Nuclear Risks and The End of Empire with Jeffrey Sachs | TGS 140

(Conversation recorded on September 3rd, 2024)

As the United States continues to play a major role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the risk of a direct engagement, possibly leading to a nuclear exchange, may now be higher than ever.

In this episode, Nate is joined by Professor Jeffrey Sachs to discuss the escalating tensions between the United States and other world powers - and whether there are possible avenues towards a more peaceful world order.

Has the U.S. taken on the characteristics of an imperial state - under the pretenses of security at all costs? As the world continues to become more globalized, how should we change the way we govern within and across borders? Is it possible to transition from foreign policies focused on dominance and control to those emphasizing interconnectedness and the sovereignty of all nations?

About Jeffrey Sachs:

Jeffrey Sachs is widely recognized for promoting bold and effective strategies to address complex challenges including the escape from extreme poverty, climate change, international debt and financial crises, national economic reforms, and the control of pandemic and epidemic diseases.

Sachs serves as the Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, and was also Director of the Earth Institute there from 2002 to 2016. He is President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Co-Chair of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, Commissioner of the UN Broadband Commission for Development.

Based on his success in advising Poland’s anti-communist Solidarity movement away from central planning, he was invited first by Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and then by Russian President Boris Yeltsin to advise on the transition to a market economy.

He spent over twenty years as a professor at Harvard University, where he received his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees.

Show Notes and More visit:

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00:00 - Introduction
04:25 - The Two Wars with Russia
07:05 - Why Doesn't the U.S. Negotiate?
15:53 - Full Spectrum Dominance
21:54 - Avoiding Future Resource Wars
32:21 - Is the U.S. a Monolith?
38:11 - Moving to a Multipolar World
42:29 - Today's Conflict with Russia vs Past Conflicts
46:43 - The Global Reputation of the U.S.

[w__a__l__e]

my wife and i have been in south east asia for like 2 months.. talking to people all over the social economic spectrum.. alot of em are like wtf is going on in your country.. why are you trying to fight so much when you cant even fix your own house..

[treefrog]

As as an old man I perpetually muse about all the wondrous things that might have been accomplished if America had not spent so much time, money and effort towards destructive pursuits, and had, instead applied them to mutually-beneficial, life-enhancing endeavors. The deaths and material wastage that American Government has been responsible for since the end of WWII is shocking and shameful. It is a direct refutation of all the noble ideals that America purports to stand for. The national cognitive dissonance that is required for such hypocrisy to prevail is as disturbing as our current geo-political lunacy. Israel and Gaza are festering wounds created by small-minded men, not by wise diplomats or concerned citizens like Dr. Sachs and Nate Hagens.

[thenickyrewpodcast]

This was excellent. Well done getting Sachs on, Nate. Don't sweat the backlash.

[treefrog]

Once again, the sincere search for truth and wisdom, whether it concerns geo-political anxieties or ecological conundrums, that the Great Simplification continually represents is a an oasis of sanity amidst a growingly disconcerting world. Dr. Sachs is a brilliant, benign and well-informed expert in the fields of economics and geopolitics. I am thrilled and grateful that you have chosen to feature him. I hope that you will have him back soon and often.

[GlobeHackers]

Yes, I read the Nuclear War book and The Israel Lobby. Overshoot is also a must-read, as are The Club of Rome publications. I read books to better understand the preconditions and context of current events and global challenges. Nate has good guests.

[ctrlaltdebug]

Our elites are called billionaires. Their elites are called oligarchs.

[Lynnthomason]

Thank you for having this podcast. I have realized the decline of this country for years. This information has been coming out since the 2020 election. I hear with my own ears the lies that are so obvious to any who research these destructive events. I’m 79 years old, and have witnessed the destruction of our country because of selfish and greedy political actions. I pray for the awakening of the soul of America. Our immigrants also deserve an opportunity to thrive and live free. God Bless the People of the United States of America. Thanks 😎

[shainfarah]

what a noble human you are and i appreciate you

[iwanagohome]

The difference between Prof Jeffrey Sachs and Prof John Mearsheimer is that Prof Sachs love humanity and peace for the world....certainly no such crappy stuff like " offensive realism" and rejoicing in it. One could almost touch the fire of outrage that Prof Sachs talks about the blatant and the horrendous acts committed by the US government these past 80 years. God bless the good Professor! May he be in good health and continue to warn us of the danger ahead.

[Jeffrey]

Blessed are the Prof Jeffrey Sachs, you are one.

[jaygoldman]

Jeff Sachs has intimate knowledge of our geopolitical world by virtue of direct contact with world leaders and movers and shakers. He has a unique vantage point that we all should take seriously and benefit from. He also speaks clearly and plainly about modern history's complex international matters.
GREAT get Nate. You gotta get him on again to explain the actual history in the run up to the Ukraine war debacle.

[MakePeace]

❤❤Good Work Brother❤❤ Peace is the only option for Humanity

[jaygoldman]

Watching this now. THRILLED that you snagged a Jeffrey Sachs interview!!!

[mpetry]

keeping the country and the world on a permanent war footing is good business. Just ask Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Ratheon, Carlysle group etc. This was a great interview, thanks Nate !!!

[karenkoerner]

Refreshing to hear assessments based on facts and meaningful experience. Thanks for this interview with Dr Sachs.

[stephen_pfrimmer]

Thank you Nate (Dr Hagens). Thank you Dr Sachs.

[junehawker]

We don't have public debate But We do have JEFFREY SACHS 😊🙏🏻✌👍

[jacquesvincelette]

Julian was released upon admittance that journalism is a criminal offence under US espionage act. Thank-you Stella for redemption.

[kylemichaelcoder]

I’ve never seen your podcast before, I’m here for Jeff, but I’m amazed by how many times he has to say the same things over and OVER AGAIN!!

[iczgighost]

Would Nate and his guests be able to produce and host The Great Simplification podcasts from inside Russia or China? How about inside another NATO country besides the US?