HHAddendum EP19 Asymmetrical Perspectives
Added 2022-02-07 03:39:46 +0000 UTCAuthor, actor and senior fellow at the Modern War Institute Max Brooks joins Dan to discuss asymmetrical warfare and related societal issues.
Show Notes:
1. "On War" by Gen. Carl von Clausewitz
2. “The Art of War” by Sun Tsu
3. "War and Anti-War: Survival at the Dawn of the 21st Century” by Alvin and Heidi Toffler
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Comments
Great show! I think Max was a fascinating guest, but as a European listener I think he shows a weird kind of dichotomy. He very realistically, almost in a Machiavellian way, describes the realpolitik of international relations. But then when it comes to the American spirit, he displays a level of exceptionalism and over-optimism that I was not expecting from such a politically intelligent man. It starts with the "we all want to be children, but in the West we have decided we need to be adults and be responsible for ourselves" bit - which I'm sure is oversimplified in the interest of time, just as I'm further oversimplifying it here. But then the episode ends with this weird pie-in-the-sky description of America as the only nation that really wants to keep improving itself? Having visited the US, that description bordered on the comical to my ears. I think that's a bit of leftover belief in the American Dream speaking, while ignoring that there's a lot of things the USA really should have arranged for its citizens by now, but hasn't. And I'm not even judging the US as the dominant global power, but grading it on the same curve as the EU countries. Still, seldomly have I so thoroughly enjoyed listening to someone I so disagree with. And I'm sure we all have these blind spots for the culture or nationality that we most identify with.
MrJanJC
2022-02-16 08:28:39 +0000 UTCAs a person from Eastern Europe (Poland), there were parts I really liked (the part about what really is an act of aggression nowadays was fascinating). Also, the analysis of Russian sentiments in the 90s and root of current antagonism against West seems pretty accurate. That being said (and maybe I'm being cynical), Max seems a bit over-optimistic in his approach. He also seems to view international relations through the lens of the US being in a position of strength. Combine that with "alliances should be flexible" approach and I'm afraid that in reality some states would rather align with China or Russia rather than bend over backwards to accommodate US which for some is not the only alternative. Still, a solid episode with many good or thought-provoking points.
Dawid Dryżałowski
2022-02-11 10:18:31 +0000 UTCBoth fascinating and timely. I cling to hope of Max’s vision of America’s future but feel Dan’s is more likely. The point about the benefits of large nation-states decreasing may be right, but I feel that’s only given the stability of the world. Truly existential threats make largeness a boon to stability, despite the costs to more local and individual self-government. If a multi-polar world is on the horizon, largeness will once again become important and useful. Basically I feel like we take for granted the stability of the world, which amplifies the incentives to split apart.
David Mirando
2022-02-08 23:32:38 +0000 UTCBaller ep. I wish Dan had a Common Sense Addendum where he just dunks on people trying to navigate American politics.
Tristan
2022-02-08 00:42:21 +0000 UTC"We should talk about asymmetric warfare sometime on your show." the most romantic pickup line ever.
Beej
2022-02-07 20:04:17 +0000 UTCI really enjoyed this. May I recommend pairing this with another excellent foreign policy interview, Sullivan/Mearsheimer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-mearsheimer-on-handling-russia-and-china/id1536984072?i=1000549306456
Michael Cohen
2022-02-07 19:42:37 +0000 UTC
