Beyond the narrative of American neutrality

Episode 64 Sneak Peek

This week, we’re taking an essential opportunity to seek knowledge on how the U.S.’s own hegemonic interests and foreign policy maneuvers have helped to set the stage for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While conservative voices from both major political parties refuse to acknowledge their country’s role as warmonger and escalator of the conflict in Ukraine, many American leftists are rightfully calling attention to the the double standard the U.S. has set for itself. See the piece below (Jeremy Scahill for the Intercept):

The Intercept @theintercept

Putin’s criminal invasion of Ukraine highlights some ugly truths about U.S. and NATO interc.pt/3vHVUDf by @jeremyscahill

interc.ptPutin’s Criminal Invasion of Ukraine Highlights Some Ugly Truths About U.S. and NATOThe fact that Putin is trying to justify the unjustifiable in Ukraine does not mean we must ignore the U.S. actions that fuel his narrative.

Among other things, Jeremy points out the hypocrisy of the U.S.’s condemnation of Russia’s use of cluster munitions in Ukraine. Sadly, Washington’s denuciation of these weapons — which should absolutely be banned — rings hollow. The article covers the U.S.’s long history of use of these weapons, ranging from the Vietnam War to a bombing in Yemen under the Obama presidency. What comes through clearly is that, in its determination to cement itself as the global power, the United States holds itself to a different standard of action, one that is unaffected by humanitarian considerations.

Perhaps one of the greatest hypocrisies also lies in the U.S.’s consideration of lifting sanctions on Venezuela not because those sanctions have been cruel, repressive, and devastating for Venezuelan citizens, but because the U.S. is in need of new oil sources. It’s a glaring reminder that these sanctions aren’t imposed to force just outcomes or to hold enemies accountable. These moves all fit into our country’s greater interest in controlling resources and holding the people with access to them at its mercy.

On this week’s episode of KK&F, we’ll take a closer look at our role in the world with a special focus on oil politics and the Middle East with Dr. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute.

You can listen to this episode of KK&F on Friday as a paid subscriber; it will be released on Substack. The episode will be available to everyone on Saturday through Spotify, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, and more.