Pankaj Mishra discusses Israel's use of the Holocaust, connections between India, Zionism, and Hindu nationalism, reactions of Jewish writers to Israel's wars, ICC affair's global implications, lack of accountability for Israel's actions, erasure of Palestinian voices in media, and recommendations for essays and podcasts.
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Quick takeaways
Israel's instrumentalization of the Holocaust and the crisis in Gaza as perceived by the Global South.
Israel's pursuit of deterrence against militant groups like Hamas and the intersection of nationalist movements globally.
Deep dives
The Unprecedented Scale of the Gaza Conflict
The episode delves into the significant escalation of conflict in Gaza following an attack by Hamas, resulting in a massive humanitarian disaster. The response from the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, has raised concerns worldwide due to the extensive civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure in Gaza. The alarming humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of civilian deaths, especially women and children, has drawn criticism from global powers, including the Biden administration.
Israel's Quest for Deterrence and Vulnerability
The episode discusses the distinctiveness of Israel's response to the attack on Gaza, emphasizing the country's efforts to regain deterrence against militant groups like Hamas. The massive scale of the assault, coupled with Hamas's targeting of Israel, has highlighted Israel's vulnerability and desperation to assert its security. This aggressive military campaign represents a turbulent moment in Israel's history, marked by a fierce pursuit of deterrence and control over the region.
Reflections on Nationalism and Historical Trajectories
The conversation highlights the intersecting history of nationalist movements like Zionism and Hindu nationalism, noting how these ideologies have shifted from earlier socialist ethos to more radicalized forms. The discussion addresses the admiration for muscular nationalism and the search for security, prevalent in Israel and other nationalist movements globally. Insights on colonial legacies, delayed decolonization, and racial justice issues are presented, connecting the conflicts in Israel to broader political struggles worldwide.
Critique of Israel's Response and Global Perspectives
The podcast episode explores the global reactions to Israel's military actions in Gaza, drawing attention to the contrasting responses between Western powers and nations in the global South. The episode analyzes the geopolitical implications of Western support for Israel amidst escalating violence, contrasting it with the growing disillusionment towards Western powers. The episode reflects on the complexities of solidarity, national identities, and historical contexts, shedding light on the diverse perspectives surrounding the conflict.
Pankaj Mishra joins Adam Shatz to discuss his recent LRB Winter Lecture, in which he explores Israel’s instrumentalisation of the Holocaust. He expands on his readings of Jean Améry and Primo Levi, the crisis as understood by the Global South and Zionism’s appeal for Hindu nationalists.