The Wisdom Tradition | a philosophy podcast What John Mearsheimer Gets Wrong about the US-ISRAEL Relationship
In this episode, host Alex Sachon critically examines key points made by US foreign policy expert John Mearsheimer in his recent interview with Tucker Carlson. This interview focuses partly on the current situation in Gaza and partly on the perplexing nature of the US-Israel relationship.
While Alex appreciates Mearsheimer’s detailed historical analysis of Israel’s motivations for its policies toward Gaza and his deep knowledge of the U.S.-Israel "special relationship", he fundamentally disagrees with Mearsheimer’s nation-state-centric approach and his emphasis on ideology as the main driver of U.S. foreign policy. Instead, Alex argues that only by understanding the U.S. as a global empire—driven by control, centralization, and technological dominance—can we make sense of its actions in the Middle East. The discussion highlights both the strengths and limitations of Mearsheimer’s perspective, offering a broader framework for understanding current events.
Table of Contents
00:00 – Introduction: Framing the Debate
03:32 – Clip 1: The U.S. Foreign Policy Establishment
Alex critiques Mearsheimer’s focus on ideology and the nation-state, arguing for a broader model that distinguishes between America as a nation-state and as a global empire.
04:34 – Clip 2: The U.S.-Israel Relationship
Mearsheimer discusses the influence of the Israel lobby and U.S. military support. Alex agrees with the factual analysis at the nation-state level but insists the real driver is the empire’s need for control, not just lobbying or ideology.
08:33 – Clip 3: The Two-State Solution
Mearsheimer claims the U.S. wants peace and a two-state solution. Alex strongly disagrees, arguing that ongoing conflict serves U.S. imperial interests, especially regarding the petrodollar system.
10:24 – Clip 4: The Greater Israel Project and Ethnic Cleansing
Mearsheimer details the historical roots and current execution of the Greater Israel agenda. Alex praises this clarity but adds that the American Empire’s structure enables these dynamics.
17:58 – Clip 5: Why Israel Wants Gaza
Mearsheimer explains the strategic and ideological motivations for controlling Gaza and neighboring regions. Alex acknowledges the accuracy of the historical analysis and adds economic and geostrategic factors.
22:57 – Conclusion
Alex summarizes the need for a more dynamic model of American power to understand Middle East geopolitics and global events.