The World Unspun
Why the West picks guns over diplomacy, with Vijay Prashad
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.
33:52
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Quick takeaways
- The arms trade's deep-rooted corruption, accounting for over 40% of global corruption, fuels militarization over diplomacy, exacerbating conflicts worldwide.
- Historical patterns of imperialism reveal how resource exploitation by the Global North continues to provoke resistance and calls for sovereignty in the Global South.
Deep dives
The Corruption and Scale of the Arms Trade
The arms trade is marked by significant levels of corruption, with estimates suggesting that over 40% of global corruption occurs within this industry. Major weapons manufacturers often inflate costs when dealing with governments, allowing them to skim profits through illicit channels used for political funding or personal gain. As a result, the arms industry not only fuels war but also exacerbates diplomatic tensions, pushing nations towards militarization rather than peaceful negotiation. This cycle of corruption and militarization ultimately leads to increased conflict, undermining global security and stability.
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