13-Jan-22
#1763 – General H.R. McMaster
This podcast, featuring retired US Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, dives into a multitude of complex issues concerning national security and global affairs. McMaster, a respected strategist and scholar, offers insightful perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the challenges posed by China’s rise, Russia’s resurgence, and the impact of social media in shaping public discourse. His analysis reveals profound concerns about the erosion of deterrence, the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, and the growing divide within American society.
Provocative topics include:
1. The Rise of China and the Challenge to American Supremacy:
McMaster highlights China’s relentless ambition to reshape the global order, fueled by a blend of communist ideology and aggressive economic expansionism.
China’s hybrid economic model, combining communist control with capitalist practices, grants the government unprecedented leverage over businesses, fostering a seamless system of power and control.
McMaster expresses deep concern over the American investment in Chinese companies that directly contribute to China’s military and technological advancement, potentially undermining America’s national security.
The podcast urges Americans to awaken to the multidimensional nature of the China threat, encompassing military, economic, and informational spheres.
2. Russia’s Resurgence and the Threat to Global Stability:
McMaster addresses Russia’s resurgent ambition under Putin, fueled by a desire to restore Russia’s former glory and exert dominance over neighboring countries.
He pinpoints Russia’s use of disruption, disinformation, and denial as key elements of its strategy to undermine Western democracies and erode confidence in institutions.
McMaster emphasizes the need for a robust military component to deter Russia’s aggression, citing the importance of NATO deployments and exercises to counter Russia’s influence in regions like the Black Sea.
The podcast underscores Russia’s role in destabilizing regions like the Balkans and Syria, contributing to the global rise of extremism and violence.
3. The Afghan Withdrawal and the Consequences of Surrender:
McMaster provides a scathing critique of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it a surrender to a terrorist organization.
He attributes the withdrawal to a misguided sense of pessimism and a failure to understand the long-term consequences of disengagement.
McMaster contends that the US should have maintained a sustained commitment to Afghanistan, providing critical support to Afghan security forces and preventing the collapse of the Afghan government.
He advocates for re-engagement with Afghans opposed to the Taliban, supporting the establishment of a government in exile and preventing any strengthening of the Taliban regime.
4. The Role of Social Media and Disinformation in Eroding Trust:
McMaster underscores the profound influence of social media in shaping public discourse, highlighting how foreign actors exploit platforms to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion.
He criticizes the censorship practices of social media companies, arguing that they should be regulated to prevent the suppression of diverse viewpoints and scientific consensus.
McMaster advocates for the creation of trusted sources of information that provide reliable and unbiased perspectives on complex issues, counteracting the spread of misinformation and extreme narratives.
He calls for a critical assessment of social media’s impact on education and young people, recognizing its potential to foster a sense of victimhood and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.
5. The Erosion of Deterrence and the Risks of Conflict:
McMaster expresses deep concern over the erosion of deterrence in the face of China’s and Russia’s military modernization.
He argues that the US military is underfunded and needs significant investment to maintain its technological edge and counter the growing capabilities of its adversaries.
McMaster stresses the importance of demonstrating a strong will to defend American interests and allies, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that combines diplomacy and military preparedness.
The podcast warns of the potential for a hot war if the US fails to deter aggression from China and Russia, highlighting the risks of simultaneous conflicts in Taiwan and Ukraine.
6. The Importance of Strengthening American Society and Communities:
McMaster identifies the growing divide within American society as a significant threat to national unity and resilience.
He emphasizes the need for bipartisan consensus on key issues, particularly in areas of foreign policy and economic policy.
McMaster underscores the need to address the disenfranchisement of communities, particularly those struggling with poverty, gang violence, and lack of opportunity.
He advocates for a multi-tiered approach that involves strengthening institutions, promoting educational opportunities, and fostering a sense of community at the local level.
7. The Need for a Clearer Understanding of the Past and a Renewed Commitment to American Values:
McMaster emphasizes the importance of historical understanding in navigating present challenges, urging Americans to learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating them.
He criticizes the rise of identity politics and critical theory, arguing that they can lead to a toxic combination of resignation and anger.
McMaster encourages a renewed commitment to American values, including the pursuit of equality of opportunity, the importance of individual agency, and the strength of American institutions.
8. The Value of Service and the Importance of Patriotism:
McMaster highlights the value of national service, recognizing the transformative experiences that it provides, particularly in the military.
He acknowledges the potential for a discussion of compulsory service, emphasizing the benefits of fostering a shared sense of patriotism and understanding of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
McMaster expresses a deep admiration for the young men and women who volunteer to serve their country, praising their commitment, courage, and dedication.
9. The Enduring Power of American Entrepreneurialism:
McMaster underscores the importance of American entrepreneurialism as a key source of strength and innovation.
He acknowledges the vital role of private companies in developing solutions for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, and energy resilience.
McMaster expresses optimism about the ability of American businesses to overcome challenges and drive progress, emphasizing the need for a supportive policy environment that fosters innovation and competition.
10. The Urgency of Action and the Need for a Shared Vision for the Future:
McMaster emphasizes the urgency of addressing the challenges facing America, both domestically and internationally.
He urges Americans to engage in informed conversations about these issues and work together to build a better future.
McMaster concludes by expressing his hope that his book, “Battlegrounds,” can contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing the free world and inspire Americans to come together to defend their shared values.
5 Memorable Quotes:
1. “Who wants Iran to have a nuclear weapon? Who wants the only hereditary communist dictatorship in the world, you know, the Kim family regime North Korea, to have the most destructive weapons on Earth? Who wants Russia to intimidate all the countries on his periphery, develop destabilizing nuclear weapons, try to coerce us like they’re doing now? Who wants to try to eat our lunch economically? Okay. Let’s talk about that across partisan lines. Right? You shouldn’t be partisan issues.” – McMaster emphasizes the need for bipartisan consensus on core national security threats.
2. “This is an authoritarian regime that is determined, right, to succeed at our expense. Right? Yeah. Xi Jinping just said it like last week. He just he was talking to the provincial chiefs, and he said, hey. Make no mistake about it. we’re in an ideological competition with the United States and other Democratic and and and free market economic countries and systems. And And we have we have to acknowledge that.” – McMaster underscores the ideological competition with China and the need for Americans to recognize the challenge.
3. “I think we just have to begin to alter our behavior and factor in this geopolitical, geoeconomic risk into our business decisions. What what kills me, Joe, is I I think that we are, in many ways, underwriting our own demise. Right? by the the huge financial flows and investment flows into China that is giving them the resources that they need to to compete unfairly with us under programs.” – McMaster highlights the dangers of American investment in Chinese companies that contribute to their military and economic growth.
4. “I would just say I think we have to be patient about it and see what and see what happens. But there’s a long history of that kind of act those kind of activities. Right? Agent provocateur activities to infiltrate a peaceful protest and instigate violence and then turn it into a non p peaceful protest so they could shut it down.” – McMaster acknowledges the potential for abuse of power by law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about the role of agent provocateurs.
5. “I think, Joe, if you take a long view of this, It goes back, I think, to the transition of the global economy in the nineties. You know, I think that there are large numbers of Americans who were disenfranchised left behind by transitions in the in the in the economy.” – McMaster highlights the economic factors contributing to social unrest and the importance of addressing economic inequality.