military costs and debt as incompatible with sustaining an empire.