Empire in Decline - Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Alexander Mercouris and Glenn Diesen
Nov 30, 2023
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Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, Alexander Mercouris, and Glenn Diesen discuss the militarization of US foreign policy, lack of accountability in empires, consequences of US intervention in Libya, decision-making at the Pentagon, America's empire, resolving conflicts through cooperation, and the future of Israel.
Excessive militarization of US foreign policy raises concerns and may have negative consequences.
Failure in Ukraine could lead to fragmentation within NATO, impacting its ability to address security challenges.
There is a sense of pessimism about the future of Israel given its current trajectory.
Deep dives
Excessive militarization of US foreign policy
There are concerns about the excessive militarization of US foreign policy. This trend has been observed over the past few years and has raised alarms about the direction of US foreign policy. Many experts argue that this militarization could have negative consequences and may not be the most effective approach in dealing with international issues.
Potential fragmentation of NATO
There are concerns that NATO could face fragmentation as a result of its failure in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has strained relationships within NATO, and some experts believe that this could lead to divisions and disunity within the alliance. This fragmentation could have significant implications for the future of NATO and its ability to effectively address security challenges.
Pessimism about the future of Israel
There is a sense of pessimism about the future of Israel given its current path. The podcast episode highlights that the speaker, Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, holds negative views about the trajectory of Israel. This sentiment could stem from various factors such as regional instability, political tensions, or concerns about Israel's actions and policies.
Reflection on the Iraq War
Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson reflects on the Iraq War and expresses regret for his involvement. He acknowledges the war crime nature of the invasion and laments the decision to go to war. He also discusses the issue of torture and the negative impact it had on the US and its reputation. Overall, there is a critical examination of the Iraq War and its consequences.
NATO and the Changing World Order
The speaker discusses the potential collapse of NATO and the changing dynamics among the member countries. He highlights conversations with Colin Powell, indicating that a new generation of leaders in Europe may not have the same commitment to the alliance as their predecessors. With Germany undergoing significant changes and Ukraine impacting the region, maintaining the cohesion of NATO becomes challenging. The speaker also questions the US-Israel relationship, mentioning past policies and suggestions that Israel may become increasingly isolated as global dynamics shift.
The United States in a Changing World
The speaker reflects on the current state of the United States and its challenges in a changing global landscape. He points out the nation's unsustainable physical situation, highlighting economic considerations and the potential decline of the US dollar as a transactional currency. The speaker suggests that the US should adjust its approach, retreat temporarily, and eventually emerge as a cooperative, collaborative power instead of a hegemonic one. He also emphasizes the importance of addressing the climate crisis and calls for broader public engagement and diplomacy among great powers to solve global crises.