Van explains how the Galactic Republic in Star Wars fell, and why it's so germane today.  The South Korean Left sees Chinese imperialism more clearly than most Americans.  America's sphere of influence dilemma in the Pacific.  What Vice gets right about Dick Cheney.  Also this episode: Van's philosophy about saying yes to career opportunities large and small.  

Paul Musgrave Tweet: https://twitter.com/profmusgrave/status/1302418858972766208?s=20

Pat Blanchfield Tweet: https://twitter.com/PatBlanchfield/status/1303831078751408128?s=20

Jon Wolfsthal Tweet: https://twitter.com/JBWolfsthal/status/1302228639879237633

Elise Hu Tweet: https://twitter.com/elisewho/status/1303783836162031616

Robin Wright on the myth of America: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/is-america-a-myth

Contributors: Alex Auty, Jake Dellow, Gaby Magnuson, Pete McKenzie