12/7/23 Daniel McAdams on the Ukraine War in American Politics
Dec 9, 2023
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Daniel McAdams, an expert from the Ron Paul Institute, discusses the war in Ukraine and its evolving dynamic in American politics. Topics include the funding holdup, political divisions in Ukraine, irrational decision-making by leaders, and selective information and manipulated narratives supporting desired agendas.
Ukraine's political landscape is facing challenges with growing opposition and difficulties securing funding from the US.
Internal divisions within Ukraine are becoming more visible, indicating political instability and uncertainty for the country's future direction.
Deep dives
Political developments in the war in Ukraine
Despite the frustrating mainstream media narrative, the political situation in Ukraine is experiencing significant changes. Mainstream outlets like The Washington Post and The Economist are publishing articles that acknowledge the failures and challenges in Ukraine. Zelensky's recent fiasco in a Senate session, where Republicans left an empty room, is indicative of the growing political difficulties he faces. This setback comes at a time when Ukraine desperately seeks more funding from the US, but it seems unlikely to pass due to the political situation. The Republicans, however, are not against funding entirely. They are considering leveraging the situation to secure concessions on other issues, like border security and revamping the border. It remains to be seen how the political landscape and funding for Ukraine will unfold.
Internal divisions in Ukraine
Internal divisions within Ukraine are becoming more visible as the situation deteriorates. Klitschko, a figure from Victoria Nuland's leaked phone call, has criticized Zelensky, accusing him of ruling like a dictator and blaming him for the counter-offensive failures. Additionally, divisions within power circles are emerging more clearly, including the chairman of the joint chiefs—considered more reasonable than Zelensky—being favored as a presidential candidate. These divisions indicate that things are falling apart politically in Ukraine, raising questions about the stability and future direction of the country.
Public opinion shift on Israel-Palestine conflict
A significant shift in public opinion is noticeable within the American right, particularly on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Recent polls indicate that even among Republicans, roughly 50% support a ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas, showing a divergence from the pro-Israel stance traditionally associated with the right. This shift is primarily driven by younger generations who do not share the same ideological baggage as older generations. The propaganda campaigns promoting unwavering support for Israel no longer hold the same influence. The power of social media platforms, like Twitter, has allowed alternative perspectives to reach a wider audience and counter traditional narratives.
Failures and ineffectiveness of Israeli propaganda
The effectiveness of Israeli propaganda has diminished significantly during the recent conflict with Palestine. The Israeli narrative, which solely relies on accusing dissenters of anti-Semitism, has lost credibility as it fails to address the atrocities committed against Palestinians. The propaganda machinery has become outdated, resembling an outdated technology in an era of digital streaming. Israeli PR efforts are struggling to respond to the growing online support for Palestinian rights and the exposure of the disproportionate nature of the conflict. The Israeli propaganda machine is struggling to adapt to the changing media landscape and the strong opposition presented by those advocating for Palestinian rights.
Daniel McAdams on the Ron Paul Institute joins the show to discuss the war in Ukraine. Washington’s unending support for Kyiv recently hit a snag in Congress. Scott and McAdams discuss the current funding holdup as well as the broader evolving dynamic the war faces in American politics.
Discussed on the show:
“Miscalculations, divisions marked offensive planning by U.S., Ukraine” (Washington Post)
“In Ukraine, a war of incremental gains as counteroffensive stalls” (Washington Post)
“What Would Happen If the US Stopped Supporting Ukraine?” (Mises.org)
