Honestly with Bari Weiss Are We In A Pre-War Era?
90 snips
Jul 27, 2023 
Walter Russell Mead, a fellow at the Hudson Institute and an expert on foreign policy, discusses the paradox of technological progress making us safer, yet more vulnerable to human-caused threats. He argues that we are in a pre-war era and emphasizes the importance of addressing the decline of trust in institutions and the rise of populism. Mead explores America's shifting role in global politics, critiques past foreign interventions, and highlights the necessity of strategic engagement amidst rising challenges from powers like Russia and China.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Optimism and Risk
- Walter Russell Mead agrees with Steven Pinker's optimism about human capabilities.
- However, he acknowledges significant global risks similar to those present in 1935 or 1810.
A Pre-War Era
- Signs of 21st-century violence are evident in regional conflicts and rising international tensions.
- Since 2014, the world has shifted from a post-war era to a pre-war era, increasing the likelihood of major conflict.
Polarization as Religion
- While the 60s and 70s were turbulent, modern polarization differs.
- Politics is becoming a religion, raising apocalyptic stakes and deepening societal divides.
