About this episode
The episode discusses whether the U.S. operates as a predatory hegemon and the implications of its foreign policy actions under the Trump administration.
Do we live in a world governed only by force, one in which the United States' military and economic power alone will advance U.S. interests? Or are the Trump administration's efforts to intimidate even U.S. allies and partners bound to generate resistance? And what will be the consequences for Americans if Trump's predatory behavior fails? Grievances for Charles Lieber, a former Harvard scientist now building China's i-BRAIN lab, for Beijing's efforts to block U.S. economic sanctions, and to the U.S. State Department for refusing to recognize foreign service officers killed in the service of the country. Attas to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy for declining to bail out Spirit Airlines, for King Charles for his flawless visit to the United States, and to those members of Congress finally standing up to Trump's claim that he can wage war wherever he wants, for as long as he wants. Show Links: Stephen Walt, " The Predatory Hegemon " Foreign Affairs, March/April 2026. Elissa Miolene, " Exiled from State, America's foreign service holds its own memorial ," Devex, May 4, 2026. " China's Commerce Ministry blocks US sanctions against five refineries ," Reuters, May 2, 2026. "…
Topics covered
- U.S. foreign policy
- predatory hegemony
- international relations
- Trump administration
- economic sanctions
- military power
Keywords
- predatory hegemon
- U.S. interests
- Trump administration
- economic sanctions
- foreign service
- military power
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Harvard, China, U.S. State Department
Books & works: The Predatory Hegemon, Exiled from State, America's foreign service holds its own memorial, China's Commerce Ministry blocks US sanctions against five refineries, Sean Duffy stands up for taxpayers, James Curran is Wrong about Japan's Realist PM and China, Convicted Former Harvard Scientist Rebuilds Brain Computer Lab in China
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