John Mearsheimer: There is no two-state solution

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers sits down with John Mearsheimer to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict, the aftermath of the 7th October attack, and the state of the Ukraine-Russia war.

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// TIMECODES //

00:00 - 00:33 - Introduction
00:33 - 03:40 - Why does John Mearsheimer feel differently about the Israel-Hamas conflict than he does about the Russia-Ukraine war?
03:40 - 09:50 - What does the realism school of international relations have to say about the Israel-Hamas war?
09:50 - 16:19 - John Mearsheimer: There is no two-state solution
16:19 - 28:38 - Understanding the US-Israel relationship
28:38 - 41:50 - The current state of the Ukraine war and predictions
41:50 - 44:50 - How will US foreign policy change if Trump is re-elected?
44:50 - 49:00 - Could China enter the Ukraine war to facilitate peace talks?
49:00 - 49:33 - Concluding thoughts

#UnHerd #JohnMearsheimer #IsraelPalestine

[jamessr]

This is the type of interview that occurs when one person is extremely knowledgeable in world geopolitics while the other is well versed in mainstream media talking points

[luisvillafane]

One thing I love about Mearsheimer is that you can push him hard and he's not afraid of a very contentious discussion. On the contrary, he passionately defends his point of view and moves forward with a smile. And come back for another interview.

[FonsAquaSalientis]

It's good to have interviews like this. They show the clash between mainstream layman perception and specialist assessment.

[fchaves]

Wow! Prof. Mearsheirmer is really elegant, patient, and knowledgeable! A rare breed...

[akmsk]

Fred giving me the “Piers Morgan” vibe today.

[simokokko]

I agree with Mearsheimer that being a realist does not mean you don't have moral views. It does not have anything to do with it. Being a realist does not mean you want to do bad things. It means that you know how the world works.

[MV-shgy]

The host asks some very simplistic, and I would say "stupid", questions.

[Larkarran]

Freddie is the interviewer, he's supposed to push back on the interviewee. His questions reflect common opinions and criticisms and made Mearsheimer clarify and defend his position. Even if Freddie completely agreed with Mearsheimer he should have asked questions like this.

[ExpertofEverything]

Finally, some sense and reality. You will not hear this in the mainstream media.

[adamjin]

Israel has never wanted a 2 state solution because they want all the land

[HoH]

I think this is the gold standard for a critical, political interview. Sayers isn't afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. Good job.

[rico]

Magnifficent example of the saying "Don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up".

[evanfirebrand]

Freddie's perspective (on both conflicts) seems to reflect that of the mainstream media, almost to a T.
Irony.
And a stun.

[typon]

It's insane how disgusting questions like "Why are you criticizing Israel for conducting a genocide when Russia is doing something similar" are allowed in the public sphere. Imagine saying that during 1942. "Why are you criticizing Hitler when Japan is doing much worse things to China????"

[joeyrufo]

34:26 you know what they say: a million here, a million there, soon you're talking real casualties 💀

[kathyhallenbeck]

After several months of not tuning in to Unherd I did so today when I saw your guest was John Mearsheimer
...I find his logic impeccable. I tend to be emotionally dispassionate about politics and world affairs, although I always want to know what's going on. John Mearsheimer's richly contextual views make so much sense to me. I follow his logic without contradiction or confusion. And we often have similar views about events. Thanks for checking in with him. I luckily checked in with Unherd today.

[direwolf]

when asked how israel should respond given the difficulties all he offered was a vague notion with no details .. would expect more from a so called expert ...

[Frannie]

Awful questions but giving us a chance to hear the Professor in a new light. Appreciate Prof. Mearshemer's knowledge in talking to the interviewer like a deficient student.

[elshazlio]

I’ve watched many interviews of Dr Mearsheimer. I’ve never seen anyone anger him as much as this guy. Mearsheimer did truly school him

[adamesd]

Freddy has clearly swallowed the Western and Israeli propaganda regarding this conflict. But he is still able to be relatively open-minded. Professor Mearsheimer, as always, is a treasure.