Neutrality Studies

Modern zionism—a mostly christian and exclusively western political ideology—is nothing but the third installment of the transnational capitalist ruling class reinventing itself to continue to dominate the world capitalist system. This is the main thesis of Professor Kees van der Pijl's new book "Zionism and 9/11" which we discuss in this interview.DISCLAIMER: I (Pascal) am skeptical of the view that 9/11 was an inside job. To me, the level of planning and secrecy just seems too huge a hurdle. Applying Occam's Razor (when presented with competing explanations for a phenomenon, you should prefer the simpler one that makes the fewest assumptions) I am still tending to view 9/11 as an externally induced act—albeit one that laid bare the level of incompetence of US homeland defense.However, the argument of Prof. van der Pijl still holds that the transnational ruling class and Zionism are the greatest benefactors of the US violent reaction to 9/11. One can just as well assume that the attacks took place "organically" and still view the outcome as a catalyst to the transnational zionist ruling class, under the motto "never let a good crisis go to waste." In the same vein, one does not need to assume that Israel carried out the October 7th attacks itself, but that it barely took advantage of the Hammas attack once it had happened for the advancement of the Zionist project.Please also note that this video explicitly assumes that Zionism is not a jewish phenomenon but a mostly christian, western-European political ideology used by the transnational elites to kling on to their colonial grip over the global capitalist system. We must not make the mistake of blaming the jews for Zionism. Judaism is a peace-loving and pacifist religion and is together with indigenous muslims and christians among the victims of the onslaught of radical zionism.Kees's Links:Israel and 9/11: The Rise of Atlantic Zionism (English): https://deblauwetijger...Israël en 9/11 (Dutch): https://deblauwetijger...The Making of an Atlantic Ruling Class: https://www.versobooks...Papers and book announcements: https://independent.ac...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 The book and the academic freedom dispute07:27 How an Atlantic ruling class emerged17:55 Christian Zionism and colonialism25:19 Zionism, Judaism, and transnational power38:55 Van der Pijl’s 9/11 thesis and sources47:48 The origins of the “war on terror”56:40 Systemic decline and the danger of war01:05:36 BRICS, national sovereignty, and social change

Former British diplomat to Moscow, Ian Proud, was detained at Heathrow Airport for the apparent offense of traveling to the Valdai Discussion Club to talk to Russia's intelligentsia. Ian and Pascal discuss civil liberties, sanctions, foreign influence rules and what they see as Europe’s narrowing space for dissent. Proud shares impressions from Moscow, warns about nuclear escalation and argues that abandoning diplomacy endangers European security. Their conversation closes with an appeal for dialogue, public engagement and a negotiated end to the war.Ian's Links:The Peacemonger on YouTube:    / @ianproud  The Peacemonger on Substack: https://thepeacemonger...Ian Proud’s website: https://www.prouddiplo...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Ian Proud returns from Russia00:52 Detained at Heathrow: Ian’s account02:51 Questioning, seized devices and family impact13:58 Challenging detention and foreign influence rules20:09 Sanctions, dissent and civil liberties28:22 What Ian learned at Valdai34:17 Nuclear escalation and the need for diplomacy42:48 The human cost of war and a call for peace

This man has seen almost every country on earth. And during his travels he witnessed one recurring pattern: The violence and wars in this world followed a simple pattern—induced and guided from Europe and America. In this talk he reveals his observations.Drawing on encounters in the Philippines, Somalia, Colombia, Syria and Donbas, Kolja Spöri presents his interpretation of covert influence, strategic waterways and prolonged warfare. Pascal questions the evidence behind these claims and explores the relationship between local conflicts and outside powers. Their conversation concludes with European security, political incentives and fears of a wider war between European countries.Kolja's Links:Picture of the Book cover featured in Kolja's travelblog: https://luxuryrogue.wo...Book: Dr. Dangerzone (book): https://www.amazon.com...Website: http://www.spori.netX: https://x.com/SporiSportLinkedIn:   / koljaspori  Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Introducing Kolja Spöri and Dr. Dangerzone02:09 The Philippines and Spöri’s claims about covert warfare08:33 Somalia, piracy and strategic shipping routes17:29 Colombia, the FARC and the Panama Canal26:48 Questioning the evidence and discussing Syria33:43 Donbas, Ukraine and the Minsk agreements47:16 European escalation and the incentives for war01:01:18 Dr. Dangerzone and where to follow Kolja

Why lose in one war if you can simultaneously lose two? That seems to be new strategy of the US empire as it is headed toward escalation but ultimately regional defeat in Ukraine and the Gulf. But is it real or just an elaborate scheme to lull us all into believing that the Empire is crumbling?Larry Johnson argues that Iran has exposed deep weaknesses in American military power, from vulnerable Gulf bases to overstretched aircraft carriers. Drawing on his recent Russia visit, he discusses Moscow’s outlook, Ukraine’s battlefield prospects, and the danger of direct conflict with Europe. He also warns that damaged energy infrastructure could prolong shortages and inflation worldwide. The conversation examines China’s resilience, satellite navigation, Pakistan’s balancing act, and the potential consequences of renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement.Larry's Links:Sonar21: https://sonar21.comLarry Johnson Substack: https://larrycjohnson....Counter Currents YouTube:    / @counter_currents_channel  Larry Johnson Patreon: https://www.patreon.co...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Larry’s Russia visit and Western narratives05:00 Russia, Europe and the risk of wider war15:12 Larry’s prediction for Kyiv and Ukraine19:05 Hormuz, diesel and a prolonged energy crisis23:39 Will economic warfare against China backfire?28:54 Iran and the vulnerability of U.S. military power40:46 China, Iran and the changing strategic balance44:12 Pakistan, Yemen and the Saudi stakes

NATO has found a new way to test Russia and introduce their escalation strategy: publicly threaten Kaliningrad with perfect deniability. But this won't fly.Stanislav Krapivnik joins Pascal Lottaz to discuss Kaliningrad, NATO planning, and the danger of a wider European war. Krapivnik assesses Russian warnings following Valdai and argues that escalation could extend far beyond Ukraine. They examine American interests, European threat narratives, strikes on Ukrainian bridges, and possible military pressure on Kyiv and southern Ukraine. Their conversation also considers forced mobilization, political instability, historical comparisons, and the human costs of continuing the conflict rather than finding a path toward a negotiated settlement.Stas's Links:YouTube:    / @mrslavikman  X: https://x.com/STANISKR...Substack: https://zmeigarinich.s...Telegram (English): https://t.me/staswasth...Telegram (Russian): https://t.me/stastydai...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Valdai02:15 Kaliningrad and the Baltic flashpoint11:41 The danger of a wider European war16:50 NATO troops and Russia’s red lines21:34 American interests and European threat narratives26:13 Bridge strikes and pressure on Kyiv37:01 Southern Ukraine and competing military fronts42:28 Mobilization, endurance and the human cost

Europe is falling deeper and deeper into a Russophobic war mentality. Switzerland (of all places) just delivered the latest proof for that, rejecting strict neutrality in a public referendum. And this is about more than just the Swiss. The outcome is a function of the current propaganda environment all over europe and and the general anxiety about Russia.In this analysis Pascal examines Switzerland’s rejection of the neutrality initiative and what it may reveal about Europe’s political mood. Drawing on his experience campaigning for the proposal, he discusses sanctions, media framing, direct democracy and the limits of electoral change. He argues that opposition to current Russia policies remains weaker than many observers assume, while acknowledging uncertainty about extrapolating Swiss results. The commentary also considers voter turnout, political polarization, the United Nations and the dangers of escalating confrontation across the continent.Pascal's Links:Swiss referendum results (BFS): https://votations.admi...Neutrality initiative (Federal Council): https://www.admin.ch/e...SRF report discussed: https://www.srf.ch/new...SP statement on the initiative: https://www.sp-ps.ch/a...UN day against unilateral coercive measures: https://www.un.org/en/...UN Security Council voting system: https://main.un.org/se...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Switzerland rejects the neutrality initiative05:12 Sanctions and the framing of the campaign12:18 How the initiative reached the ballot18:18 Direct democracy and the limits of elections24:36 Sanctions, the United Nations and veto power29:59 Blocher, Putin and political polarization38:06 What election victories do—and do not—tell us44:59 Turnout, non-voters and the European outlook

The USA is preparing the next phase of the Irna War. But it won't help. The defense of the country has only increased over the past 8 months and now the USA is running out of time and options in a disaster of their own making.Professor Mohammad Marandi warns that renewed war against Iran is highly likely, though not inevitable. Speaking with Pascal after visiting Russia, he discusses sanctions, medical supplies, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s preparations for escalation. Marandi argues that attacks on Iranian infrastructure could trigger devastating retaliation across the Gulf and a global economic crisis. They also examine American military limitations, Yemen and Iraq, China’s exposure to an energy shock, Israeli politics, and the importance of understanding Iran.Mohammad's Links:X: https://x.com/s_m_marandiGoing to Tehran, by Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett: https://us.macmillan.c...Resistance, by Alastair Crooke: https://www.plutobooks...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Marandi’s warning and impressions from Russia05:57 Sanctions, civilian suffering and Europe’s role12:45 Hormuz, oil flows and the risk of economic catastrophe19:14 The blockade and Iran’s response to a new assault23:04 US military limits and the China argument30:07 Yemen, Saudi Arabia and US withdrawal from Iraq37:07 Israeli elections and Iran’s strategy42:22 The next round of war: timing, risks and retaliation

The economic downturn of the EU heart-land (Germany, France, Italy) is progressing with an incredible speed. SME's are dying or are being sold off to US and Chinese investors who are after the intellectual property of formerly competitive enterprises. Dr. Stephan Ebner and Rolf Landgraf, two German lawyers working directly with companies that are going through this period join Pascal to discuss this spiral of doom. Drawing on their work advising corporate transactions, they examine bureaucracy, energy costs, succession problems, foreign acquisitions, and the loss of industrial expertise. They debate whether defence production can offset automotive decline, assess Europe’s dependence on the United States, and discuss political paralysis. Despite their concerns, the conversation closes with opportunities in international expansion, vertical farming, and artificial intelligence.Stephan and Rolf's Links:Maclaw: https://maclaw.legalMaclaw team: https://maclaw.legal/t...Rolf Landgraf’s profile: https://www.landgraf-s...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Stephan Ebner and Rolf Landgraf: Europe’s business exodus05:54 Energy costs and the pressure to sell11:37 Financialization and the loss of industrial knowledge15:50 From automotive suppliers to defence production22:55 Economic decline and political deadlock across Europe28:38 Brussels, regulation and the limits of reform36:23 Which industries are leaving—and can America help?41:53 International expansion and reasons for optimism

The great powers are leaving Europe behind. The USA, China and Russia are all focusing on the new heartland of the 21st century: Central Asia.Ryan Perkins joins Pascal to examine competing transport corridors across Eurasia, from the US-backed TRIPP route to Russia’s proposed Eurasia Canal. They discuss Chinese infrastructure financing, the evolution of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. The conversation explores financialization, industrial capacity, digital sovereignty, and China’s approach to international relations. Perkins also presents his interpretation of the Iran conflict and argues that disruption around Hormuz can serve as economic pressure on China’s development.Ryan Perkins GeopoliticsSubstack: Ryan Perkins GeopoliticsX: @ChinaIndicator Telegram: https://t.me/chinaecon...Anti-Imperialist History Economics and Geopolitics (historical analysis)X: @prisonerroom101Telegram: https://t.me/ryanperkinsAnti-Imperialist: https://ryanperkins.su...Industrial Value-Added Report: https://globaleconomic...Visualizing China’s Economic Data: www.globaleconomicindicator.comNeutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Ryan Perkins and the contest for the Caucasus07:06 Building the Eurasia Canal: engineering and trade17:04 China’s Belt and Road and reserve strategy24:35 China and Russia: partnership without alliance33:05 Financialization and the loss of industrial capacity40:46 Digital sovereignty and China’s global approach46:46 China, the Philippines and regional tensions50:13 Iran, Hormuz and economic pressure on China

Alex Krainer joins Pascal to discuss the financial interests behind geopolitical conflict. Drawing on his hedge fund background and research for Grand Deception, Krainer challenges Bill Browder’s account of Russia and examines post-Soviet privatization, debt and oligarchic power. They explore Russia’s relations with the West, diplomacy and historical ties between Russia and nineteenth-century America. Krainer argues that British imperial influence persists through financial networks, connecting his “undead empire” thesis to sovereignty, contemporary wars and the mechanics of wealth extraction.Alex's Links:Alex Krainer’s Substack: https://alexkrainer.su...I-System TrendCompass: https://trendcompass.s...X: https://x.com/NakedHedgieYouTube:    / @kraineralex  The Naked Hedgie: https://thenakedhedgie...Policy Exchange report discussed — The Iran Question and British Strategy: https://policyexchange...Neutrality Studies Links:Neutrality Studies Substack: https://pascallottaz.s...Support Neutrality Studies: https://neutralitystud...Neutrality Studies shop: https://neutralitystud...Time Stamps00:00 Alex Krainer, Bill Browder and Grand Deception12:04 Russia’s privatization and the oligarchs19:33 Resources, debt and financial power27:30 Jeffrey Sachs and Russia’s economic transition33:16 Russian diplomacy: naivety or strategy?41:15 Russia, America and the Civil War46:15 The “undead empire” and British influence01:00:04 Empire as a system and the struggle for sovereignty