Pete Reads 'Coup D'état' by Edward N. Luttwak - Part 2 w/ John Fieldhouse, Christopher Sandbatch and Dark Enlightenment
Aug 7, 2024
auto_awesome
Join insightful commentator John Fieldhouse, writer Christopher Sandbatch, and thought-provoking figure Dark Enlightenment as they dissect Edward N. Luttwak's 'Coup D'état'. They explore the tension between neoconservative and paleoconservative theories, and dive into Italy's political turmoil, spotlighting Berlusconi amidst corruption. The conversation takes a turn towards political passivity in 1952 Egypt, and uncovers how colonial legacies continue to shape modern governance. Expect discussions on military perceptions, bureaucracy during coups, and the complex dynamics of democracy.
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of social and economic factors in shaping the likelihood of successful coups, highlighting historical contexts.
The concept of 'voting with fire' illustrates how the politically oppressed can mobilize and affect governance through unrest when formal voting rights are lacking.
Political independence is vital for coup success, as foreign influences often hinder local movements, complicating the coup dynamics and outcomes.
Deep dives
Support for the Podcast
Listeners are encouraged to support the show through various platforms, including Patreon, SubscribeStar, and a new option, Gumroad, which offers episodes early and ad-free. This support is crucial for the show's expansion, along with providing listeners access to exclusive content such as a Telegram group for community interaction. The speaker expresses gratitude for the support received, indicating that it contributes significantly to the ongoing success and growth of the podcast. The introduction of multiple supporting options is a strategic move to engage a broader audience and maintain the independent nature of the content.
Coup d'Etat Analysis
The discussion revolves around the reading of Edward Lutwak's work on coup d'etats, emphasizing the complexities surrounding their occurrence. Historical contexts, such as the relationship between social conditions and the potential for a coup, are examined, with insights into specific countries that could be vulnerable to such actions. The conversation also highlights how various social and economic factors contribute to the likelihood of a successful coup, including underlying anger and deprivation that can fuel population unrest. The influence of historical coups is further intertwined with modern political analysis, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary scenarios.
Voting with Fire
The concept of 'voting with fire' is explored as a means for the politically oppressed to express their dissatisfaction in the absence of formal voting rights. Historical events such as the violent demonstrations in Egypt leading to the 1952 coup serve as powerful examples of how the masses can mobilize and exert influence against existing power structures. The conversation suggests that such acts of rebellion, although lacking clear political objectives, can lead to significant changes in governance and public policy. This notion challenges traditional views of democracy by illustrating the sometimes chaotic yet legitimate expressions of public will.
Dependency in Coup Dynamics
The dynamics of coups are heavily influenced by the degree of political and economic independence a country possesses. Countries with substantial foreign military presence or dependency are less likely to experience successful coups, as illustrated by the historical context of the Soviet Union's control in Hungary. The conversation draws connections between historical events and current geopolitical climates, illustrating how foreign intervention can play a decisive role in the outcomes of coups. This dependency also complicates the planning and execution of coups, as coup plotters must consider the implications of their actions in relation to foreign powers.
Political Independence and Influence
A significant point of discussion is the necessity of political independence for the success of a coup. An analysis of past coups reveals that powerful foreign influences can stifle local political movements, as seen in the dependence of Egypt on the Soviet Union during the 1960s. The conversation highlights how historical precedents demonstrate that the success or failure of coups often hinges on the political landscape shaped by external factors and domestic governance. By understanding these dependencies, participants can better evaluate the likelihood and implications of potential future coups in various geopolitical contexts.
Pete continues his reading of Edward N. Luttwak's "Coup D'état." In this episode he welcomes John Fieldhouse, Chistopher Sandbatch and Dark Enlightenment to comment on the middle section of chapter 2. DE's Telegram Channel