Van Jackson

Van Jackson, a leading left foreign policy expert, discusses the potential foreign policy of a left-wing government in the U.S. He explores how a progressive perspective differs from traditional liberal internationalism, delving into issues like human rights abuses, Ukraine, and global insecurity. Jackson challenges the predominant hawkish views in DC think tanks and advocates for a more nuanced approach to international relations.

Jacob talks with Dr. Van Jackson, an influential international relations scholar focusing on East Asian and Pacific security. They delve into the volatility of U.S. foreign policy, labeling the Trump era as a counter-revolutionary oligarchy. Van critiques both major parties for risking diversionary wars amid legitimacy crises. The dialogue navigates the geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and China, and explores possibilities for a 'win-win-win' scenario on the Korean Peninsula as U.S. troop withdrawal from South Korea is contemplated.

Van Jackson, a senior lecturer at Victoria University of Wellington and author of the Undiplomatic newsletter, dives deep into the complexities of the U.S.-China cold war. He discusses the critical lessons from the first Cold War that policymakers overlook today. Jackson examines the roots of the current geopolitical rivalry and critiques the outdated views influencing American foreign policy. He also explores the impact of economic nationalism on inequality, the challenges of military power dynamics, and inefficiencies in U.S. industrial policy.