Topic: War Strategy

Reflecting on the origins of COVID-19, the hosts discuss "Event 201" and similar pandemic simulation exercises. They suggest that current viral outbreaks are being "tabletopped" or wargamed by the same global entities to potentially influence political outcomes and maintain control.

The hosts discuss a potential "pullout" strategy for Donald Trump to end the conflict in the Middle East. Trump has expressed frustration with Israel's military decisions, including the destruction of a Qatari gas field. Speculation suggests Trump may cut off military aid, such as Patriot missiles, to demonstrate independence from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the domestic resistance to the Vietnam War, U.S. planners shifted toward a strategy of proxy warfare to avoid the political fallout of a military draft. This involved mobilizing groups like the Wahhabi jihadists in Afghanistan and later supporting forces in Ukraine and Israel. The goal is to field armies "willing to fight to the last man" of their own country to achieve U.S. geopolitical objectives without American casualties.

Victor Davis Hanson discusses the failure of deterrence leading up to World War II, citing the Oxford debating society's refusal to fight for King and country. He argues that while German armaments were not necessarily superior to French equipment, the "enthusiasm" and operational efficiency of the Nazi forces created a decisive advantage. This lack of deterrence resulted in a global conflict that cost 60 million lives.

The "3x3" segment examines how ABC News is utilizing its "D-block" for native advertising and house ads, specifically promoting Disney's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Disney's aggressive licensing and continuous marketing strategy are noted for breaking box office records by maintaining momentum long after the initial release.

Hillary Clinton addressed her 2002 Senate vote to authorize the Iraq War, labeling it a "mistake, plain and simple." This admission comes as the Iraq invasion resurfaces as a primary campaign issue for both Democratic and Republican candidates. The statement is viewed as a strategic move to distance herself from the conflict's fallout ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Geopolitical strategy focuses on U.S. control of the world's oceans to prevent the rise of competing naval powers and the occupation of Eurasia. The analysis suggests a policy of "spoiling attacks" and funding contending powers to keep rivals focused on each other, citing the Reagan administration's approach to the Iran-Iraq War. The hosts express skepticism regarding the morality and long-term financial benefits of "rubbleizing" regions like the Middle East.

The conversation continues regarding the military's role in stabilizing energy markets and the strategic shift of Marine forces to the Pacific. The hosts discuss the potential re-militarization of Japan and the rebranding of the Department of Defense as a "Department of Offense." They conclude that the current military leadership is pursuing an aggressive global strategy under the guise of national security.

The historical shift in political party platforms is examined, noting that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican while the Democratic Party originally supported slavery. The transition of the South from Democratic to Republican control is attributed to Richard Nixon’s "Southern Strategy," which aimed to build a coalition of Southern voters through religious and social appeals. This political evolution has led to modern public confusion regarding the historical roles of both parties.

General David Petraeus, the incoming CIA Director, is heard in a BBC Newsnight interview discussing the "progress" and "important objectives" in the Afghanistan war. The hosts interpret his vague language as a signal for increased drone strikes and a continuation of the conflict without a clearly defined goal.

A C-SPAN seminar on the future of terrorism and U.S. policy features analyst Cory Schocky discussing "offshore balancing." The discussion touches on the "buckets of blood" strategy, where European allies historically desired U.S. troops on their soil to guarantee American involvement in any potential conflict. The seminar took place in a secure bunker beneath the House of Representatives.

A personal anecdote describes a dinner with author Robert Greene, who recently collaborated with rapper 50 Cent. The host recounts Greene's shocked reaction when global warming skepticism was mentioned, illustrating the rigid political expectations within intellectual circles. Greene's work on military strategy is contrasted with his personal progressive leanings.