Matthew Hoh - Imperial US Foreign Policy, and the Role of the Think Tank Industry | Ep 400 - Dec 23, 2024 [EP400]

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Guest:

• Capt. Matthew Hoh

Topics:

• U.S. Imperialism
• The Role of the Think Tank Industry

Episode 400 | Recorded: December 20, 2024

Show Notes

In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we dive deep into the intricate dynamics of U.S. imperial foreign policy with Capt. Matthew Hoh. A distinguished Marine Corps officer, former diplomat, and outspoken anti-war advocate, Capt. Hoh offers a comprehensive perspective on the motivations, strategies, and consequences of America’s global military engagements. This discussion sheds light on how the U.S. wields its power across the world and the critical role of think tanks in shaping policies that influence global conflicts. By drawing on his personal experiences and professional expertise, Capt. Hoh exposes the often-hidden realities behind the U.S. Empire’s far-reaching actions, offering a thought-provoking analysis of its impact on nations like Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, and raising essential questions about the ethics and future of such policies.

Topics Covered

• The concept of U.S. Imperial Wars and the “imperial mindset”
• How think tanks influence U.S. military policy and decision-making
• Detailed case studies: Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine as theaters of conflict
• The RAND Corporation, its strategies, and its role in the Military-Industrial Complex
• The broader implications of U.S. policy on global stability and emerging powers

Key Questions Discussed

1. What are the driving forces behind the U.S. Empire, and how do they shape global affairs?
2. How does the “imperial mindset” manifest in modern U.S. foreign policy?
3. Was the official narrative in Afghanistan, particularly about Al Qaeda and the Taliban, accurate, and what were its flaws?
4. Why does the U.S. align with controversial groups, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria, despite their histories?
5. How do think tanks and defense industry lobbying drive U.S. military strategies?
6. How do other geopolitical players like Russia and China compare in terms of imperial ambitions and strategies?
7. Can the Military-Industrial Complex be reined in, and what role does public awareness play in such efforts?

Links Referenced During The Show

1. Matthew Hoh’s biography on Eisenhower Media Network
2. Matthew Hoh’s article “A Morality of Anger and Guilt”
3. RAND Corporation Report: Extending Russia
4. Ben Freeman’s Quincy Institute brief on defense-funded think tanks
5. Glenn Diesen’s book: The Think Tank Racket
6. CSPAN Interview on Think Tanks and U.S. Policy

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