The World Unspun Why the West picks guns over diplomacy, with Vijay Prashad
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Jan 14, 2025 Vijay Prashad, an Indian historian and political commentator, dives into the troubling dynamics of the global arms trade. He discusses how world leaders often act as arms dealers, impacting diplomacy and escalating conflicts. The conversation highlights the humanitarian crises fueled by military spending and calls for a shift from militarization to collaboration. Prashad reflects on historical events like Hiroshima to illustrate the ongoing struggle for sovereignty in the Global South, and advocates for grassroots activism against arms proliferation.
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Vijay Prashad’s Persistence
- Vijay Prashad has been warned off writing about the arms trade due to its dangerous nature.
- He continues because he finds the trade appalling, citing the Palestinian genocide as a consequence.
Corruption and Diplomacy
- Corruption is rampant in the arms industry, with inflated bills and bribes common.
- Over-arming nations changes their diplomatic approach, favoring intimidation over negotiation.
Compromised Ethics
- Arms dealers have compromised ethics, and politicians from arms-exporting countries are no different.
- Politicians like Keir Starmer, despite human rights rhetoric, facilitate arms deals.