Tara McCormack: Western Powers Removing Sovereignty From the People
Sep 12, 2024
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Dr. Tara McCormack, an expert in international politics, critiques American hegemonic power and its impact on sovereignty. She discusses the rise of a multipolar world and how Syria marked a turning point. McCormack highlights the tight media control that limits discourse on global power structures. She warns of Western elites undermining democratic processes and pushing toward conflict. The conversation touches on free speech erosion and citizen responsibilities, emphasizing the disconnect between political leaders and the people.
Dr. Tara McCormack argues that American hegemony is increasingly overt, especially militarily, amid a shifting multipolar global landscape.
The principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) raises complex questions about state sovereignty and the geopolitical interests behind humanitarian interventions.
Concerns about the erosion of national sovereignty highlight the need for movements advocating decentralized power and genuine democratic processes.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Humanitarian Intervention
Humanitarian intervention has been a contentious issue in international relations, particularly in the context of the former Yugoslavia and subsequent conflicts. Initially framed as a moral obligation for the international community, this concept reveals deeper complexities, including the relationship between state sovereignty and intervention. The principle of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) suggests states forfeit their sovereignty when human rights abuses occur, theoretically allowing outside intervention. However, this raises questions about power dynamics, as the countries that decide to intervene often benefit from such actions, highlighting the interests behind these humanitarian claims.
A Shift Towards Multi-Polar Global Power
The geopolitical landscape is gradually shifting towards a multi-polar world, with rising powers like China and Russia challenging the longstanding dominance of the United States. This transition has been marked by a direct military control expansion from the U.S. post-Cold War, particularly following the events of 9/11. As evidenced in the conflicts in Libya and Syria, the dynamics of international intervention now include direct involvement from other nations that historically abstained from conflicts to maintain their strategic positions. This evolution in global power not only complicates international relations but also raises concerns about potential escalation into broader conflicts.
The Role of Academia and Free Speech
Academia plays a pivotal role in shaping the narratives around international relations and geopolitical events, yet it often faces backlash for diverging from mainstream discourse. Scholars who question established narratives, such as the legitimacy of NATO's interventions, may find themselves ostracized or labeled as controversial. Despite the backlash, there is an ongoing debate around the necessity of free speech within academic environments, especially concerning foreign policy discussions. This situation highlights the tension between academic freedom and societal pressures to conform to politically acceptable views, raising concerns about the future of open discourse.
Western Elites and the Proxy War Mindset
The perception of war among Western elites has increasingly become one where military engagements are viewed merely as distant events, heavily controlled by political agendas. This mindset leads to a dangerous detachment from the realities of conflict, where public concern is sidelined as leaders promote military support without considering domestic implications. Historical examples, such as the interventions in Iraq and Libya, reveal that the decisions made by political leaders often ignore the devastating consequences on civilian populations. As Western powers engage in proxy wars, there is a growing concern that the potential for escalation into more significant conflicts becomes increasingly likely.
The Ongoing Struggle for Sovereignty and Democracy
The erosion of national sovereignty and democratic accountability is a pressing issue as global elites increasingly dictate policies without public consent. This disconnection is exemplified by leaders who prioritize relationships with transnational organizations over their citizens' interests. Consequently, political decisions become increasingly technocratic, sidelining the importance of democratic processes. The struggle for sovereignty and genuine democratic governance remains desperately needed, highlighting the necessity for movements opposing elite-driven agendas and advocating for more decentralized power structures.
Dr. Tara McCormack discusses international politics and how she believes America remains the hegemonic power with it's control becoming ever more direct and overt, especially militarily. We are entering a more multipolar world, for which Syria was a watershed moment, but it will take some time. She comments on what it's like going against the narrative in academia and how many peers have "learned to stop worrying and love NATO". Post-WWII the two tracks of American hegemony were the EEC (EU) and NATO. The media is so tightly controlled preventing discussion of the true architecture of globalist power. The Western political class feel most at home in Davos and seek to remove voters from decision-making. Western elites are pushing us toward WW3.
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Geopolitics & Empire · Tara McCormack: Western Powers Removing Sovereignty From the People #466
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Websites
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University of Leicester https://le.ac.uk/people/tara-mccormack
About Tara McCormack
My BA was in Politics from Queen Mary University of London and my MSc was in International Relations and Government from the London School of Economics. I completed my PhD in international security at the Centre for the Study of Democracy University of Westminster. Before joining the University of Leicester I taught European and comparative politics and international relations at the University of Westminster and Brunel University. My research focuses on security foreign policy and legitimacy.
*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)
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