War, Economy, and State

May 22 2024 21 ep. 30

War, Economy, and State Podcast artwork

The War, Economy, and State podcast covers geopolitics and international relations from a free-market and anti-interventionist perspective.

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The True Cost of Modern Industrial Warfare

Ryan and Zach talk about how the realities of expensive industrial warfare are still relevant. The Pentagon's fantasy of precision techno-war doesn't apply to wars with peer countries like Russia or China. Recommended Reading"In a war of attrition, you want an economist as defense minister" - The Bell: https://Mises.org/WES_21_A"The Economics of War" by Murray Rothbard: https:

Why the GOP Betrayed Its Own Voters on Ukraine

Washington Post conservative George Will trots out every tired slogan and bromide in the book to claim that Putin is Hitler and the Ukraine war is a fight for civilization. Recommended Reading"So, 112 ignoble, infantile Republicans voted to endanger civilization" by George Will: Mises.org/WES_20_A"Piers Morgan vs John Mearsheimer" Mises.org/WES_20_BBe sure to follow War,

The West Is Losing Interest in Ukrainian Victory

Many signs are now emerging that NATO and the West are slowly withdrawing support from Ukraine in its war with Russia. How much longer can the war continue? Recommended Reading"Intercept of German generals planning Taurus strike on Crimean bridge": Mises.org/WES_19_A"Army aims to double 155mm shell production by October" by Sam Skove Mises.org/WES_19_B"The deception behind Ame

The Pentagon Wants More Socialism

Ryan and Zach take a look at how the Pentagon is now lobbying for a "national defense industrial strategy." In a new report, the Pentagon calls for more central planning and socialism in the name of national defense. Recommended ReadingThe National Defense Industrial Strategy (PDF): Mises.org/WES_18_ABe sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

What Does Classical-Liberal Foreign Policy Look Like?

Ryan and Zach review a new book on the basics of the "classical liberal" theory of international relations. Drawing on the work of Mises and Hayek, Edwin van de Haar's new IR book provides a useful and insightful summary of how a pro-freedom foreign policy differs from the usual foreign policy in Washington. Additional Resources "Human Nature and World Affairs: An Introductio

Year-End Foreign Policy Predictions

Ryan and Zachary make some guesses about where things are headed in 2024 for both Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war. How long will the US try to keep the Ukraine war going, and what is Israel's plan for Gaza? Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

What "Just War Theory" Really Means

Ryan and Zachary discuss the basics of Just War Theory and whether a "moral war" is possible. They also discuss the theory's origins in natural law, and how the theory relates to pacifism, wealth, and war crimes. Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES. Additional Resources "Get the US Out of the Middle East" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_15_A "Ameri

Ethnic Interest Groups Fuel the American Warfare State

Ryan and Zachary look at how interest groups representing Ukrainians, Iraqis, Israelis, and others have often lobbied for US intervention in foreign wars that in no way benefit the American population overall. Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES. Additional Resources "Get the US Out of the Middle East" by Ryan McMaken: Mises.org/WES_14_A "The Liberty Mov

Ranking the GOP Debaters on Foreign Policy

Ryan and Zachary rank the GOP candidates at the debate. They range from "least terrible" (Ramaswamy) to "utterly awful" (Haley and Pence). Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.

The War in Ukraine Is Far From Over

Ryan McMaken and Zachary Yost look at the many factors behind Ukraine's failure to defeat Russia or move closer to NATO membership. Ukraine is sadly caught between a cynical NATO and a Russia that is in it for the long haul. Be sure to follow War, Economy, and State at Mises.org/WES.