The Intercept Briefing
Israel’s “Culture of Cruelty” Inspires the Far Right Worldwide, Says Pankaj Mishra
Mar 22, 2025
Pankaj Mishra, the author of 'The World After Gaza,' offers a keen analysis of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its broader implications. He discusses how Israel's recent actions reflect a culture of impunity that resonates with far-right movements worldwide. Mishra critiques the use of Holocaust memory in justifying Western support for Israel and explores the historical ties between colonial legacies and current geopolitics. He also addresses the complexities of nationalism, decolonization, and the evolving narrative surrounding Palestinian solidarity.
40:35
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Quick takeaways
- The recent surge in violence in Gaza highlights the intersection of historical narratives of colonialism and current geopolitical dynamics, revealing Western ignorance about Palestinian struggles.
- Pankaj Mishra emphasizes that Israel's authoritarian practices provide a troubling model for far-right movements worldwide, promoting a dangerous culture of cruelty and impunity.
Deep dives
The Escalating Conflict in Gaza
Israel recently resumed military operations in Gaza after breaking a two-month ceasefire, resulting in significant loss of life, including over 400 fatalities in a single pre-dawn strike. This escalation has drawn attention to the longstanding political tensions between Israel and Palestine, with more than half of those killed identified as women and children. The urgency of the situation was underscored by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that this is just the beginning of their military actions. The U.S. government has been implicated in providing support to Israel during these attacks, revealing the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
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