Walter Russell Mead, a distinguished writer and professor at Bard College specializing in international affairs, joins for a deep dive into global tensions. The conversation touches on China's authoritarian rule and domestic discontent, as well as Russia's complex geopolitical maneuvers under Putin. They address the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the significance of the Abraham Accords. Mead emphasizes the need for American optimism to navigate these challenges and foster a more stable world order.
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insights INSIGHT
World Order Challengers
The world is divided into countries that support, want to adjust, or want to overthrow the current world order.
China, Russia, and Iran are leading the opposition against the Anglo-American system.
insights INSIGHT
China's Offer
China offers countries financial and technological aid without the Western demands for political reform.
This appeals to corrupt leaders, but isn't a sustainable model for a new world order.
insights INSIGHT
Challenging Anglo-American Dominance
Throughout history, many have challenged the Anglo-American order, believing centralized power could surpass it.
Leaders like Napoleon and Hitler failed, and China may follow the same path.
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In 'Power, Terror, Peace, and War', Walter Russell Mead provides a detailed examination of American foreign policy, focusing on the Bush administration's strategies and the broader historical context of U.S. international relations. The book discusses various forms of American power—sharp, sticky, sweet, and hegemonic—and outlines a framework for addressing global threats, including terrorism and regional conflicts.
God and gold
Walter Russell Mead
In 'God and Gold', Walter Russell Mead explores the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the dominance of Britain and the United States. He argues that the synergy between Protestantism and capitalism has been crucial in their rise to global power. The book examines the evolution of Anglo-American influence from Oliver Cromwell to George W. Bush, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by these nations.
Special providence
Walter Russell Mead
In 'Special Providence', Walter Russell Mead explores the complexities of American foreign policy by identifying four distinct historical patterns: Hamiltonian, Jeffersonian, Jacksonian, and Wilsonian. These approaches have shaped U.S. foreign policy debates since the American Revolution, contributing to the country's global influence. Mead argues that these diverse impulses have been key to America's success on the world stage.
Mortal splendor
Walter Russell Mead
In 'Mortal Splendor', Walter Russell Mead explores the rise of America's liberal world empire from the post-World War II era to its decline by the mid-1960s and beyond. He situates the U.S. empire within the context of historical empires like Greece and Rome, and offers recommendations for shaping America's post-imperial future, emphasizing global interdependence and economic reforms.
The Arc of a Covenant
Walter Russell Mead
This book examines the complex relationship between the United States and Israel, exploring historical, cultural, and political factors that have shaped their alliance. It challenges common myths about the influence of the Jewish lobby and highlights the role of American Christians in supporting Zionism. The book also discusses how this relationship affects contemporary politics and American identity.
Dr Jordan B Peterson and Walter Russell Mead cross continents in a broad discussion over world affairs. They go in-depth on the state of China’s totalitarian regime, Vladimir Putin's plans for the war with Ukraine, the growing unrest under Iran’s iron fist, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and how a push for American optimism is necessary to best face these emboldened challengers on the world stage.
Walter Russell Mead is a writer, professor, and academic, focusing his efforts on international policy and affairs. He is the James Clarke Chace Professor of Foreign Affairs and Humanities at Bard College and taught American foreign policy at Yale University. Mead has worked as a columnist for publications such as The Wall Street Journal and was editor at large for The American Interest. His books include “Mortal Splendor,” “Special Providence,” “Power, Terror, Peace and War,” “God and Gold,” and most recently “The Arc of a Covenant.”
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