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Richard C. Cook's avatar

I have reached the conclusion that the Anglo-American-Zionist Empire, now engaged in genocide against its own citizens while it wages war against the rest of the world, is the New Communism.

https://www.claritypress.com/product/our-country-then-and-now/

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dissonant1's avatar

I didn't know about Mearsheimer and Realism. The statement "...all states - regardless of culture, religion, social hierarchy or political system - will act in the same way because they all prioritize survival and security above all else" is in fact a gross denial of reality. No. #1, all states and cultures are different from one another and are always changing; No. #2, the situations which face each state are complex and dynamic, and the state's actions will be conditioned by a subjective view of those situations and of the potential impact of the responsive actions to them; #3, the motivations of the states are dependent on who has power within them and that can change drastically at any time - as an example, a Trump admin vs. a Biden admin. Is the Biden admin really interested in survival and security of the U.S.? Could have fooled me.

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Hal's avatar

It seems as if the critic of Mearsheimer might have set up his straw man, to paraphrase all states regardless of who they are act the same way with regard to the same problem. Perhaps they all focus on their survival and well being when they have good leadership. But who they are and where they have come from historically informs their thinking. And where they are. My sense of Mearsheimer’s discussions of these things, without extensive review, is that he gives a lot of weight to what he thinks is the perspective of other nations. When discussing Russia he brings up their perspective as communicated by Putin over the years. Perhaps I misunderstand Realism: is it an effort to understand the history, culture, and beliefs of other nations in an effort to see how all of this affects their goals when it comes to foreign affairs?

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dissonant1's avatar

Whatever happened to the Americans who couldn't get out of Afghanistan? Why should "Biden" care any more about those in Gaza than they did about them?

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AmericanCardigan's avatar

What is it 3 Palestinian prisoners to 1 Israeli hostage (including foreign workers)? Police hostages increases to 5 to 1. Military / Sr Military hostages increase to 25 to 1. American hostages (10) probably 100 to 1.

Iran or Turkey is most likely providing guidance to Hamas. If so, releases continue I expect Zhou to “buy / broker” their release with $$$$. Seems to fit their M.O. based on past experience.

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AmericanCardigan's avatar

Interesting read and assessment by Bertrand. I don't always favor his analysis of things but seems he provides a critique (as well as Fernandez's book) that should be required reading in some circles shared by Neocons. I think it makes sense and can understand how J.M.'s "macro / one size fits all" views need to be sliced and filtered more. Appreciate the post.

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Nov 26, 2023
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Chuck's avatar

Yes - the Author of reality.

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Nov 25, 2023
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I remember the 70s's avatar

Is that the Carl Oglesby that was part of SDS?

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Mark Wauck's avatar

Interesting, for sure. Not sure I buy into it entirely. I like that she points out the connection between liberals and libertarians in the Uniparty. I'd like to know more about who she thinks were Trump's very wealthy backers, the Neo Cowboys.

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Nov 25, 2023
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Mark Wauck's avatar

Tx. I'll have to study that.

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