Is the US a Predatory Hegemon?

Do we live in a world governed only by force, one in which the United States' military and economic power alone will advance U.S. interests? Or are the Trump administration's efforts to intimidate even U.S. allies and partners bound to generate resistance? And what will be the consequences for Americans if Trump's predatory behavior fails? Grievances for Charles Lieber, a former Harvard scientist now building China's i-BRAIN lab, for Beijing's efforts to block U.S. economic sanctions, and to the U.S. State Department for refusing to recognize foreign service officers killed in the service of the country. Attas to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for declining to bail out Spirit Airlines, for King Charles for his flawless visit to the United States, and to those members of Congress finally standing up to Trump's claim that he can wage war wherever he wants, for as long as he wants.

Show Links:

Stephen Walt, "The Predatory Hegemon" Foreign Affairs, March/April 2026.
Elissa Miolene, "Exiled from State, America's foreign service holds its own memorial," Devex, May 4, 2026.
"China's Commerce Ministry blocks US sanctions against five refineries," Reuters, May 2, 2026.
"Sean Duffy stands up for taxpayers," Washington Post, May 3, 2026.
Alex Bristow, "James Curran is Wrong about Japan's Realist PM and China," Sidney Morning Herald, May 3, 2026.
David Kirton, "Convicted Former Harvard Scientist Rebuilds Brain Computer Lab in China," Reuters, April 30, 2026.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(99)

Apocalypse Soon? The US and NATO at a Crossroads

With Chris galavanting across Europe, Stimson's Emma Ashford joins Melanie and Zack to debate whether the United States is undermining deterrence in Europe. What does a decreased U.S. conventional com...

2 Juli 1h

Might the United States Lose Access to Foreign Bases?

In this show, Chris, Melanie, and Zack consider the benefits and costs for U.S. allies and partners who host U.S. bases on their territory. As traditional allies have limited air space and basing acce...

18 Juni 50min

Mexico's Fight against the Cartels

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a chat about how Mexico is handling the drug cartels, which continue to perpetrate terrible violence and facilitate massive corruption in the country. Can President Claud...

4 Juni 58min

A Strategy of Consolidation: Playing for Time?

Chris, Melanie, and Zack debate Wess Mitchell's proposed U.S. strategy of consolidation. They discuss whether this strategy would finally realign America's objectives with its resources. They also que...

21 Maj 58min

Can the UN Be Reformed?

Chris, Zack, and Melanie have a discussion about whether the United Nations can and should continue in its current form. Has it outlived its original purposes? Does it serve the interests of the Unite...

23 Apr 55min

Implementing a Hellscape Strategy for Taiwan

On this show, Melanie, Chris, and Zack consider whether the porcupine strategy that Taiwan is currently implementing is the best plan to deter or defend against China. What could Taiwan be doing bette...

9 Apr 58min

Is There an End in Sight for the US War in Iran?

What are the goals in the US war in Iran? Is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz manageable, or is the Iranian threat to shipping a challenge that must be confronted? And can it be resolved at an ac...

26 Mars 52min