John Mearsheimer: Israel lobby’s influence on US policy as powerful as ever | UpFront

Marc Lamont Hill talks to scholar John Mearsheimer about US foreign policy and its support for Israel and Ukraine.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 32,000 and caused a widespread humanitarian disaster. As Israel continues its attacks on Gaza and the civilian death toll keeps rising, the US is facing a growing backlash for its military and financial support to Israel.
This week the US abstained from a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution vote, allowing the measure to pass. But the US said the abstention did not signal a change in policy or support towards its ally.
On another front, Russia’s war on Ukraine continues unabated, with casualties mounting. While the US has pledged billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, the legislation has stalled in Congress.
How are the current conflicts and diplomatic tensions affecting Washington’s global standing? And could this signal the end of US unipolarity?
This week on an UpFront special, Marc Lamont Hill speaks to renowned political scientist John Mearsheimer about how US foreign policy could affect the outcomes of these wars.

[@user-sb4ds4yb5o]

1. Congress allocates money to Israel 2. Israel allocates money to AIPAC 3. AIPAC makes "campaign donations" to Congress 4. Loop back to 1

[@daraghokane4236]

The infinite money glitch

[@lydiamilanovic1761]

😂

[@user-of4rv5dj2h]

It is called "Corruption" but they call it "Lobby" aka bribe.

[@Kalimdor199Menegroth]

Just that Congress allocates money to Israel, which in turn goes into purchasing American military tech. So that money goes back into the US economy. It was never a liability.

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

The circle jerk of darkness

[@ManuelSanchez-tk7tr]

John Mearsheimer, I am proud that you defend the truth. You are a true American.

[@pamelahays-lx1to]

Amen!

[@Absurd-Woman]

*He's one of my favorite academics/foreign policy experts. I like him, Jeffrey Sachs, Norman Finkelstein, and Stephen Walt. Although foreign policy is not his expertise, you can add Noam Chomsky to that list. In sum, I like the ones who are grounded in their scholarly work and tell the truth.*

[@wahyuindrasto8307]

Take extra care, John, I fear the Israel lobby has its eyesight on you. Mossad doesn't like what you say to the public. It's probably not hard for them to get somebody clipped.

[@Basel-po6jx]

@@pamelahays-lx1tomy Pop Pop aa tea töm I’ll köu I’ll tkktiro mal to o😮😢😮😊 Ui

[@Basel-po6jx]

@@pamelahays-lx1to 8:c Uia iDsü 😢esddttt for so 9:20 try😅😅 as yulôcb😅

[@andrewwentzel]

I have voted Republican all my life and had always supported Israel. In the past 2 years my position on Israel has completely flipped 180 degrees. I now no longe longer support aid for Israel (of any kind) but it goes even further… I don’t believe Israel is a legitimate state. I know believe that the Palestinians were victims of settler/colonialism, ethnic cleansing, and subjugation through apartheid rule. I see Zionism as racist and as evil as Nazism. I have come to these conclusions simply by learning the true history of the region. If I , a conservative, who was pro Israel came to these conclusions I am certain that I am not unique in a fundamental understanding of the conflict in Palestine. I believe that if Biden, Trump, RFK, or ANY politician laid out a clear policy change to Israel and the Israeli lobby that they would have overwhelming support from across the entire political spectrum. The ambiguity shown by Biden hurts him more than if he simply came out as pro Israel.

[@sharif1306]

Don't think there's any ambiguity on the part of Biden w.r.t. Israel. He's complicit in this genocide funded by your tax dollars.

[@frankiewally1891]

"I`ve been blind, but now I see"...good for you, glad you caught up with the truth.....

[@jessiejb4684]

I have a similar story to you. Cheers!

[@alanhat5252]

@andrewwentzel, Zionism takes a step beyond the nazis, the nazis just wanted domination over Europe, the Zionists want to bring forward Armageddon - the end of the world.

[@ijcht]

god bless you.

[@christianmccann9400]

Greetings from Ireland .. BDS apartheid Israel .. Free Palestine!

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Please pass on my deepest respects to Leo Varadker (for making Biden think), Clare Daly for forcing EU to think., and most of all Blinne ni Gralaigh for making the world understand. ❤

[@lAbdurRahmanF]

🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪

[@pascalpoussin1209]

As far as possible I boycott way more western brands... Writing this from my Chinese made, Chinese brand smartphone (though using some western technology).

[@boxcutter0]

Ireland needs to stop being a useless leech, a security freeloader & harbor of corrupt business practices.

[@boxcutter0]

😵‍💫🤮

[@Wolfvain-qs5su]

Great to see John M get air time on the mainstream. People like him are the real experts

[@user-pf7tf3rf1u]

I agree. He has a great understanding and the interviewer asked good questions.

[@boxcutter0]

lol, I bet you cherry pick tattered narratives from other slimeballs like McGregor or Ritter…

[@paulodekina7144]

​@@boxcutter0 You'd do better to listen now, while there's still time

[@andreskorge1828]

@@boxcutter0 Absolutely - WAy better than Hasbara Shills

[@andreskorge1828]

@@paulodekina7144 totaly agree. If only supporters of Zionism could see the danger of huge battles and persecutions looming....... that we speak truth in love and consideration for all.

[@denisehusbands5751]

$61 billion should be spent in the USA to house the thousands of homeless Americans, which includes families. It could be spent to alleviate the suffering of so many poor and distressed families in the USA.

[@nopt1118]

"Should" is the operative word...

[@mahatabdiabdullahi5527]

US is not as free as you think ! US is under indirect colonial rule.

[@boxcutter0]

We need: More restraint in foreign entanglements & aid, increased cooperation with legit allies, more strength against nefarious adversaries… improve aid to Ukraine!

[@sharafkhan9050]

There is no care for the poor and blacks. They don't have help and still their taxes are subsidizing the genocide.

[@dianasmail915]

CORRECT

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

You are on a roll Aljazeera. Thank you for setting the standard for mainstream journalism you are leaving the others in your wake.

[@kathynash8183]

Global opinion...the US and Israel have shown their true colours.

[@noelfranco2416]

They have blackmail on all our politicians.

[@user-jg5ut9xj1e]

J Epst3in was their guy who helped them put pdfile politicians into their pockets. How else would you explain a substitute teacher becoming a billionaire and having all that immunity?

[@deidresable]

Yes now people are noticing

[@annamarie2557]

I know right! They use Pegasus!

[@taliasya2273]

Go google your political reps. Even the Dems are taking big $$$ from Israel. How do you think they become millionaires+?

[@davidturner8637]

@@deidresableyes, the result of the rape of Gaza will be that most moral American citizens will realize that their government has been purchased by the Israeli lobby. Certainly, more than a handful of our senators and congressmen must know that genocide is immoral. Their choice is to speak out against the rape of Gaza or stay in their position of power, and they are choosing power. Remember, this is the system that we have been telling the whole world is the best and the brightest. To quote Madeline Albright "If we have to use force, it is because we are America. We are the indispensable nation. We stand tall. We see further into the future." The whole world now is getting to see what we truly stand for. I am sad and disgusted.

[@PuroleaDF1111]

A good question would be:”how much of the US 3 billions aid to Israel goes to AIPAC?”

[@user-jg5ut9xj1e]

And how much of a :"cut" do the politicians get for keeping the gravy train running?

[@slim1one]

Isr@e! gets almost $4 billion a year in military aid alone. They also get additional aid for other things, totalling over $10 billion a year, every year. Right now they are getting a lot more due to their slawter in Gazzah.

[@nmok-hy8ke]

3 billion in only the declared amount, the indirect amounts and benefits are about 60 times that!

[@PuroleaDF1111]

@@nmok-hy8ke You are probably right, the amount is probably bigger. the truth is taking the stairs to be revealed. Slowly in the morning. Not too fast in the afternoon.

[@user-jg5ut9xj1e]

@@nmok-hy8ke Moloch money magic. Fractional reserve lending.

[@luisa.acevedo3326]

"Every time anyone says that Israel is our only friend in the Middle East, I can't help but think that, before Israel, we had no enemies in the Middle East." John Sheehan

[@paulamarsh1]

What an abhorrent statement ! This infers that Sheehan does not wish for Israel to exist...

[@55liber]

Spot on .I have been thinking the same thing

[@55liber]

@@paulamarsh1 Why? It's the truth

[@gloryxiong6068]

@@paulamarsh1 So what? No body except American and European expect Israel to ever exist on the ground of Arab world. It's You and Israel who just stole the land from Palestine!

[@fasteddie4205]

Thank you Al Jazeera for reporting real news not like fake and dishonorable news like the American mainstream news.

[@ShoreCastle]

Wow, Marc Lamont is an asset. His interview with Dr. Mearsheimer was comprehensive. They covered the Lobby! Ukraine, unipolar vs multipolar competition, and China. Excellent conversation with peer to peer intellects. Keep it up Al Jazeera, in your pursuit of the truth.

[@alanhat5252]

He's good when it's calm like this but not as good as his predecessor when it gets rough & someone needs to be pulled up for lying. Mehdi Hasan hosted the show for the first 5 years & he's still definitely worth following now.

[@alanhat5252]

Try @zeteo_news

[@DictumMeumPactum]

​@@alanhat5252Knocking down Mr Lamont in order to elevate Mr Hassan is frivolous and redundant. The two men have their strengths and shortcomings

[@Jupagamiable]

Fully agreed. An interviewer genuinely seeking the truth.

[@abubakarsadisumuktar932]

I'm glad that John Mearsheimer is finally coming live on mainstream media

[@Ha1a_r]

Mainstream media control over the narrative is over.

[@patrycjamalinowska9466]

Better late than never.

[@pauldunn6361]

Lamont should ask Mearsheimer about his visit to Victor Orban

[@user-qj1ru6ix3h]

AIPAC is working on behalf of Israel interest, not for US interest.

[@AR-zq5qg]

In fact, AIPAC is ANTI-US and works to the detriment of the American people.

[@kamaldaud2782]

The US President is working for AiPAC not America.

[@omzabz491]

aipac is a israeli zionist lobby for about caring about us interest

[@lauradunbar7443]

Listen to Mearsheimer, people! His analysis is rational, realistic, and sound. Look for other posts outside of Western MSM for more of his analysis.

[@Realone1000]

Concur

[@j.o.1516]

Not only is it rational, realistic and sound, but almost everything he has said would happen in Ukraine, has happened, just as he said it would. You can find videos of him giving talks as far back as 2015 on what wouild likely happen, if NATO tried to recruit Ukraine to their alliance, and now 9 years later, everything has turned out exactly as he predicted it would.

[@lauradunbar7443]

@j.o.1516 Absolutely true! Of course, anyone who has paid any attention to what the Russians have been saying about proposed NATO expansion not only into Ukraine, but into Georgia (north Atlantic? 🤔) as well, since even before 2008, has seen that the current situation was coming.

[@manubande]

What a brilliant person Mr Mearsheimer is !!!

[@user-wl1cp7xy2b]

You should have seen him in class at The University of Chicago. 🎉🎉🎉

[@alanhat5252]

​@@user-wl1cp7xy2byou _can_ see that, it's on KZbin!

[@hanihani8612]

Thank you reporting the truth brother.

[@paulburick1506]

Money is power. Run out of money,run out of power. Keep spending Biden.

[@dannynyondo5148]

John Mearsheimer never disappoints with his vast pool of knowledge. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Bravo 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@mazscsu]

John gets it. Democracy isn’t influenced by voters and the people; it’s influenced and run by lobbies. The day I learned about this reality of American politics 20 years ago, I began laughing at the idea that were a democracy.

[@alanhat5252]

You've got your Second Amendment to straighten it out with, that's what it's for!

[@canaconn2388]

The United States of America was never a democracy. It was a Constitutional Republic.

[@DebraCole-dr5fy]

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? This is a huge issue for me . Been writing to my congresspeople. Little drop in the bucket.

[@alanhat5252]

@@DebraCole-dr5fy yes a little drop, but there's millions of little drops that add up to quite a lot. Keep writing!

[@99observer99]

It is always a good use of time to listen to John Mearsheimer.

[@dtongo]

Gaza incident has waken up a lot of American about the strength of Israeli influence in US as indicated by John M.

[@MohamedSamir-cl4ev]

Yes, Palestinian have been losing their lives for their liberty and for the world to wake up.

[@terrylovesenegal]

"Incident"?

[@ahmmustafakamal696]

I like professor as he talks hard facts.

[@davidcald5975]

❤❤

[@norman_5623]

They're both professors. Marc Lamont Hill is a professor at CUNY. Mearsheimer has a tremendous command of facts and logic, but Hill is one of the few interviewers who is smart enough to take advantage of Mearsheimer by asking the right questions. When CNN fired Hill, that shows you how influential The Lobby is.

[@rm809]

Love to hear professor Mearsheimer speak

[@bobbyhumphries1058]

Very wise guest! Bravo, both!

[@syed143100]

Usa 🇺🇸should use 3 billion dollars for student debt relief and universal health care rather than giving to foreign countries. Ban on lobbying group

[@truthbehindthehiddenfaces8895]

😂😂😂😂 Zionists own you

[@da7me22]

How about homeless care

[@alanhat5252]

Neither of those cost money, they actually _make_ money for the nation because tax revenues go up. Every country that's done it has proved that. Reducing homelessness does the same.

[@user-ln9ft3qp1v]

These developments have been discussed in detail at Novara media.

[@user-qf1zg4zz8j]

Total respect for Novara media.

[@alanhat5252]

Not really, they're English so haven't got the insight or the connections Mearsheimer has.

[@MohdShahid-fe4wj]

Very knowledgeable folk on international politics and somewhat unbiased...like to listen to this guy

[@yvonneyork1263]

John Mearsheimer, so wise, humble and clear.

[@tariqjackson3607]

Another Amazing Interview by the Amazing Marc Lamont Hill! yall be sure to look my boy up after this. He gets WAY more into the nitty gritty about this conflict.

[@sleepercell1679]

I'll give him credit he was playing devil's advocate with the professor because he's on the side of Gaza not Israel, that's good interview technique take opposing sides even if you don't believe it to revoke a response you wantn

[@norman_5623]

When you're a PhD, you know these things.

[@niloticnya]

I think he was the guy in the Cheesecake Factory clip on CNN a few years ago lol

[@user-uq3ie2io6e]

Thank you! 🫶

[@deeqayusuf5927]

FREE PALESTINA 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@hassu2149]

NEVER forget what those zionist bastards are doing

[@Hesham_MK]

The bigger problem are the evangelicals

[@carahiggs7157]

Fanatical religious genocidal psychopaths

[@user-pf7tf3rf1u]

Yes, and the lobby uses them even though it thinks they are idiots.

[@Hesham_MK]

@@user-pf7tf3rf1u You nailed it

[@DaxBruce-kv4vf]

You mean the Fascigenicals 😁🧐🤯😶‍🌫️

[@ljmolly4029]

It's wild that the zayos are in bed with the wacky evangelicals, the latter of whom would imagine Jesus returning and all the hebrew folks going to burn in he-double hockey sticks!😂

[@yesyes1842]

Victims need to unite to make fundamental changes to a geopolitical order that is unjust

[@frankiewally1891]

You forget one thing ,my friend ,Jews have outmaneuvered all the competitors in the "poor me-victim" game ;they have been doing it for centuries and they persuaded the "chrishchuns" of their choseness,which finally pays off in total abandonment of respecting the common bonds, which unite humanity. Remember; the idiots :chrishchuns" believe that through the Jewish banditry will come salvation of the world. You,see,I told you, they are the real masters.

[@soulsmouls]

I will order his book right now😮

[@lauradunbar7443]

Highly recommended!

[@user-vp2lz4qu5v]

​@@lauradunbar7443i have already read it. Details explanation on how aipac work

[@keihan5]

It didn't take John to say "It's because of the lobby". Its been well known for quite some time. Ilhan Omar was jumped all over when she made the statement "It's all about the Benjamins", but she was absolutely spot on.

[@misafir716]

Thank you Al jazeera❤️

[@jafarseife3427]

It is very sad people like John Mearshiemer are not listened to by policy makers in the US

[@CHIPIONES]

The Lobby and the US-Congress: "Corruption"

[@Lio-zj1ty]

The Iraqi war dug a whole for USA and the Gaza war is sinking USA in the whole. What would be next?

[@shreddedguy679]

Attacking Russia

[@pathaklalgolder2920]

I think Al Jazeera is changing. Other day I saw Jeffrey Sachs, today John Mearsheimer. I want to see Scott Ritter on Al Jazeera soon. Change Al Jazeera change.... you can do it.

[@mehruneusufzai2341]

Thank you so much Professor Mearsheimer and Mr. Marc Lemont for your great analysis. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@eileengibson7258]

Very informative discussion and so necessary.

[@abdirahiimabdullaahi8556]

my brother lamont'!!! i love your interviews....keep it up!! i salute prof mearsh

[@user-nq7ie8od4f]

It is called blackmailers blackmailing for their own sinister interests.

[@sethaddo1909]

This guy is super! He is frank and honest in his presentation this is the kind of professor one will be proud listening to unfortunately the so called western and American interliegential hate to listen to or accommodate

[@sjamwal3199]

Thank u John for speaking the truth.

[@sethnavabi6926]

Genuinely enjoyed this interview.

[@sebastianjensen5190]

Great interview. Well done by the host with serious and challenging questions laying out multiple avenues of thought. A pleasure to watch. And obviously also containing some very potent messages.

[@Ha1a_r]

We need more people like John Mearsheimer. Uncorrupted with dirty money.

[@suzankhoshnevisriahi824]

The US public should be grateful to Dr Mearsheimer to discuss issues that the public has been kept in the dark for so many years. The Jewish Lobby has harmed the US immeasurably. Thank you

[@bspag]

Great job, both of you! Thoughtful questions, thoughtful answers, and respect among parties. Thank you.

[@busyb8676]

We are hurting Israel when we support men like Netanyahu and his cronies. Many of we older voters have been awakened by this travesty and our lack of real understanding of the history of the formation of Israel. I cannot vote for Biden because of his lapdog like support of Netanyahu. I wish he would resign from running because I think he will lose because of his support for Israel and this genocide.

[@user-bs2ui9pe9r]

Great coverage, thank you

[@ralphlinville6646]

Love Mers heimer, he knows whats up and speaks truth to power. Appreciate you, Lamont ! Cease fire now Feed the people of Gaza now 🇵🇸❤️

[@slampersand3145]

I appreciate you, Mr. Mearsheimer. I pretend you're my grandpa. Thanks for being so real and true ❤️

[@RAZR_Channel]

That was a Really Good Interview... Extensive insight...

[@putra4101]

Everyday, U.S citizens wake up poor and wondering why we sent money when we need it in our home...

[@user-pf7tf3rf1u]

I wish our members of Congress/ senators in Pennsylvania would listen to Mr. Mearsheimer.

[@Realone1000]

They know everything he is saying . They are just bought

[@samo6391]

Thank you my Professor!

[@nazarmawj338]

❤❤❤ best show

[@abul9052]

Love Marc and John ❤

[@AbdulRahman-mk3wl]

Put constraints on aipac

[@RaihanAhmed]

Constraints? They should be banned and criminally charged for creating this massive problem.

[@phongnguyen007]

Such a great assessment in the last few minutes. Good question. GREAT answer.

[@mikelmiller1259]

Mirscheimer..... the video "Isreal Lobby" wonderful

[@taliasya2273]

Marc Lamont Hill, thank you for asking some questions I have not found the answers to before.

[@punkypinko2965]

Great interview.

[@CrusadR4real]

Finally!!! The Prof has been given an audience from a major news outlet!

[@samburke3950]

Fabulous interview: John Mearsheimer is incredible...and Marc Lamont Hill skillfully navigates the subjects to provide a huge buffet of intelligent mental nuggets for the audience to chew on these complex and crucial topics of our time.

[@augusto3113]

Enlightening

[@moyisisinelungelotunzi]

Why did I always think this man was on a wheelchair?😢

[@ruthokelley5833]

Me too…just today I realized it was the design in that chair…Lol

[@sharafkhan9050]

@@ruthokelley5833 you're still sleeping.

[@sharafkhan9050]

Maybe you're in a wheel chair!

[@ruthokelley5833]

@@sharafkhan9050 is that the best thought you had today? 😕

[@sharafkhan9050]

@@ruthokelley5833 better than yours

[@MMAli-rq8kd]

Straight questions, straight answers. Unusual for corporate media ! 😅

[@stellabrown909]

He made VERY GOOD points. Well said.

[@Vort_tm]

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..." How is our "unconditional support" in the form of LAWS providing financial and military support to an expressly Jewish state anything other than a violation of the 1st Amendment?!

[@CMX70]

Compliments to the host, good interview, was genuinely interested to hear what John had to say. He understands his audience came hear to listen to Professor Mearshimer

[@drarifzaman5081]

John mearsheimer is absolutely right

[@user-nq7ie8od4f]

Policy makers using such nice words to describe and cover up their atrocities and genocide. "Lobby, implicit, influence, aid etc"

[@k4ze7]

The host did an amazing job with this interview. Stayed on relevant topics, interrupted appropriately to play devil's advocate when needed, and clarified key points. Excellent job.

[@MariamHussein-fb3eg]

Great video always wonderful and informative and helpful for me and the world

[@justinpagelawrie]

The US might collapse under the weight of their debt alone.

[@robertshipley6990]

Excellent! Thank you

[@plutopluto6699]

An incredible journalism! Thank you,

[@zrohit]

Who is making most money on these weapons? I bet those companies are headed by certain people

[@andreskorge1828]

And their stock prices are likely growing

[@davisdike7943]

Very intelligent conversation. I hope every adult in this country should watch this discussion. The unquestioned support for Israel drives me ape. Biden must be made an example of to dusuad other politicians.

[@sharonwall9188]

Finally, the answer to everything. No more gaslighting. Great speaker.

[@mohammediqbal8566]

We enjoyed too listening to John's perspectives. It's being educative. THANX

[@JimmyKartounii]

the deaths of civilizations

[@phillbradshaw7190]

JM is in top 5 of where I go to get the truth 👍 👍

[@tariqsyed9640]

Who are other four

[@adrianthompson7033]

Interest groups are able to wield a disproportionate influence over law makers and the policy direction because of donations and other gifts. The donation system is where politicians and their parties get to double dip and resell their influence over policy direction to the largest donation.

[@William_Stephens]

I appreciate Marc’s approach to this interview. Made for a great discussion.

[@OngoGablogian185]

It's a long-term strategy. The US has always planned to enact regime change in Iran for its own benefit and Israel will remain a 'special friend' for as long as they remain integral to this plan.

[@alexsolosm]

It is just a money laundering exercise for the CEOs of military contractors and weapons suppliers. You are a fool if you think otherwise.

[@jamessmithers4456]

FREE JULIAN ASSANGE

[@leorapier9389]

I learn so much by listening to presentations by John mearsheimer.

[@zharkoo]

The Mohamed Ali comparison... HAHAHAHAHAH sitting in my room alone 1am and laughing out loud, Prof. John Mearsheimer just became my idol 🙂

[@PB-or2fd]

John had to school this interviewer.

[@tomalesbay]

Marc Lamont Hill is no fool, though.

[@carahiggs7157]

China and Russia can easily grow their population

[@Warsie]

It's harder to get a modern wealthy country to grow their population without immigration. And both China and Russia are wealthy enough that their birthrates are relatively low (Russia has an uneven birth rate given the Muslim populations have a higher birthrate) Also the One Child Policy lasted too long so people are used to having only one child now in cities (for China)

[@muhammadaminualiyu8937]

This interview is spot on 👍

[@Swan-atl]

Thank you for the true honest conversation. 👍

[@user-er4jm1ln8c]

The us is occupied too 😂

[@mikekelly4702]

United states of israel but they have better healthcare

[@brunoparis20nation]

Wonderful questions that allow Mearsheimer to be sharp as a knife