John Mearsheimer on truth, lies, nationalism, war, and election meddling

Notable political scientist Dr. John J. Mearsheimer offers insights into lying and truth-telling in international politics versus domestic politics, whether the Russians and Putin lied and interfered in our elections, the failure of liberal hegemony in the face of nationalism, and brinkmanship in a nuclear crisis. R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago, Dr. Mearsheimer talks with Dr. Jed Macosko, academic director of AcademicInfluence.com and professor of physics at Wake Forest University.
See Dr. Mearsheimer's profile at academicinfluence.com/people/...
See additional leaders in political science at academicinfluence.com/article...

[@followyourbliss973]

I had the same thoughts about Nationalism when in high school during the Vietnam war! I realized then how our politicians seem to lack basic common sense!

[@AcademicInfluence]

Richard, it's more that everyone is concerned most with their own self-interests. Even politicians. All of us, really. Perhaps if we can get the focus off of our own "thing" for a second, we could view the world through a better lens. Thanks for watching. If you liked this interview, check out our others. Lots of smart people sharing great ideas here!

[@dms555]

Clear eyed as to both international and domestic politics and realities. Refreshing.

[@AcademicInfluence]

We couldn't agree more with you! Thanks for the comment.

[@Thesebjustseb]

Mearsheimer and realist theory in general needs to be mainstreamed ASAP, otherwise the American public will be sorely ill-equipped to deal with the dilemmas the US will face in the near future. We should be watching his talking head on network television. Thanks to this channel for giving the man a platform. I may not agree with him on all the specifics, but he offers truly valuable insights.

[@TheMacoskos]

Thanks, Sebastian, for this great comment. I couldn't agree more! I hope others find Mearsheimer and give him the attention his ideas deserve. I also hope others find this channel. Have you seen Mearsheimer's friend, Steven Walt, and his interview at academicinfluence.com/interviews/political-science/stephen-walt (you can also find it on KZbin)? It's great!

[@apersonthatsnice6202]

agreed! I just watch one of his videos from 7 years ago, and it is spot on by whats going on today!

[@johnlatham7092]

It's amazing how wrong the good Professor has been proven with Putin's invasion of the Ukraine and the powerful co-ordinated response from the West. It is inevitable now that the Ukraine will eventually join both NATO and the EU.

[@surreallou3221]

@@johnlatham7092 From my knowledge, they’re no longer insisting on joining NATO, so I’m generally confused where do you get that idea?

[@johnlatham7092]

@@surreallou3221 The Foreign Office has stated that Putin fears the Ukraine joining the EU more than them joining NATO. Their economy would boom by being part of the EU and cause massive disatisfaction within his Russian citizens.

[@testla3383]

I wish the interviewer didn't do the active listening thing with the approval noises, nodding and rephrasing Dr Mearsheimer while asking question. Your job is to ask (smart) questions and keep silence!

[@AcademicInfluence]

Test La, as we do more interviews, we'll keep improving. Thanks for holding us to a high standard. This interview was one of our earlier ones, and we think we're getting better at it as we do more. Hopefully, Dr. Meaeheimer's insights come through nonetheless.

[@robrob9050]

13:53 That is why Kenedy was great statesman, and historical figure.

[@suaega2641]

In 20th century the world needs leaders with good knowledge in politic science and not lie to public in domestic violence. I enjoy listening kind of John dialogue and discussion on political issues

[@AcademicInfluence]

Sua, thanks for writing. Yes, great leaders make people's lives better. If you liked this video, let others know about it and all the other great interviews here!

[@ElkoJohn]

Good to hear an establishment academic tell the truth about U.S. foreign policy. Notably, he was in the military during the war against Viet-Nam and knows why that war was unjust. Considering U.S. antagonism toward China re: Hong Kong and Taiwan, - sure hope the war-hawks don't overplay their hand and bring us another missile crisis while trying to ''put China in it's place''

[@AcademicInfluence]

I was impressed by the frankness of Prof.Mearsheimer's assessment of US foreign policy. I'm glad you appreciated him, too!

[@robhaythorne4464]

Mearsh was a terrible student at West Point. The Army didn't want him, so he went to the Air Force and did nothing for five years. Now that he has tenure in a nothing study area at a compromised university (I am a grad of that institution myself), he is just so pleased with himself that he's barely continent. Unlike the "Mearsh", a lot of us who actually played in foreign relations and military matters have kept things reasonably safe for decades. He, on the other hand, just yaks and pays no price. That's why he plays to the anti-freedom, anti-american goofball kids of today. He really loves those Commies and Bernie Sanders, but he'll settle for the Obamas and the O'Bidens as long as they are against America and morality. Those values have no meaning to Mearsh. Mearsh is despicable, and he forgets who attacked whom on 9/11/2001. Have any of you seen Mearsh on his other vids? He claims that he is most comfortable when he's in China with his "real people."

[@lilcicero77]

The whole interview was riveting, and thank you for making it. I thought the initial question about whether anything in his childhood led him to international relations was absolutely masterful though.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Thanks, Poems! We are always glad when an insightful person such as Dr. Mearsheimer takes time to talk with us. Glad too for Dr. Macosko and his daughter, who have done such a great job with interviews.

[@mahadevsuresh5]

The interviewer is really charming and asks great questions. Awesome!!!

[@user-xq1wz3tp5z]

Agreed. He allows/creates space for good discussion.

[@eymeeraosaka2954]

Great interview with Prof Mearsheimer. I really enjoy listening to his views. Can learn alot.

[@AcademicInfluence]

I'm glad you learned a lot! I did, too!

[@vrfvfdcdvgtre2369]

Mearsheimer: Putin will not invade. Hillary wins. Orange Man Bad. Nice thinking, just do not make his bets.

[@zitools]

he's a natural educator

[@zitools]

@@vrfvfdcdvgtre2369 to be fair most thought these, i thought hillary would win even though i was for trump (even made some money on that bet). i also thought it'd be crazy for putin to invade, when he did i thought he'd be done in 4-5days. turns out he is some type of crazy. best payouts are the worst odds, often against the consensus

[@pw-sk1sf]

Thank you for posting this clip! I knew Prof. Mearsheimer after the Russia-Ukraine war started. To me, he is very brilliant. The way he delivers his opinions is very logical, may be, because he is realist.

[@AcademicInfluence]

We are glad you liked this clip! Please share with your friends and subscribe. We appreciate your support!

[@peterbusdon2372]

I agree with much of what Mearshimer says but he doesn’t give enough credit to Trump for turning things around. Had Trump been re-elected in 2020 things would be better in America now and I think Mearshimer might be somewhat kinder in his opinion of Trump.

[@followyourbliss973]

I agree! His policies were working but the 'political establishment' couldn't bare him being successful. He was making them all look bad!

[@AcademicInfluence]

@@followyourbliss973 (and Peter), you might be right about Prof. Mearsheimer, but I will say that he and Prof. Stephen Walt from Harvard were the two most Trump-positive political scientists I interviewed.

[@followyourbliss973]

@@AcademicInfluence Would you share the link to your Prof Walt interview? Thank you!

[@AcademicInfluence]

@@followyourbliss973 Sure! Here it is: academicinfluence.com/interviews/political-science/stephen-walt

[@raygan777able]

What a clear analysis and right on the spot. Will definitely get his books to understand more.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Love to hear that, Gan Kai Hock! Thanks for watching. Let your friends know about us, and please subscribe so we can keep bring some of the world's smartest people to this channel.

[@elmersbalm5219]

Oh come on! If Americans are really concerned about their democracy then they should repel Citizens United. The comparative effect of Russian meddling would be insignificant.

[@stevencooke6451]

A more informed and clearer-thinking public would be less susceptible to Russian disinformation. And yes, Citizens United is a grave danger to democracy.

[@nukepity9266]

Interviewer sounds exactly like my aunt Janeane, bless her heart.

[@elmersbalm5219]

Mearsheimer manages to get his message through to a reticent audience. That is his brilliance.

[@TheMacoskos]

Yes, he seems to have specialized in telling people what they don't (at first) want to hear! Thanks for your comment.

[@daveburgess1060]

Professor Jed, did YOU hear what John Mearsheimer said regarding Trump’s stance on altering the long-standing policy of liberal hegemony? It seemed that your snickering at the mention of Trump may have prevented actual hearing from taking place. I heard that essentially, Trump was right to try to fight the orthodoxy on this policy. I agree that his execution left a lot to be desired…. But can you also concede that an extremely biased academia and media MAY have impacted the execution? I am not a wild eyed Trump zealot by any means.But I do think he rightfully challenged many things that needed to be challenged. Thank you for you for your interview with John Mearsheimer!

[@MP-wb5yd]

not really this is just the skill of convincing others that your own opinion is better

[@pursiju]

Nationalism, GreatPower Politics, Liberalism what is weather and what is climate? Why a small country or a group of reagonal countries could not fight and win a great country? Now there is need for that. Is great power politics and it's might over estimated? For sure great power politics should be criminalised in international relations.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Thanks for watching, Jukka! We try to cover the topics that interest people. Do you have feedback on an academic with whom we should talk? Please share our channel with other people who want to hear influential people talk about the fields they influence.

[@azimkhankhanazim6294]

Yeah the Prof was an aspiring actor too!! If I'm not mistaken he's the character in Troy with Brad Pitt.... remember the huge fighter in a one on one fight at the beginning of the story??😂😂 Yeah that's him that got stabbed by Achilles in the shoulder.😂😂😂

[@moradkhan8945]

I absolutely agree with Professor John J. Mearsheimer because he has proved what he has argued in this books and interviews. For instance, first, I also believe that the US made a great mistake in its foreign policy in the 1990s, especially in the expansion of NATO toward Russia's border. Second, in the post-9/11 era, the US unnecessarily invaded Iraq, though I believe that the US did a great job in the invasion of Afghanistan because it managed the UN consent to invade Afghanistan for a regime change. Third, the various colour revolutions in East Europe and Asia did not help the US to obtain its objectives. For instance, the interferences in Syria and Libya made the situation complicated because it displaced millions of peoples who took shelter in various European allied states. This displeased many allied countries. Conversely, fourth, China took the opportunity of the liberal hegemony (!) to increase its economic power as well as political power across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Therefore, the US under former President Donald Trump changed its foreign and domestic policy, especially America First. The incumbent Biden Administration has no choice but the containment of China because a superpower like the US cannot expect a peer competitor. As a result, finally, I would say that Professor Mearsheimer is the living legend in contemporary world politics. For his outstanding contributions, he may also be called as a living Thucydides.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Wow, Morad! Thank you for this great comment summarizing the things about this interview that you felt were particularly true. Your contribution to this discussion section is much appreciated!

[@moradkhan8945]

@@AcademicInfluence Thank you so much for the interview and the kind words.

[@AcademicInfluence]

@@moradkhan8945 You're welcome. It's involved viewers like you who make the interviews even more helpful!

[@qake2021]

✌🏻🤝✌🏻

[@shahirramjee626]

🙏👍🇿🇦

[@danburby7936]

TOO BAD JOHN ISNT A POLOTICIAN,HE WOULD MAKE A GREAT PRESIDENT

[@dms555]

Or an advisor at the very least

[@AcademicInfluence]

Dan, good leadership definitely depends on good advisers. Thanks for watching!

[@princeafg8663]

with due respect Professor "Afghani" is our currency. We are called Afghans.

[@AcademicInfluence]

I can't remember if I mistakenly used this word or if Prof. Mearsheimer did. I'm really sorry if it was me, and I'm sure Prof. Mearsheimer would be equally sorry if it was him. Either way, thank you so much for educating me on this important point!

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

Why do I get the feeling Mearsheimer is the man ... still ... actually, doesn't need qualification ... absolute on it's own.

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

Maybe I've got a lack of imagination in this moment, because I can't imagine Mearsheimer's wife not absolutely adoring Mearsheimer.

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

" ... optics involve both the reflection and refraction of light ... "

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

... maintaining proportionality between gravity and spin in resistance ... hehehe.

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

John Mearsheimer is a liberal hegemon whithout a peer competitor, with no security threat in the region - no others to roam into the backyard. ... Stay well. Peace. Eleonora Formato née Szczepanowski South Australia

[@haroldbridges515]

Mearsheimer as a policy expert naturally assumes that historical events are largely directed by policy choices. So, the American announcement of permanent war must be driven by policy objectives such as exporting American democracy. The problem with that theory is that American actions show very little interest in actually democratic practices in the foreign targets of our largesse. An alternative theory is that American policy choices have been captured by the war constituency, i.e. the military-industrial complex, for whom perpetual war is the summum bonum. This theory is supported by the obvious fact that the Americans demonstrably care little about the condition of our foreign democracy projects once we are ready to abandon them. But in the meantime trillions of tax dollars have been shovelled to the war constituency. Economics matter more than the theories of foreign policy.

[@AcademicInfluence]

I hear what you're saying, which is essentially, "Follow the money." That's sound advice. Thank you for commenting, Harold!

[@gambu4810]

I just wonder why would withdrawing Jupiter Missiles in Turkey be unpopular in America if they wanted a removal of Cuban nuclear missiles.

[@AcademicInfluence]

I think it would have been unpopular in the US for Kennedy to admit that he only got the Cuban missiles removed by a quid-pro-quo. Kennedy probably wanted to be seen as the tough guy that was able to just scare away the Cuban missiles.

[@testla3383]

because under endless political debate from both sides, the only way not to get any criticism is not making any compromise. Think about it, this system encourages leaders to make no compromise (read: "civil negotiation"), or lie about it.

[@jedmacosko3732]

@@testla3383 It would be great if there could be more honesty and more civil negotiation between nations! Thanks for the comment!

[@kapilkothari6681]

Because the Americans believed that their country is in Europe for the europeans and not for Americans own benefits.Taking those missiles out of turkey meant US considers its own safety as more important than the broken (at the time) Europe.

[@georgeclarke2258]

I would love to hear Prof Mearsheimer discuss Russian influence in US politics that began even prior to WW2. Many of these hot button issues changed the course of previous elections and were advantageous to the left. I've heard it postulated that Putin, believed that as Sec of State, Hillary made statements intended to swing the Russian election, and that's why Russia used their influence on behalf of Trump in 2016, rather than follow their traditional course

[@AcademicInfluence]

George, Mearsheimer is likely in big demand right now, but following up with him when he's available is something we will look into. Thank you for watching. Tell your likeminded friends about us!

[@realdemocracy11]

Another way of expressing this central message might be that a county's gag response usually kicks in when another country tries to force a political system down their throats. They instinctively feel their sovereignty is being threatened.

[@AcademicInfluence]

realdemocracy11, this is true. All people are resistant to the unfamiliar, sometimes for good reason, sometimes not. We always expect people to act the way we act and think the way we think, and this just does not go as expected-but we should never be surprised it doesn't.

[@DavidErdody]

Awwww 4:05

[@zhoubaidinh403]

In politics, as in life, it's do unto others before they do unto you.....

[@AcademicInfluence]

Zev, wouldn't it be great if it were more Golden Rule and less "stick it to the other guy"? Thanks for watching!

[@rdf098311]

You think Trump administration lied a lot? What do you think about the Biden administration?

[@AcademicInfluence]

There's an old joke that goes something like this: "How do you know when a politician is lying?" "When his lips are moving." Thanks for being a watcher and commenter, Roger. We hope you got a little chuckle out of that one. FYI, we like politicians too. Especially ones with a good sense of humor. :-)

[@rezakarampour6286]

Search : ' How Israel Partisans Buy US Election ? '

[@MysteryPuke]

I like these interivews, but it seems to me Dr Jed was not that certain of what he was listening to because he let out some weird timed laughs.

[@TheMacoskos]

I definitely don't always follow these smart interviewees! Thanks for the fun comment!

[@MysteryPuke]

@@TheMacoskos Nice and humble of you to admit. Have a good day!

[@TheMacoskos]

@Ciccio29can There were definitely times I was having a hard time following!

[@michelbisson6645]

For sure Kennedy did the right choices on this case

[@AcademicInfluence]

Michel, tough choices indeed. If you liked this video, feel free to let others know about our channel.

[@michelbisson6645]

Yes I sent to all my friends

[@michelbisson6645]

Videos very good

[@TheMacoskos]

@@michelbisson6645 Thank you!!!

[@JennyBrie2006]

I do disagree with the area of bin laden. It's quite possible that it was the Saudis instead of Laden.

[@angelcity007]

He lost me when he said he wasn’t sure whether or not Putin is lying re: election interference. But I find it interesting to hear a different perspective.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Angelica, different perspectives make it possible for all human growth in knowledge. And sometimes, expanded understanding too. Thanks for commenting!

[@your-mom-irl]

Putin bad! orange man bad! I read the NYT!

[@SEKreiver]

You DO know where the accusations of this 'interference' came from, right? The credibility of the US intel community is none too good at the moment. At the same time, Obama (inadvertently) ADMITTED that he 'brokered' the 2014 Ukraine coup. You can stay 'lost' or you can start facing the truth.

[@AcademicInfluence]

@@SEKreiver We had to look up this link: www.cato.org/commentary/americas-ukraine-hypocrisy to better understand what you are referring to. Is that the gist of it?

[@timmytide1]

John isn't wrong very often but he was certainly wrong about the difference between Biden and Trump. The two are completely different is the ways towards China.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Keep in mind that this interview was done nearly 2 years ago. Biden’s track record on China had not yet been established. Thank you for the comment! Please tell your friends about our channel.

[@kapilkothari6681]

I believe Biden is keeping china in the US crosshairs by not engaging in the Ukraine war directly. This shows realpolitik what Mr mearshiemer is talking about.

[@MichaelMalou]

I think Dr. John Mearsheimer has some good pointers. but avoids the elephant in the porcelain shop. money money money money

[@AcademicInfluence]

If you are interested in the effect money has on everything, you would enjoy my two interviews with Prof. Steve Keen!

[@MichaelMalou]

@@AcademicInfluence thx for reply. I will do

[@leninalopez2912]

what's with the idiotic music???

[@AcademicInfluence]

Hi Lenina! Would you prefer different music or no music? (The reason I ask is that we were about to update our music and I'm wondering if people prefer no music at all!) Thanks so much for your comment!

[@davidcampbell7996]

This didn’t age well.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Hi David! What parts didn't age well? I could imagine several parts that could be argued one way or another, so I'm curious which part you thought was the worst at "aging well".

[@davidcampbell7996]

@@AcademicInfluence bidens handling of china

[@roylee9088]

For Trump haters to get an idea about the USA elections

[@AcademicInfluence]

Roy, no matter where anyone stands politically, making sure voting is done securely and our elections remain free of corruption, from both inside and out, should be of every American's interest. Thanks for watching!

[@roylee9088]

It’s American involvement with nations around the world in their election because they have the infrastructure CIA are in all countries involved with their politics

[@AcademicInfluence]

@@roylee9088 Yes, Prof. Mearsheimer is big on explaining how the US is involved with other countries' politics and how that has led to trouble. We're glad you commented. Please spread the word about these interviews!

[@Geezerelli]

He doesn’t know the difference between Unalienable and Inalienable rights !

[@AcademicInfluence]

Google says those two words mean the exact same thing. Am I missing something? Thank you for the comment, though, we always love it when people get involved and say something!

[@rbnstmar]

President Juarez from Mexico pronounced in 1867 that: Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace !!!! Later, after more than 100 years, the individuals and the nations do not understand such meaningful words.

[@AcademicInfluence]

Yes, we definitely agree with you that if people and nations respected each other's rights, we would have peace. Thanks for the comment!