Scott talks to Alan MacLeod about the bizarre and troubling trend in both media and government where Russia is the automatic target of blame for everything these days. Every hack and cyber attack, of course, is automatically ascribed to the Russians, as are more mundane things, like CIA operatives getting mysterious migraines overseas. This reminds MacLeod of the old Cold War hysteria, where people thought Soviet agents were hiding in every area of American life. Increased hostility toward Russia is a tactic that the Democrats have used to score political points against President Trump...
new cold war
12/18/20 Doug Bandow on America’s New Cold War with Russia
Doug Bandow discusses the state of U.S. relations with Russia, an issue of increasing relevance these days as some figures in American government try to leverage Russophobia for political purposes. Bandow reminds us that Russia is virtually no threat to the United States, so long as we don't provoke them first, but that because of their nuclear stockpile, peace is absolutely critical for the safety of humanity. For some reason Trump's opponents seem to ignore this fact, jumping at every opportunity to score political points by attacking him on his Russia policies, with the result that he...
10/2/20 Danny Sjursen on the Latest Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
Danny Sjursen explains the complicated situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, a piece of Azerbaijani territory that has been under de facto Armenian control since the 1990s. Nagorno-Karabakh is the result of Stalin's territorial divisions, which very often failed to conform to ethnic lines, leaving an ethnic Armenian supermajority in what had become a foreign country. Both sides have fought over the territory for years, but an uneasy truce has held ever since the conclusion of a six-year war in the 80s and 90s. In the last few days, however, violence has broken out again, and Sjursen fears that...
Announcing a New Arms Race guest Will Porter
Will Porter returns to the show to discuss the US announcing that it plans to spend China and Russia into oblivion in a new arms race. In recent years the US has been working towards a new Cold War. Will explains how the announcement ties with Trump's foreign policy of shifting focus to great power competition. Will and Kyle talk about how the new arms race will hurt Americans. Links Doug Bandow - Memorial Day Danny Sjursen - Memorial Day Kelley Vlahos -...
Mikhail Gorbachev: If War is the Consequence of a Policy, Then Get Rid of the Policy!
Reading this great article by the last leader of the USSR is a stark reminder of just how unnecessary and dangerous the new Cold War with Russia is. Are you really ready to risk extinguishing your entire civilization in the name of some lousy Lockheed profits and think-tanker salaries? Me...
Ray McGovern Liked My Speech on the New Cold War
He's the former chief of the CIA's old Soviet Union division. Says I said it right.
News Roundup 2/18/20
Wikileaks Wikileaks says Julian Assange’s health is improving. [Link] The New Cold War Russia says the US is taking a more constructive approach towards renewing the New Start Treaty. [Link] Russia says the US plan to use weapons in space will deal an irreversible blow to the current security balance. [Link] At least one Ukrainian soldier was killed when violence flared up in eastern Ukraine. [Link] Pakistan A suicide bomber killed ten people in Pakistan. [Link] Afghanistan Taliban attacks in Afghanistan continue as the reduction in violence pact is yet to be put in place. [Link] The...
1/31/20 Michael Tracey on the Democrats’ New Cold War Impeachment Narrative
Scott discusses the impeachment proceedings against President Trump with journalist Michael Tracey, who says that there are some alarming allegations underneath the democrats' blanket accusation of "abuse of power." What they are really alleging, says Tracey, is that Trump is guilty of treason, a crime that carries the death penalty. Most alarming of all, though, is how pervasive the cold war rhetoric has become even among average democratic voters. People don't seem to realize that this political soap opera they tune into for entertainment is moving the world steadily toward the brink of...
News Roundup 12/2/19
US News The California DMV is making $50 million a year selling drivers information. [Link] Jordan Smith explains fingerprint analysis can be a complex and subjective science. The so-called experts who testify in criminal trials have dubious qualifications. [Link] The New Cold War NATO awards Boeing a $1 billion contract to upgrade AWACS recognisances planes. [Link] Russia formally proposes to extend the NEW START Treaty for five years. Russia says it is also open to a shorter extension. [Link] Mexico 21 people were killed in a shootout between drug cartels and Mexican police. [Link]...
11/15/19 Eric Margolis on the Fall of Communism and the New Cold War
Scott talks to Eric Margolis about the history of the Soviet Union and its aftermath, in honor of the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall last week. Margolis reminds us what a mistake the Cold War was, as is the new Cold War that American neocons and neoliberals seem so intent on perpetuating. These people are not the Soviet Communists of yesteryear, and there is no reason we can't get along with them. In fact, given the arsenal of nuclear weapons with the potential to end human life on the planet, there is every reason to be as friendly as we possibly can. Discussed on the show:...
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