Jacob interviews Dr. Van Jackson, an international relations scholar specializing in East Asian and Pacific security. They discuss the accelerating pace and volatility of U.S. foreign policy, characterizing Trump-era actions as part of a broader counter-revolutionary, oligarchic project. Van critiques both major U.S. parties and highlights the risk of diversionary wars as legitimacy crises grow. They explore the geopolitics of Iran, Israel, and China, and conclude with insights on North Korea and potential U.S. troop withdrawal from South Korea, outlining a rare “win-win-win” scenario for all parties on the Korean Peninsula.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(04:52) - Discussion on US Power and Global Politics

(08:30) - Middle East Policy and US-Israel Relations

(16:30) - Defining Fascism and White Nationalism

(23:32) - Trump's Base and Political Dynamics

(30:07) - Potential Diversionary Conflicts and Foreign Policy

(35:19) - The Inevitability of War with China

(35:52) - China's Strategic Interests in Taiwan and the South China Sea

(36:49) - The Role of Allies in US-China Relations

(38:25) - The Controversy Over Arming Allies

(40:57) - Trump's Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Alliances

(42:56) - Japan and South Korea's Dilemma

(46:42) - The Future of US Hegemony and Global Alliances

(51:01) - The Role of the Democratic Party in US Politics

(58:52) - North Korea's Nuclear Deterrent and US Relations

(01:05:15) - Potential US Troop Withdrawal from South Korea

(01:08:49) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Jacob Shapiro is a speaker, consultant, author, and researcher covering global politics and affairs, economics, markets, technology, history, and culture. He speaks to audiences of all sizes around the world, helps global multinationals make strategic decisions about political risks and opportunities, and works directly with investors to grow and protect their assets in today’s volatile global environment. His insights help audiences across industries like finance, agriculture, and energy make sense of the world.

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