The Lost Peace - Richard Sakwa, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen
Mar 11, 2024
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Exploring the impacts of Western actions post-Cold War, Russia's role in the global order, challenges of reconciling universal ideals with political realities, dissenting views on potential second Cold War, and envisioning global unity amidst turmoil.
Need for harmonizing Western hegemony with inclusive sovereign system based on the UN Charter post-Cold War.
Advocacy for a return to principles of the UN Charter centered on sovereign internationalism and human rights over stark realism.
Proposal of transitioning towards a 'commonwealth politics' for a more stable and inclusive global power structure.
Deep dives
The Lost Peace: Western Failure in Preventing a Second Cold War
The podcast episode reflects on how the West missed the opportunity to prevent a second Cold War according to Professor Richard Sakwa. He highlights the choices post-Cold War, focusing on the failure to harmonize the Western hegemony under the United States with a more inclusive sovereign system based on the UN Charter. The discussion delves into the divergence between the internal and external orders post-Cold War, leading to a hegemonic peace under US dominance. The consequences of NATO's expansion and the challenge of accommodating a stronger Russia are explored.
Exploring Alternatives to Western Hegemony and the Ideals of Universalism
Professor Sakwa underscores the need for an alternative to the current stark realism of international politics, promoting a vision of a better world beyond great power conflict. He contrasts empire with commonwealth, advocating for a return to principles of the UN Charter centered on sovereign internationalism and human rights. The discussion extends to the notion of a 'political West' as a power system post-Cold War, emphasizing the importance of redefining the West beyond mere military-industrial complexes and embracing a multi-polar, multi-order world.
Challenges of Liberal Hegemony and Flexible Political Dynamics
The dialogue highlights the inflexibility of liberal hegemony in accommodating shifts in international dynamics, emphasizing the zero-sum mentality in peace and security. It questions the ability of Western powers to adapt to a changing global environment without resorting to militaristic enforcement. The analysis reflects on the contrasting approaches of the political West and East, with the East emphasizing sovereign internationalism and a revised approach to global cooperation.
The Dark Moment Before Dawn: Implications of Transition in Global Power Dynamics
Amidst the current militarized confrontations and power struggles, there is a suggestion of a potential transformation in the global power structure. The narrative presents a hopeful perspective of a transition phase leading to a more stable world order. The notion of a 'commonwealth politics' is proposed as a means to navigate beyond the current hegemonic deadlock and towards a more inclusive, cooperative vision for international relations.
Anticipating a New Approach: Vision for a Reshaped World Order
The discussion concludes by looking forward to a reimagined global order, envisioning a confederation of Europe and a shift away from militarized Atlanticism towards a model emphasizing cooperation and common principles. The emphasis is on reformulating political strategies to align with a new geopolitical reality, fostering collaboration with global powers while promoting a vision of unity and mutual respect among nations.
