Guest Aaron Maté discusses the consequences of perpetual warfare, influential figures in global affairs like Victoria Newland, geopolitical complexities in conflicts like Ukraine, challenges of dissent and media manipulation, democracy struggles, the importance of independent media, audience comments on Christian Zionism in outreach, news coverage challenges, battling the national security state, and a lively debate on pronunciation and well wishes.
Forever wars fueled by recurring decision-makers prioritizing self-interest over diplomacy.
Resistance to peace agreements in Ukraine driven by factions benefiting from political unrest.
Mainstream media's biased reporting perpetuates narratives and lack of critical analysis in conflicts.
Deep dives
US Involvement in Forever Wars
The involvement of the US in various wars, from Yugoslavia to the current situation in Ukraine, has led to debate suppression, media control, and erosion of legal protections. The perpetuation of forever wars has been fueled by a recurring cast of decision-makers who continually push for new conflicts, with little regard for the consequences.
Challenges in Achieving Peace
Efforts like the Minsk agreements were met with resistance from powerful factions in Ukraine who did not want to cede influence. The failure to implement peace agreements was driven by those who benefited from the political unrest and tension in the region, preventing a resolution to the conflict.
Media Bias and Propaganda
The media's role in perpetuating narratives like Russiagate and the conflict in Ukraine has been marred by bias and selective reporting. Instances of election meddling and cover-ups in Syria involving US and Ukrainian intelligence point to a lack of transparency and critical reporting in mainstream media.
Geopolitical Influence and Manipulation
Geopolitical interests and power dynamics have led to interventions and escalations in conflicts, such as US support in Ukraine and involvement in Russiagate. The pursuit of hegemony has driven decision-makers to prioritize self-interest over diplomacy and peace, resulting in continued confrontations and challenges to international stability.
Neo-Cons and Forever Wars
The perpetuation of forever wars is attributed to the emerging national security state in the US, aligning itself with neocons who advocate for continuous military engagements. The synergy between these factions, driven by material incentives, ensures a cycle of conflict and intervention, even beyond specific geopolitical outcomes like in Ukraine.
Maintaining Forever Wars
The collaboration between the powerful national security state and neocons, motivated by material and ideological reasons, prolongs forever wars. This partnership thrives on perpetuating conflicts, regardless of the actual geopolitical landscape. The alignment between the national security apparatus and neocons solidifies the narrative of continuous military engagements as the default approach, ensuring a persistent state of conflict.