ARE WE HEADING INTO A NEW WORLD WAR? | Jeremy Corbyn and Yanis Varoufakis
Jun 19, 2024
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Join Jeremy Corbyn, former Labour Party leader, as he delves into the rising geopolitical tensions reminiscent of pre-World War I. He critiques the motivations behind contemporary foreign policies and advocates for a peace-focused approach. The conversation shifts to the influence of technofeudalism and global corporations on local economies, exploring the ethical implications of AI in warfare. Corbyn and Yanis Varoufakis emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation to address emerging conflicts and foster societal equity.
The podcast highlights the alarming rise in global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, drawing parallels to pre-World War I tensions.
Experts argue for shifting the discourse from militarization to peace, emphasizing the need for social investment over increased military spending.
The discussion critiques technology's control by large corporations, advocating for democratic oversight to ensure equitable benefits for local economies and communities.
Deep dives
Global Conflict Escalation
The podcast discusses the alarming increase in global conflicts, highlighting the significant risks posed by the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. It emphasizes the staggering death tolls and the public's desensitization towards violence, particularly against civilians, such as the bombing of hospitals. Additionally, there is growing concern over Israel's potential for a wider conflict involving Iran, with the danger of escalated military actions emphasized. This context creates a perception of an impending crisis similar to pre-World War I conditions, driven by military alliances and escalating tensions.
The Dynamics of War and Peace
The conversation addresses the importance of shifting the discourse from one of conflict to one of peace and social investment. It critiques the rise in military expenditure amidst cuts to local government services that support social needs, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to peace. Furthermore, it introduces the idea that genuine peace involves creating alternative systems and dialogues, diverging from the dominant militaristic narratives. This includes engaging in discussions about the arms trade's influence on global stability and advocating for disarmament and investment in human development.
Geopolitical Tensions and Power Structures
The episode delves into the complex nature of international relations, particularly how U.S. foreign policy is shaped by various factions within the government. The conversation reveals a perception that the continuing war in Ukraine is intertwined with a broader strategy involving China, highlighting a new Cold War mentality. Additionally, it critiques NATO's expansionism and legacy strategies that maintain U.S. hegemony, questioning their viability in a shifting global landscape. It argues for a reassessment of alliances, emphasizing that the need for cooperation must be prioritized over military domination.
Cloud Capital and the Technological Economy
The dialogue addresses the rise of 'cloud capital' and its implications for global economic power dynamics. It illustrates how large tech companies are extracting significant portions of global income and shaping market behaviors, often at the expense of individual entrepreneurs and local economies. The discussion emphasizes the need for democratic control over technology and algorithms to ensure that their benefits are equitably distributed. This issue is presented as not just an economic concern, but as a fundamental question of governance and power relations in the modern world.
Calls for International Cooperation and Governance
Towards the end, the podcast advocates for a reformed international governance structure capable of fostering peace and cooperation rather than conflict. It suggests an urgent need for global partnerships that prioritize environmental sustainability and equitable resource management instead of military interventions. The discussion stresses the importance of educating and mobilizing populations to prevent conflicts driven by resource scarcity. The potential for a collaborative approach to global governance that empowers communities is highlighted as a necessary step towards addressing the existential crises faced by humanity.
This podcast is released alongside the acclaimed new docuseries 'In The Eye Of The Storm — The Political Odyssey Of Yanis Varoufakis'. Watch it here: http://www.eyeofthestorm.info
Jeremy Corbyn is a British politician who has been a Member of Parliament since 1983, and was Leader of the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020. To find out more, go to: https://jeremycorbyn.org.uk/43-2/about-me/
Yanis Varoufakis is an economist, politician, author and the former finance minister of Greece. To find out more, go to: https://www.yanisvaroufakis.eu/
Raoul Martinez is a philosopher, author and filmmaker. To find out more, go to: http://www.creatingfreedom.info
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