Economist Podcasts A friend of mines: America’s explosive policy turn
Feb 18, 2020
Shoshank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor, delves into the U.S. controversial stance on anti-personnel landmines, analyzing its implications for modern warfare and civilian safety. Fiametta Rocco, the culture correspondent, uncovers Britain's universities' connections to the slave trade, discussing their efforts to reconcile with this legacy. The conversation also touches on innovative advertising strategies in sports, revealing how technology is reshaping viewer experiences and revenue models.
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Landmine Policy Reversal
- The Trump administration reversed Obama's ban on landmines outside Korea.
- This signals a potential return to using these weapons, raising concerns.
Civilian Casualties from Landmines
- Civilian casualties are a major concern with landmines, even with self-destruct mechanisms.
- The Pentagon claims a low failure rate, but experts question their battlefield reliability.
Shifting Rules of Warfare
- The Trump administration's loosening of restrictions on landmines and cluster munitions reflects a broader trend.
- They view rules of warfare as constraints, leading to uncertainty in future conflicts.