The Glenn Show Daniel Bessner – Making Sense of the Donroe Doctrine
22 snips
Jan 16, 2026 
In this discussion, historian and foreign policy analyst Daniel Bessner critiques American primacy and the flaws of realism in U.S. foreign policy. He highlights the downsides of interventions, particularly in Venezuela, and warns against the domestic effects of militarization. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of a massive defense budget and its potential to reshape society, increase inflation, and exacerbate inequality. Bessner questions whether a war-driven revival of the industrial sector is viable, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of U.S. global engagement.
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Decapitation vs. Regime Change
- Decapitating a leader is different from classic regime change and carries distinct legitimacy and outcome risks.
- Bessner warns U.S. interventions often produce worse outcomes for targeted countries per scholarly research.
Limits Of Offensive Realism
- Realist international-relations theories exaggerate permanent existential threats and can justify endless expansion.
- Bessner critiques offensive realism as historically shaped by extreme 20th-century threats, not current realities.
Big Defense Is Radically Transformative
- Large military spending is radical and reshapes society; conservatives often support policies that are actually transformative.
- Bessner argues a 50% defense expansion would deeply alter American life and is not 'conservative.'
