In this episode, Adam and Dan delve into the complex topic of government intervention in international affairs, focusing on the concept of nation-building. They explore the historical and philosophical underpinnings of interventionism, drawing on the ideas of Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises to critique the notion that foreign powers can effectively manage the internal affairs of other nations. The discussion highlights the pitfalls of such interventions, including the unintended consequences and the hubris of assuming centralized control can lead to positive outcomes. Through a libertarian lens, they argue for decentralization and the importance of local knowledge in fostering peace and security. The episode also examines recent geopolitical events, such as the U.S. involvement in Venezuela, to illustrate the ongoing challenges and contradictions in foreign policy.

Read Dan's article "The Pretense of Nation-Building": https://original.antiwar.com/dan_sanchez/2016/04/18/pretense-nation-building/