The David McWilliams Podcast
Casement, Congo & the Comeback of Empire: Is Trump Reviving Imperialism?
Mar 6, 2025
Neo-imperialism is making a bold comeback, with Trump’s diplomatic maneuvers reshaping global dynamics. Historical parallels link his tactics to King Leopold’s brutal exploitation in the Congo. The episode explores the cyclical nature of resource grabs, reflecting on colonial legacies and their impact on today's politics. As powerful nations capitalize on historical injustices, the discussions reveal how modern policies echo the worst of the past. Additionally, the role of bicycles in both progress and exploitation highlights the dark consequences of consumer demand.
33:38
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Quick takeaways
- The current U.S. foreign policy's transactional approach undermines global diplomatic norms, treating nations merely as pawns in resource control games.
- Historical parallels to European colonialism highlight how modern neo-imperialism commodifies human suffering in the pursuit of economic interests.
Deep dives
Understanding Neo-Imperialism
Neo-imperialism is characterized by the powerful taking resources from the weak without consideration for national sovereignty or human rights. The discussion emphasizes how contemporary foreign policies, particularly under certain U.S. administrations, reflect this mindset, treating international relations as transactional. Examples include attempts to claim control over regions like Ukraine for their mineral wealth and the implications of such actions for global diplomacy. This shift towards transactional dynamics undermines long-standing diplomatic norms and could lead to catastrophic consequences for nations involved.
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