John Mearsheimer discusses his book 'The Great Delusion'

Recorded on October 9, 2018

It is widely believed in the West that the United States should spread liberal democracy across the world, foster an open international economy, and build institutions. This policy of remaking the world in America's image is supposed to protect human rights, promote peace, and make the world safe for democracy. John Mearsheimer argues in book "The Great Delusion" however that liberal hegemony, the foreign policy pursued by the United States since the Cold War ended, is doomed to fail, and for Washington to adopt a more restrained foreign policy based on a sound understanding of how nationalism and realism constrain great powers abroad.

[DucksDeLucks]

The plan of invading eight different nations to spread "democracy" was oddly focused on nations that disliked Israel.

[yup]

Never been on this channel before.. but all I know is Mearsheimer is on. SUBSCRIBED.

[Bojanglesz]

25:00 whereas liberalism is a theory and an ideology, realism is just a theory and therefore its adherents are somewhat more objective in their views on world politics. Less ideological blindness!

[jackjohnston]

Majority of South American countries are democratic, that did not save them from regime changes, coups, and economic exploitation from the U.S. If you look back into history, there's hardly a South American country that did not suffer this fate at one time or another. Being democratic doesn't save you from outside interference and exploitation, because every country still has their own interest. The U.S. having its own interest of course will always try to influence or directly interfere in order to affect other nations in order to change their policy to be more aligned with the U.S.' - which essentially boils down to whatever is most beneficial and advantageous to the U.S. History has shown us that democratic nations are not safe from this whatsoever.

[voranartsirisubsoontorn]

I am a 60 years old lady from Thailand who would love USA to be my big brother to help supporting Democracy in Thailand in order for people like me can live the way I prefer. But please do not try to change me into USA styles because I will choose by myself out of my Freedom from living in Democracy society that USA help support to follow only what I prefer. For that you will have friend for live even though I may be different from USA in some ways.

[m.burgesszbikowski]

One quibble. If we as a Nation State retreat within our own borders, how do we not become a Fortress America? We are so large and tempting a target. Can Diplomacy and trade One state to another, replace the UN and NATO??

[douglasstewart]

Man!! I've been calling myself a "realist" for decades now!!! Against the tide, being marginalized as a right wing nut-little did I know that there are others, well respected, who are considered and consider themselves to be realist! Thank God!! MAGA!!!

[lowersaxon]

That’s the question if US had the will and illusion to transform them into liberal western societies at all.

[somor]

Locke never argued for spreading liberalism. Just saying.

[BogdanSzczurek]

12:00: Oh dear… Fascism is “left”. It is socialism, but focused on a different group. It is hard to see it realistically in any other way.

[yfb]

Women Life Freedom
Man Homeland Village

[voranartsirisubsoontorn]

The three ideas mentioned in the beginning of this conversation are great and supportable. The problems are 1. Some people use such ideas to foster their own hidden evil agenda 2. The world cannot support communism while promoting democracy and as Mr. Mearsheimer said that it would never happen. Totalitarian communist china party has been attached to central power far too long and far too successful. Only when communist china party failed economically as it will unavoidable then change for democracy may happen in communist china society. 3. Liberal used to be a great word until some groups of people have made the world associate too much with sex, color, religion and etc. which should not be the point but all about Freedom of Individual to select, decide, and support whatever they believe in without aggression toward others who do not think alike. So Liberal Freedom people have to make sure that you are not for homosexual or for muslim/islam or for communism/socialism. Liberal Freedom should be a foundation behind Democracy where people choose their government, to work for people, and within people acknowledgement.

[Zaniaify]

Oh Lord, no. Just no. This would be a nightmare in every sense of the way.