Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews

Brad Pearce, a writer specializing in international relations, joins to dissect the looming U.S. conflict with Venezuela, driven by political pressures and misconceptions about drug trafficking. He critiques the influence of lobbying groups in Florida and discusses the implications of a potential war. Transitioning to Sudan, Pearce reveals the brutal dynamics of the Rapid Support Forces and highlights the UAE's expanding presence and ambitions in Africa. He raises alarms about autonomous drone warfare and the suffering of civilians caught in these crises.

Dave DeCamp, news editor at Antiwar.com and host of Antiwar News, dives deep into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. He explores the legality of Venezuelan boat strikes, questioning self-defense claims amid domestic political hypocrisy. The conversation shifts to America's escalating air campaign in Somalia, where DeCamp highlights the ineffectiveness of strikes against groups like al-Shabaab. He also discusses Trump's controversial ties with a Syrian al-Qaeda faction, revealing unsettling U.S. alliances that challenge traditional narratives.

Matthew Hoh, a former US Marine and State Department official turned antiwar analyst, dives into provocative discussions about a rumored U.S.-Russia plan to end the Ukraine conflict. He examines the implications of territorial concessions and the fraught dynamics of European politics surrounding the war. The conversation then shifts to the legacy of Dick Cheney, unpacking his role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the moral injuries suffered by veterans. Hoh also assesses Israel's military strategies in Gaza and the broader regional consequences.

Barry Eisler, a former CIA officer and now a political thriller novelist, shares his transformation from insider to critic, highlighting the disarray in U.S. foreign policy and the alarming prospect of military action in Venezuela. He explores how storytelling can awaken minds to political realities and emphasize the importance of cognitive empathy in understanding differing perspectives. Eisler also tackles critical themes like American exceptionalism, the role of elites, and the motives behind regime change, while providing craft advice on writing engaging yet meaningful fiction.

Mike Benz, founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online and an expert on the censorship industrial complex, dives deep into how government, corporations, and NGOs collude to shape public understanding. He discusses the influence of foreign powers and the political ramifications of censorship in the U.S., particularly during the Trump era. Benz also highlights how universities serve state agendas and explores the role of organizations like Indivisible in orchestrating protests. His insights into the intertwining of funding, policy, and free speech are thought-provoking and timely.

Larry C. Johnson, a former CIA officer and intelligence analyst, shares insights from his recent trip to Russia. He discusses misconceptions about U.S. leverage over Russia and Putin’s goals, emphasizing Russia's military advancements. Johnson challenges the narrative behind U.S. strikes in Venezuela and highlights the chaos that could ensue from regime change. He argues for addressing drug trafficking through financial means rather than militarization, and reflects on media control, contrasting U.S. corporate influence with Russian diversity in viewpoints.

In this conversation, Bill Buppert, a former U.S. military officer and Smedley D. Butler Fellow for Military Affairs, critiques the failures of American militarism since 1945. He shares insights from his military background and discusses his research on irregular warfare, highlighting lessons from historical conflicts. Buppert examines the consequences of Obama's interventions in Libya and the ongoing issues in Somalia. He also addresses the impact of modern technology on warfare and the challenges of Pentagon bureaucracy, drawing parallels with the show 'Yes Minister'.

José Niño, a Venezuelan-American journalist and deputy editor at Headline USA, dives into the tumultuous U.S.-Venezuela relations, focusing on the Trump administration's push for regime change. He critiques the U.S. military's approach and highlights the moral and strategic costs of potential invasions. Niño also discusses the historical context of Venezuelan nationalism, the complexities of opposition, and how regime change serves various U.S. domestic agendas. It's an insightful conversation that uncovers the tangled web of geopolitics and economic interests.

In this discussion, Daniel L. Davis, a former U.S. Army officer and expert on military strategy, shares insights on several global conflicts. He analyzes the complex dynamics in Ukraine, explaining Russia's territorial ambitions and the challenges of negotiations. The conversation shifts to Gaza, where Davis emphasizes the need for political solutions amid ongoing violence. Additionally, he discusses the Taliban's impact in Afghanistan and outlines the potential for U.S. military action against Venezuela, warning of the risks of escalation.

Ted Snider, a Fellow at The Libertarian Institute and keen analyst of U.S. foreign policy, delves into the current Ukraine war dynamics. He argues that earlier compromises could have averted escalation and highlights the essential guarantees Russia needs regarding NATO. Snider discusses Ukraine's battlefield limitations and examines the economic pressures both nations face under sanctions. He sheds light on recent Russian drone incidents over Poland, suggesting they were cautionary rather than aggressive, emphasizing the necessity of negotiation to avoid further conflict.