AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
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
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
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.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode