Guest: John Horgan, Author of "The End of War"

John Horgan, author of "The End of War." Horgan, a seasoned American writer, challenges conventional perceptions of conflict, arguing that war is not a preordained part of human existence but rather a solvable scientific problem. The discussion traverses various dimensions of war, including its biological, historical, and psychological aspects. Horgan presents a compelling case for the human inclination towards peace, likening the eradication of war to curing cancer. The conversation also reflects on the impact of recent global conflicts and political shifts, questioning the inevitability and justification of war in modern times.

1. John Horgan: "War keeps happening. And I feel that people need more than ever to realize how terrible war is and to realize also that if we have the collective will to get rid of war, to get beyond this period of militarism, we can do it."
2. John Horgan: "War turns us into monsters... War is something that we do, we inflict on each other, and therefore we can stop it."
3. John Horgan: "Violence generally is impractical... Nonviolence is more successful, produces better outcomes than violent rebellions."

War as a Scientific Problem: Horgan discusses his approach to understanding war through scientific methods, suggesting that war, unlike natural phenomena like cancer, is a human creation and thus can be resolved by human effort.

Human Nature and War: The discussion touches on the idea that humans are naturally inclined towards both peace and violence, challenging the notion that war is an inevitable part of human existence.

Recent Global Conflicts: The conversation acknowledges the ongoing conflicts worldwide, including in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Ethiopia, and reflects on how these events have impacted Horgan's views since writing his book.

Democracy and Peace: The podcast delves into the concept of democratic peace theory, which suggests that democracies are less likely to go to war, especially with each other, and the contradictions in this theory as observed in recent history.

War and Its Moral Implications: A significant part of the discussion focuses on the moral aspects of war, especially the impact on civilians and children, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of violence in political conflicts.

Economics and Militarism: The conversation explores the relationship between economic factors, resource distribution, and the perpetuation of war, with particular attention to the role of capitalism and economic inequality in fostering conflicts.

Nonviolent Resistance and Social Change: Horgan advocates for nonviolent methods as more effective for achieving political and social goals, citing historical examples and research findings.

Role of Education and Raising Awareness: The importance of education in shaping perspectives on war and peace is emphasized, with Horgan discussing his role as an educator in challenging and broadening his students' views on these topics.

Hope for the Future: Despite the challenges and setbacks, the discussion concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the potential for positive change and the importance of striving towards a more peaceful and just world.

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The podcast episode, hosted by Roifield Brown in London, delves into the historical complexities of the Six-Day War of 1967, its aftermath, and its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The episode features two main guests: Benny Morris, an acclaimed Israeli historian, and Mitchell Newmark, an associate professor in the history department at the College of Arts and Letters in Sacramento, with a history PhD from UCLA.

1. Origins of the Six-Day War: The discussion begins with an exploration of the pre-war tensions in the Middle East, including the roles of Israel, Egypt, Syria, and the Palestinian guerrilla movements.
2. Impact of the War: The podcast examines how the war reshaped the geopolitical landscape, including the expansion of Israeli territory and the subsequent control over millions of Palestinians.
3. Israeli Settlements and Occupation: The conversation moves to the establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, discussing the legal and political controversies surrounding these actions.
4. Palestinian Identity and Nationalism: The episode also addresses the evolution of Palestinian identity and nationalism, particularly in the wake of the war.
5. Jordan's Role and Transformation: The impact of the war on Jordan and King Hussein's leadership, especially in relation to the Palestinian population, is also discussed.
6. Long-term Consequences: The guests discuss the long-term consequences of the war, including its role in shaping future conflicts and peace efforts in the region.

Benny Morris on the Six-Day War's Outcomes:

• "It shows that Israel has emerged as a dominant military power in the Middle East... but it also subordinates the Palestinians to Israeli rule... this triggers a reawakening of Palestinian nationalism."

Mitchell Newmark on Israeli Settlements:

• "Israel controls most of the borders with Jordan... but it transforms from a security issue about the West Bank into a greater Religious Jewish issue."

Roifield Brown on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

• "I fervently believe that the Palestinian people do deserve a viable state somewhere which they can call home... and I fervently do believe that when there is a viable peace for the Palestinian people, the Israeli state will then also have peace."

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In this episode, we delve into the controversial Rwanda bill and its implications for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party. We discuss the internal rebellion within the Tory party, led by its right-wing caucus, challenging Sunak's leadership over this divisive bill. The episode also sheds light on the bill's rocky journey through Parliament and the broader political landscape in the UK.

Host: Roifield Brown

1. Mic Wright - Journalist and writer - Founding pundit of the podcast
2. Leah Brown - Leah Brown Founder / Director, writer of Broadstairs Consulting - Regular contributor

Rwanda Bill Controversy: The episode delves into the details of the controversial Rwanda bill, discussing its implications for British politics and immigration policy.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Leadership Challenges: Focus on how Prime Minister Sunak is grappling with securing support for the bill within his own party, highlighting the internal rebellion and division within the Conservative Party.

Internal Conflict in the Conservative Party: Analysis of the rifts within the Tory party, especially the challenge from the right-wing caucus against Sunak's leadership over the divisive bill.

Parliamentary Journey of the Bill: Discussion on the bill's progress through Parliament, emphasizing the struggles Sunak faced in uniting his party behind it.

Political Commentary from Mick Wright and Leah Brown: Insights from the pundits on the broader context of the bill, including the nature of political debate around immigration in the UK.

Public Opinion on Immigration: Examination of recent polls and public sentiment regarding the government's handling of immigration, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.

Rishi Sunak’s Political Strategy and Decisions: Critique of Sunak’s approach to policy-making and leadership within the context of the Rwanda bill and immigration issues.

Comparative Analysis of Global Immigration Policies: The podcast also touches on immigration policies in other countries, offering a comparative perspective.

Moral and Ethical Considerations: A deep dive into the moral implications of the Rwanda bill and the broader approach to immigration in the UK.

Future of the Conservative Party: Speculation about the party's direction, internal factions, and potential challenges to Sunak’s leadership in the near future.

Mick Wright:

1. "The various groups in the Tory party were essentially fighting to either have the bill be medium cruel or super cruel."
2. "Immigration is used as an excuse by politicians for years. Tory parties addicted to a juvenile debate around immigration."
3. "The truth is the majority of the public have a very vibes-based approach to immigration. They don't actually know very much about it."

Leah Brown:

1. "Leaders have agency and they have the opportunity to make choices, and Rishi has made choices that he's struggling to reap any benefits from."
2. "Britain needs to take a long look in the mirror and examine its morality."
3. "The lack of empathy is born from a perspective of fear and distrust and an unwillingness to see things as they really are."

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Host Roifield Brown sits down with Emily Fry from the Resolution Foundation to dissect the UK's current economic challenges. They explore the deep-rooted issues of stagnant wage growth, high inequality, and regional disparities, contrasting the UK's economic landscape with other countries. The conversation delves into the intricacies of fiscal policies, the role of technology in shaping the future of work, and strategies to reduce inequality. With a focus on inclusive economic growth, they discuss innovative approaches to stimulate the economy and the pivotal role of public and private sector investments. Emily shares insights from the Resolution Foundation's Economy 2030 inquiry, shedding light on the UK's potential economic future. This episode not only critiques the present but also offers a glimmer of hope and practical solutions for a more prosperous Britain.

1. Introduction to Emily Fry: Learn about her background and the work of the Resolution Foundation.
2. Analysis of UK's Economic Strategy: Examining why it's faltering and potential remedies.
3. Exploring Fiscal Policies and Technology's Impact: How these factors shape work and economic growth.
4. Addressing Inequality and Inclusive Growth: Strategies for ensuring prosperity reaches all.
5. Key Takeaways from the Economy 2030 Inquiry: Insights into Britain's potential economic future.
6. Comparing UK's Economy with Global Counterparts: A look at international economic trends.
7. Investment in British Industry and Public Services: Discussing historical patterns and future needs.
8. Regional Disparities and Solutions: Understanding and addressing the economic divide.
9. Final Thoughts and Future Directions: Summarising the roadmap to economic renewal in Britain.

On UK's Economic Challenges:

• "We're seeing record levels of homelessness over the last couple of months in the UK. So really quite very concerning deep poverty that's happening across the UK."

On the Role of Public and Private Investment:

• "There needs to be a lot more investment in Birmingham's and Manchester's transport network to make sure that, highly skilled people that we've trained up through world-class universities stay in these cities."

On Future Economic Strategies:

• "If our median household income was actually the same as a group of countries that are really similar to us, the median household income would be 8,300 pounds higher. We don't have to be as innovative as the US, we just have to do a bit better and be a bit more like the countries we like to compare ourselves to.

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• Host: Roifield Brown
• Guest: Peter Siavelis, Professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, Wake Forest University
• Topic: Exploration of Chile's political landscape from the 2019 protests to Gabriel Boric's presidency.

The Spark of 2019:

• Discuss the eruption of protests in 2019 demanding social equality and a new constitution.
• Analyse the root causes and the impact on Chilean society and politics.

From Allende to Pinochet:

• Delve into the historical context starting from 1973, examining the impact of Allende’s presidency and Pinochet’s dictatorship.
• Assess the role of the United States in Chilean politics during this era.

The Pinochet Legacy and Neoliberalism:

• Examine how Pinochet's policies shaped Chile’s economic and social structure.
• Discuss the privatisation of key sectors and its long-term effects.

Chilean Politics Post-Dictatorship:

• Explore the transition to democracy in the 1990s and its political and economic impacts.
• Analyze the role of different political factions in shaping post-dictatorship Chile.

The Rise of Gabriel Boric:

• Discuss the election of Gabriel Boric and its significance as a generational and ideological shift.
• Evaluate his policies and the public response.

Constitutional Reforms and Challenges:

• Discuss the movement for constitutional reform and the challenges faced in drafting a new constitution.
• Analyse the debates surrounding the proposed changes and public opinion.

International Relations and Future Prospects:

• Explore Chile’s relations with key global players like China and the U.S.
• Predict future political and economic trends in Chile.

On the 2019 Protests:

• "It's not about 30 pesos, it's about 30 years."

On the Legacy of Pinochet’s Dictatorship:

• "Pinochet's policies set up Chile for profound inequality, but also deep reforms. While some hail these as economic salvations, others view them as the roots of today’s disparities."

On the Constitutional Reform Process:

• "Democracy in real time can be messy. The constitutional assembly's chaotic process and laundry list of rights showed the challenges of turning popular demands into coherent governance."

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This episode of "Mid Atlantic" delves into the political and economic upheaval in Argentina following the election of Javier Milei as president. Host Roy Phil Brown and guest Daniel Schweimler explore the implications of Milei's victory for Argentine politics, the economy, and the broader South American context.

Daniel Schweimler is an Al Jazeera correspondent based in Buenos Aires, who has extensive experience reporting on Argentina's complex political and economic landscape. He has been observing and reporting on the region since 1986, witnessing numerous economic crises and political changes in Argentina.

1. **Javier Milei's Election and its Significance**: The episode begins with a discussion on the election of Javier Milei, marking a significant shift in Argentine politics. Milei's victory is considered a departure from traditional political norms in Argentina, especially given his promise of radical economic reforms.

2. **Argentina's Economic Challenges**: Schweimler outlines Argentina's history of high inflation, economic instability, and the struggle with boom and bust cycles. He touches on the impact of successive administrations and their handling of the economy, including excessive government spending.

3. **Melei's Proposed Economic Reforms**: A key focus is Milei's proposal to dollarise the Argentine economy, a move that has stirred both interest and concern nationally and internationally. This radical approach raises questions about the potential impacts on Argentina's financial stability and sovereignty.

4. **Schweimler's Personal Experiences and Observations**: Daniel shares his firsthand experiences living in Argentina since 1986, including witnessing economic meltdowns and societal frustrations. He provides a personal perspective on the country's economic and political turmoil.

5. **Analysis of Argentine Political Landscape**: The discussion delves into the intricacies of Argentine politics, including the role of the Peronist party and the political dynamics leading up to Milei's election. Schweimler provides insights into the changing political sentiments in Argentina.

6. **Implications for Argentinian Society and Global Relations**: The episode covers the potential societal impact of Milei's policies, including his stance on issues like abortion and his views on international relations, particularly with China and Brazil.

7. **Interactive Audience Participation**: The podcast features an interactive segment where audience members ask questions, contributing to a diverse discussion on topics like the feasibility of dollarisation and the historical context of Argentina's economic policies.

1. Daniel Schweimler on Argentina's Economic History: "Argentina is potentially one of the wealthiest countries in the world. It should be; it has been in the past, certainly in the middle of the 20th century, it was one of the world's greatest wheat exporters, a big agricultural country with some of the best meat in the world."
2. On Javier Milei's Election and Argentina's Economic Situation: "So in many ways, the election of Javier Milei is the culmination or the latest chapter in a whole series of economic difficulties that Argentina's faced."
3. About Javier Milei's Radical Approach: "He's unconventional, promising things which are very different to anything that Argentina, perhaps any country has seen before. And now there is this kind of inquest into quite what, why Argentine voted for him in such numbers and what they now expect from him."

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This episode delves deep into the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the My Lai Massacre. The guest, Marshall Poe, an expert historian on the Vietnam War, discusses the causes and implications of the My Lai Massacre, drawing parallels with modern military conflicts. He emphasises the complexity of war, the difficulty in distinguishing between civilians and combatants in counterinsurgency, and the psychological and operational challenges faced by soldiers. The conversation also explores the broader context of the Vietnam War, including its impact on American public perception and its comparison with subsequent conflicts like those in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Key Points Covered in the Podcast:

Nature of the Vietnam War and My Lai Massacre: Marshall begins by exploring why the Vietnam War, particularly the My Lai Massacre, is still relevant today. He challenges the popular perception of the Vietnam War as merely a war of counterinsurgency, suggesting instead that, from the perspective of the soldiers, it was more akin to a war of occupation.

Comparisons with Other Conflicts: The discussion moves to comparing the Vietnam War with other American military involvements, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq. Marshall highlights the heightened risks in wars of counterinsurgency and how these differ from conventional military conflicts like World War II.

Root Causes of the My Lai Massacre: Marshall delves into the specifics of the My Lai Massacre, discussing the operational and psychological factors that led to this tragic event. He emphasizes the difficulty soldiers faced in distinguishing between civilians and insurgents, which was exacerbated by the hostile environment and the nature of guerrilla warfare.

The Leadership Failure and its Consequences: The podcast highlights the role of leadership in the massacre, with Marshall assigning significant blame to the officers in charge, particularly Lieutenant Colonel Frank Barker. He examines how Barker's ambition and poor decision-making were instrumental in the tragedy.

The Aftermath and Cover-up: The episode also touches on the immediate aftermath of the My Lai Massacre, including the initial cover-up by the military and the subsequent exposure of the event by investigative journalists and whistleblowers.

Broader Impact on American Society: The conversation concludes with a look at the wider impact of the My Lai Massacre on American public opinion about the Vietnam War. Marshall discusses how the massacre significantly shifted perceptions, turning the American public against the war and altering views on military interventions.

Key Quotes:

1. On the Nature of Modern Conflicts: "When you're involved in what they call a war of counterinsurgency the risk of this kind of thing happening is obviously heightened."
2. On the Perception and Reality of War: "It's true. There was a draft, but I think if you take the entire, we sent two million Soldiers to Vietnam in total. Most of them are volunteers."
3. On the Impact of My Lai Massacre: "The magnitude of it made it different in the American mind. And, for good reason."

The Reality of the My Lai Massacre and the Myth of the Vietnam War by Marshall Poe https://www.cambriapress.com/pub.cfm?bid=981

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Main Topics:

1. Republican Party's Presidential Campaign: Analysis of the shifting dynamics after Senator Tim Scott's withdrawal. Focus on Donald Trump's lead, Nikki Haley's ascension, and the strategic implications for the GOP.
2. UK Politics: A turbulent week, including the sacking of the Home Secretary, the recall of David Cameron, and the Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda refugee plan.

Guests: Zee Cohen Sanchez, Logan Phillips, Leah Brown, Corey Bernard

Key Quotes:

1. On Political Dynamics: "It's going to be hard for [Nikki Haley] to beat Trump, but at least she'll have a chance now." - Discussion on the changing landscape of the GOP primaries.
2. On Campaign Effectiveness: "Out of the folks that did field in the way that we told them to, we had a hundred percent win rate." - Zee Cohen Sanchez on campaign strategies.
3. On Tim Scott's Campaign: "I think that he didn't have enough of a following to begin with...riding between the lanes too much was not helpful for him." - Analysis of Tim Scott's campaign strategy.
4. On UK Politics: "I'm almost disappointed by the way that things have unfolded... Confidence in the direction of travel is no longer clear." - Leah Brown on the turbulent week in UK politics.

Discussion Points:

• Analysis of the current state and potential future of the Republican Party in the U.S. presidential race, including the impact of internal rivalries and strategies.
• The state of UK politics, focusing on recent government actions and their implications for leadership and policy directions.
• Insights into the efficacy of political campaign strategies, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork and funding.
• Diverse perspectives from various geographical and political standpoints, offering a comprehensive view of current political events in the U.S. and UK.

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Brief Summary:

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and a panel of experts dissect the Democratic Party's significant victories in recent U.S. elections. The discussion covers various aspects, including the impact of local issues, the role of abortion rights, and the influence of President Biden's administration on these outcomes. The episode also delves into the dynamics of the conflict in Gaza and its repercussions in U.S. and UK politics.

Longer Summary:

In a detailed episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown is joined by Cora Bernard, Logan Phillips, Michael Donoghue, and Aram Fisher to analyze the Democratic Party's recent electoral successes. The panel begins by examining the underpolling of Democratic voters and President Biden's unique position in influencing voter turnout. They discuss the strategic focus on local issues and the significant role of abortion rights as a mobilizing factor, especially in traditionally conservative states.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of these victories, considering the potential impact on the 2024 presidential elections. The panelists explore the challenges facing both Democrats and Republicans in maintaining and expanding their voter bases. They also discuss the high voter turnout among young people and the importance of consistent overperformance by the Democrats in various states.

Additionally, the episode touches on the conflict in Gaza and its influence on domestic politics in the U.S. and the UK. The panelists discuss the political ramifications of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, the role of the ceasefire, and the impact of these international events on local political dynamics, particularly within the Conservative and Labour parties in the UK.

Quotes:

1. "His [Biden's] approval rating has been lower than most, but he doesn't seem to animate the people that dislike him to vote that much." - Logan Phillips
2. "It's clear that reproductive freedom is an issue that favors Dems by a lot." - Aram Fisher
3. "Democrats did really well... especially compared to 2021, a great year for Dems." - Logan Phillips
4. "It's become a hot topic because Suella Braverman wants to be the leader of the Conservative Party." - Cora Bernard

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Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of Mid Atlantic, we dive deep into the historical roots and contemporary implications of the Israel and Palestine conflict, with a special focus on the events of 1948. Renowned Israeli historian Professor Benny Morris provides a critical examination of the conflict's history, the Palestinian refugee problem, and the recent shocking events of October 7th. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Morris's insights offer a poignant reflection on the past's impact on the present.

The episode opens with a deviation from the usual format, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the Israel and Palestine conflict, particularly in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Professor Benny Morris, a critical voice in Israeli historiography, joins the conversation to shed light on the pivotal year of 1948, which he argues is essential for understanding the current situation.

Morris recounts the harrowing events of October 7th, expressing personal shock but no direct involvement. He predicts significant repercussions for Israel's security apparatus and political landscape, including the potential downfall of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

The discussion then pivots to 1948, a year marked by the creation of the State of Israel and the onset of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Morris challenges traditional narratives, presenting a nuanced view based on his extensive research. He describes the mixed causes of Palestinian displacement, including fear, Israeli military actions, and a lack of systematic expulsion.

Morris also touches on the broader Arab-Israeli conflict, the UN's partition plan, and the subsequent Arab rejection and war. He provides specific examples of flight and expulsion from Arab towns, offering a complex picture of the events that shaped the region.

Professor Morris reflects on his personal journey as a historian and a Zionist, discussing how his research into Israeli government papers and the darker aspects of the Zionist movement affected his views. The dialogue touches on the differences between Hamas and Fatah's stances towards Israel and the complex road towards a two-state solution that Professor Morris advocates for, despite the resistance from various factions within the region.

**Quotes from the Podcast:**

1. "The most shocking, in fact, thing that had happened to the Jewish people since the Holocaust, basically." - Reflecting on the impact of the events of October 7th.

2. "1948, I think is the crucial year in the evolution of the Zionist-Arab conflict." - On the significance of the year 1948 in the conflict's history.

3. "There was no predetermined plan. There was no systematic expulsion of the Palestinians, but on the other hand, most of them fled because of Israeli conquest and fear of Israeli conquest, Israeli atrocities in the '48 war." - Discussing the causes of the Palestinian refugee problem.

4."The Arab leaders had been terribly humiliated by their defeat by this cluster of 650,000 Jews, and weren't going to be further humiliated by agreeing to peace with the 650,000 Jews."

5."As a Zionist, I'm agreeable to a two-state solution. I think that's a solution which would give a modicum of justice to both peoples. The Jews would have a state, and the Palestinian Arabs would have a small state."

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