Peter Hitchens - The EU is the Continuation of Germany By Other Means

[@jeffsmith50001]

Im a minimum wage scroat from Leeds who started off with nothing and Ive still got most of it left. But even though I drag my knuckles ont pavement, listening to Peter gives me heart and hope.

[@fujiwuji891]

Keep up the good fight Jeff.

[@MrMollypockets]

im friend,can I remind ou ha 100% of human beings sared ou wih nohing.ou have nohing oda because ou did nohing ! Sop blaming and sar doing!ou are a perfec example of wha is all wrong in modern socie

[@rickyoldtree]

your comment gives me hope Jeff.. a perfect blend of British humour, irony, self deprecation, over active imagination and an understated common sense.. but why it is so unique, my old scroat, is that you have managed the remarkable feat of opening your mouth without abusing, blaming or doubting another, in a preposterous attempt at convincing yourself and/or others that you have the slightest fucking idea what your on about..! Almost every intelligent or worthwhile video on here, will have some 19 year old student, 40 year old expensive haired housewife, 37 year old undeservedly appointed manager, of some unnecessary new institution, for imagining and implementing illogical rules and regulations, or 60 year old dole bludger, making wildly blasé statements on how to solve insanely complex social issues, such as palestine, the war with Islam, brexit, sweaty baws, etc just by culling a few of these and making a big one of those, and rounding it all off with a couple of scathing personal insults, on whoever happened to have been speaking. When it is someone like Peter Hitchens, that gets dismissed by some dullard, who either couldn't muster the concentration to absorb his words, or believes he doesn't need to actually watch the video, because he belongs to group F and Hitchens looks like one of them group C lot, then it is such a crying shame, it actually hurts. I am a simple member of the general public I am levelling this charge at, and will also announce my lowly scroatness, in solidarity with comrade Smith. I am but a molecule of dog dirt on the sole of history, but still need to highlight the aforementioned hysteria, in the vague hope of reaching another waste of skin and blood, who might feel to add his or her name to the list of knuckle dragging ball sacks, that will gladly impale themselves on the gleaming blade of worthlessness, in a desperate attempt to nullify one form of madness, with another..

[@AURORA08A]

We are a larger tribe than is noticed, scattered here and there.

[@rickyoldtree]

Peter Ness - my apologies to you mr P Ness.. If you are still ironing your own shirts, you shouldn’t have to witness such frivolity as well.. so sorry.

[@sheilaoneil18]

A long-time follower of this wonderfully gifted man, I believe he speaks prophetically and bravely. Thank you Peter Hitchens. God bless you.

[@nickchmaruk5354]

Regrettably he hasn't Max Weber's "POLITICS AS A VOCATION"

[@albundy5746]

This talk really emphasizes the importance of a historical perspective on modern issues. Nothing is an isolated event and the narrative that we are being fed barely scratches the surface.

[@alistairmuir5521]

There is no such thing as "being fed a narrative". It is always your choice to swallow.

[@chrisweidner4768]

@@alistairmuir5521 Well said Alistair. Keep trying to wake the sleeping masses up. All the best.

[@abigailslade3824]

As a history graduate I agree we must remember our histories or we will be fated to repeat the mistakes of history.

[@mathieuvanleeuwen7127]

@@abigailslade3824 Or...or...(and this one gains momentum of late); we erase history all together, learn our newspeak and become the so anticipated slave sausages / zombies . We leave all thinking to government leaders ( vampires actually...) and we let them do to us we are doing now to poultry, pigs and cows in the bio industry. Just an idea...

[@jock-of-ages73]

@@mathieuvanleeuwen7127 Sadly it's a life too many people are quite happy and eager to live.

[@QRAndrew]

It's a great shame that we don't have people like Peter in Parliament. This man is one of the most honest & patriotic people in the UK. He tells it how it is with well-informed arguments and a bit of humour along the way. He is a pessimist (his book, *The Abolition of Britain* is a pessimists bible), but he has every reason to be given the destruction of our country over recent decades.

[@SuperMan-xf1eg]

+Andrew Finn What's wrong with pessimism? Isn't a glass half-empty, rather than half-full? ;)

[@joannortham5517]

+ElPocho DelMundo Pat Buchanan?

[@polygamous1]

+Andrew Finn Because he is a real English man he is the Image of an English man i had as a schoolboy

[@sappy441]

+polygamous1 Sozou Like his brother, Peter is at the base, a free thinker. That is why it's so refreshing to hear him talk because he has the Hitchen's ability to wade through all the bullshit and show you the real points.

[@raskltube]

he's an absolute legend

[@theplaintiff5450]

this speech is so crucial for the events of today

[@KIDWITDEGUN]

You know, as a German I could be almost happy about this; with the English bearing much guilt as well for the wars that has never really been adressed to my people and all that. But when, a few years ago, I started reading English comentators, I was actually shocked about how much the English have been conquered by the Cultural Marxists as well. I thought it was just us being driven mad by anti-German reeducation after the war. Politically it seems clear by now that all the Westeners have been betrayed by our politicians who are just spokesmen for the worldwide military industrial complex. And it seems even more clear now that we can only save ourselves by acting culturally. We need to take control over our own lives. We need to act locally because that is where we can have influence. We have to buy the right newspapers so the right voices will be heard. And we need to push good culture and drive out bad cultures. By that I mean this wild beast of neo-communism. And of course we need to stop further mass migration.

[@richardpreston7333]

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/19/cultural-marxism-a-uniting-theory-for-rightwingers-who-love-to-play-the-victim rationalwiki.org/wiki/Cultural_Marxism

[@suminshizzles6951]

Funny how one person listed a guardian article. It is this very left leaning attitude that is part of our problem. Being brainwashed to think that the world is a peaceful joyful place. It's not.

[@andyyykane]

@@richardpreston7333 oh please, the guardian is nothing more than a left wing rag. And rational wiki is about as reliable as American cars. That's not to say the OP is correct, but you should really consider your sources.

[@richardpreston7333]

@@andyyykane en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poisoning_the_well Give proof that the sources are wrong, don't just declare them wrong because you say so.

[@andyyykane]

@@richardpreston7333 you've given an opinion piece and a community driven wiki as sources, to support something that is ultimately an opinion. I cannot disprove opinions, that's sort of the nature of them, I can only argue against them. And what I wrote isn't poisoning the well, I never said "my opponent uses shit sources therefore all readers should ignore him", I told you to consider your sources, nor was I trying to distract from your argument against the op, in fact I said "this doesn't mean the op is correct", I in no way even attempted to argue against the point you were trying to make, I was simply calling out your sources as poor.

[@Joe-sn6ir]

7 years later.......this man is STILL 100% correct.

[@BobSmith-vo9hv]

Ukraine is not worth the bones of a single British Grenadier. It might be worth the bones of a single Pomeranian Grenadier - that's the EU's problem - and it clearly is worth the bones of multiple Russian Grenadiers, at least according to Putin; but it means nothing to me.

[@dixienormous8444]

This lecture is riddled with factual errors. Critical example: He says the Treaty of Brest Litovsk "for the first time in modern history created a state called Ukraine". The treaty was signed on the 3rd of March, 1918. The Ukrainian People's Republic was formed in March 1917. There were also attempts to form a Ukrainian Crownland within the Hapsburg Empire for decades before that.

[@shvakystan6172]

As a Russian, it is very nice to see that there are some sane peope in the West. At least, people who know history and can logically put 1 and 1 together and get 2 in the end. Well, time to type Hitchens in KZbin search bar.

[@Warp75]

Indeed. Unfortunately all too few

[@billylapworth]

@@Warp75 nice untilted pfp.

[@MrShbbz]

This man is such a surprise. Seeing him in a debate with his late brother Christopher I got a completely wrong impression of him ... more I listen to him more I see there are indeed intelligent conservatives, extremely critical of their own "peers" (something usually in the domain of the "left"). Peter is indeed a treasure of a special sort.

[@sappy441]

+Mac Greusaichelàmhaich Really the only thing that separated them was the question about religion. If you watch them on Brian Lamb's amazing programs, they agree on a lot of things, especially the hatred for Clinton, the politically correct, and the corruption in both America and the UK.

[@bslaer]

He speaks elsewhere how he couldn't hear his brother during that debate due to poor acoustics and it was a bad experience

[@dedosdigital]

Agreed , with exception of 'the Left' being a voice of opposition to the Establishment - they now serve the establishment and there is no Left left .

[@wallace169O]

Mac Greusaichelàmhaich vqzvvvvv

[@robertoday7526]

Mac Greusaichelàmhaich What a unthinking sycophant What a bone head follower

[@PBSmithy]

As is often the case, I mostly agree with Hitchens take on the EU. If people in this country vote to remain within this undemocratic, land-grabbing leviathan, then all hope will be lost for a long-term continuation of British culture, traditions, norms & law.

[@richardpreston7333]

Oh look, a Brexiteer talking a load of nationalistic cobblers to justfy falling for far-right bullshit.

[@richardpreston7333]

@Reggie Cyde So, we can at least agree that it's a load of cobblers to justify far-right bullshit, right?

[@richardpreston7333]

@@jdcheetham I love how you split so many hairs to distract from how full of shit this lump of gammon is

[@richardpreston7333]

@Reggie Cyde Oh cool, we get even more hair-splitting with a side order of "BUT COMMUNISM!!!!" Given that every neo-Nazi in the world is pro-Brexit, I think we can safely say that it's far-right bollocks

[@richardpreston7333]

@Reggie Cyde Also, pretty hilarious of you to bring up Soviet Russia, given how influential ex-KGB agent Vladimir Putin has been for Brexit and the Conservative Party

[@AHigherPrimate]

I've been telling this to anyone that will listen ever since I moved from the UK to USA 5 years ago. Ask yourselves this, if your grandfather or great grandfather that served in WW1 or WW2 was here today, how would you explain Germany's current domination of Europe given his and his generations sacrifices to stop just that.

[@AHigherPrimate]

Nicht Verfuegbar not blaming the little man buddy, or claiming every German benefits from it.

[@AHigherPrimate]

Nicht Verfuegbar political dominance, that kind.

[@AHigherPrimate]

Nicht Verfuegbar Why would Germany need nukes when it commands several countries that already has them.

[@AHigherPrimate]

google EU countries with nukes

[@AHigherPrimate]

you asked which countries Germany controls, if Germany controls the EU then it controls all the EU states that have nukes therefore not needing nukes of it's own.

[@TheWeightOutdoors]

How lucky I am to live in a place and at a time where I can watch and listen to Mr Hitchens in the comfort of my own home, have the free time to deep dive into key points he makes, researching them, again from home, through multiple sources and replacing blind bias and ‘belief’ with understanding and knowledge.

[@Saber23]

He was wrong on one point though, Tsarist Russia was AMAZING if it wasn’t for the nobles and their stupidity the monarchy would still be in power in mother Russia to this very day

[@allways28]

ive gotten used to two things when listening to peter talk. the first is to have my mind changed on one thing or another. the second is to have my mind opened to new ideas and to think on them deeply.

[@ThePainterr]

Well said...

[@Nelson_Churchill]

he's bloody good isn't he!?

[@dopeyb218]

He is spot on... but that whistle on every S he said grated after an hour :)

[@nixl3518]

You should consider a third option: that your ideas were based on some logic that you found to be true but somehow was easily destabilized by the comments of an orator who doesn’t make any sense! You can’t follow logic like that which Peter is trying to convince you of! That’s because there is none! You’ve been easily fooled.

[@rexcaspian9665]

you all probably dont care but does someone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@Jubilo1]

Superb speaker is our Hitchens !

[@nixl3518]

David Corbett No he’s dead! This one is not a real Hitchens; he’s been replaced buy a Russian agent that looks like him!

[@thysbasson1786]

How right Peter was on Brexit, looking back now. A parliament that don't want to deliver Brexit, and all the fearmongering going on. Although, the current situation exposes the disconnect between the people and their rulers, and the referendum was a catalyst in this. So the Tories might yet be flushed into the sewerage pond.....maybe he could be just a little bit more optimistic, only time will tell.

[@valkyriesardo278]

It took me long enough to truly appreciate Peter Hitchens. I really must hear more from him.

[@richardfowler9901]

Look older just shows . Like I do watching him yesterday

[@g.j.koster1986]

It's a blessing that UK still has people as Hitchens.

[@ronald3836]

Christopher Hitchens had in fact already died when you wrote that. Peter is just wrong on everything.

[@Saber23]

@@ronald3836 lol and Christopher isn’t? 😂 that cunts whole career revolves around jokes and fallacies

[@richardcalhoun1]

Interesting presentation & only goes to reinforce what many of us have long believed, without Peter's knowledge of the history, that EU is ruled from Berlin Brexit is vital

[@davidelliott5843]

He was frighteningly accurate about how a vote to Leave EU would be handled.

[@ernsteck6582]

England is ruled by the Rothschild Reich's Central Bank.

[@ronald3836]

@@ernsteck6582 Interesting that Nazis flock to Peter Hitchens.

[@theoneheretosty]

Peters last point seems scary but plausible. We have become a nation of dependants and the idea of us having to grow up and be on our own might prove to be too much of a shock for pampered brits

[@josephinemurphy9421]

ITS ALL TOO OBVIOUS WE LIVE IN A PAMPERED WORLD ,WERE SOFT UNDASIPLINED ,WERE ALL NATIONS OF DEPENDENTS ,THAT IN MY OPINION IS WHY EVERYTHING IS OUT OF CONTROL THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT SEEM TO KNOW WHERE THEYRE AT, AND WHERE THERE GOING, IS THE MUSLIMS

[@yogiguitar1]

we'll knuckle down and get on with it have no fear

[@davidelliott5843]

In the past century, the Brits knuckled down many times due to wars or stupid mistakes by government (economic slump - 1930s, carte blanche nationalisation - 1940s, excessive union control - 1970s. The people will do the same again.

[@yogiguitar1]

wot ? you reckon the only ones with any idea are religious nutters?!!! for me ,religion is for people who have no idea ,so they then resort to primative mumbo jumbo rather then being rational. some people like dogma @@josephinemurphy9421

[@ernsteck6582]

England has become a nation of Sad Dick Khans.

[@chonnerone2964]

I sent this to a lot of people during Brexit, I am sending it to the same people about Ukraine.

[@UncleBoratagain]

Peter, articulate with a well stocked mind. Christopher creative, iconoclastic, more loquaciously articulate. What an enviable family to be in, endless discursive conversations.

[@Thebisneychannel]

they fought like badgers and were mostly bored at home

[@matthewjackson9615]

Thank God there are still a few outspoken intellectuals like Peter who understand how the real world works. And yes, I agree, the EU is the Continuation of Germany by Other Means.

[@user-nf9xc7ww7m]

I hear more french, so more a continuation of Napoleon 😁

[@Warp75]

Macron seems to have superseded the Germans in the EU since Merkel went

[@Shackerrrz]

There is nothing I can do to thank Peter Hitchens for presenting a different view of the war go the one spewed out to me in British State education. It's only recently through my own researching that I've come to realise just how immensely important the Soviets were in the struggle against nazi Germany during operation Barbarossa.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Hitchens is the only conservative I have ever heard give Russia its due for what it did and what it lost in WWII ...the result of which was to save the democratic world and Western civilization ... and look at how Russia is treated today. It is no wonder how or why Russia behaves as it does.

[@suminshizzles6951]

The west used the russians as cannon fodder to stem their numbers. History mentions very little of how many of his own people stalin killed. He killer more than hitler did and hitler is the bad one? Dont get me wrong. hitler was bad. A bad person. But why does stalin get a free pass whe he killed more than hitler did?

[@eddykelly4082]

Yes , I was there, but a child, I remember sirens, the all clear, plus the high esteem in which the working classes held the Russian people, their sacrifices have never been held in any great esteem since the avalanche of hatred spewed out by Churchill and Eisenhower, AFTER the event. They were really scared, as there was a huge communist party in Brittain after the war, inspired by the Russian peoples strength. No doubt that Russia may not have been the place most of us would want to live, but then neither was Britain.

[@dendemano]

Although the USA entering did speed up the inevitable conclusion. The two main factors instrumental to Germany's defeat were the Royal Navy and Russian industry. Russian losses were greater than all other nations combined. Our baiting, and unfair treatment of Russia, especially when at its most vulnerable has created the current state of unease, which is far more precarious than it appears, or is portrayed and reported on by western media. Russia will not weaken its stance or allow the west to gain political control over Ukraine. They will quite simply go to war. Fact.

[@risenshine2783]

How prophetic you are!

[@AdeToz]

a British National Treasure

[@WildChildFromHell]

Not even close.

[@trevorbarre5616]

A national embarrassment, more like.

[@MadCapMag]

@@trevorbarre5616 Jealousy makes you nasty.

[@devonseamoor]

As a Dutchy, I've got difficulty with following Peter in his manner of speaking. Often holding the words in his mouth, which come out as if attached to each other without a pause. It's fascinating to listen to Peter, and I'm learning a lot about parts of our history in Europe, that is shaping the EU right now. Complacency is certainly present within Brussels headquarters The Netherlands wanted a Referendum even before Britain voted out in June 2016, but the prime minister simply dismissed the request, which is a violation of our democracy. Also, Italy, and France, with such a difference in culture, compared to the Northern nations of Europe, complain about their EU membership. Europe is a mix of nations with different characters, and I believe no dictatorship is ever able to tame them, all noses in 1 direction.

[@jackominty3633]

This is such an interesting lecture, that I watched it today for probably the fourth time - but for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Wow, this clearly illustrates how the war is not as straightforward a case of right and wrong as Western governments and media would have us believe. Peter Hitchens is a national treasure.

[@ronald3836]

If you have flat earth tendencies, yes.

[@miracles4u]

What gives hitchens his peace and power to deliver this sober and educated message is his beyond-of-human-comprehension understanding and acceptance of a little loved book (apparently) these days which starts with the letter 'b' and ends in the letter 'e'

[@Peter111ization]

This quote attributed to the first president of the EU rings true.“Europe’s nations should be guided towards the superstate without their people understanding what is happening. This can be accomplished by successive steps, each disguised as having an economic purpose, but which will eventually and irreversibly lead to federation.” Jean Monnet

[@dr.elizabethmartin7118]

Yes, Simon - The E.U. is the same globalist/nazi conquering machine hidden in business suits. I feel VERY sorry for the UK - THE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO GO THAT ROUTE. They have a "monarchy" & that putrid system with no way out. They vote, they get laughed at by the controllers. The majority stay poor while the idols that they worship - the "Royal Family" (gag) & their minions do what they want. UK needs a revolution, sadly. cheers

[@stuckenseric2053]

Jean Monnet never said that. And he was never president of the EU. You can factcheck these things, you know.

[@stuckenseric2053]

@Free Thought No. Lecturer and author Adrian Hilton coined it in 1997 to describe what he believed Monnet's intentions to be half a century earlier. It's just another example of fake news. Hilton himself has repeatedly claimed ownership and corrected people for misquoting this.

[@garylake8654]

@@stuckenseric2053 Fake news it may well be, that said, when you step back and view the horizon, the content rings true, so the news may be 'fake', however the content is that the harsh reality is of a creep strategy towards a federal Europe, this is very hard to deny, so I conclude that whilst the fake part of the quote is its author, the narrative is reality,

[@stuckenseric2053]

@@garylake8654 I really don't understand why you're waffling on this. The content rings true, as you write, but we can easily find out it isn't, as you acknowledge. I would suggest that that is the dictionary definition of fake news. Also, such backroom shenanigans are part and parcel of any political decision-making process and by no stretch of the imagination exclusive to the process of European integration. Striving towards a federal Europe is a laudable cause and by no means creepy, even if you don't share this view. And I'm sure I'm as unhappy as the next democratically-inclined citizen with the means employed to achieve it, so I'm happy to end my reply on a note of agreement.

[@andrewthomas1743]

The guy doing the introduction must be a bit of an ignoramus. Anyone who knows the Hitchens brothers know full well that their mother committed suicide when both boys were young. It was a bit insensitive of the guy to suggest he'd checked & found that Peter's mother had not written the forward on his latest book.

[@Komnenos1234]

Flat out brilliant show by Peter.

[@nixl3518]

Alexios Komnenos There isn’t one thing he said that was true in the speech, and as a Greek you should know how badly he lied about Cyprus! Peter is a Russian agent his comments all fulfill that perspective.

[@seanmoran6510]

@@nixl3518 Well said by the CIA

[@nixl3518]

@@seanmoran6510 Not CIA. Sorry, can't fulfill your fantasy...

[@MrJohnnyexcellent]

Whats brilliant about that British nonsense? EU is not really a German concept but French-Belgique stuff... until this very day. Merkel neglected pretty much everything Macron euphorically came up with. To us Germans, the EU is a mere vision - something that you can do tomorrow or maybe never.

[@thedolphin5428]

Bravo Peter. Such a realist.

[@jupa3436]

God, he really is brilliant. Regardless of our personal ideology, he contributes so much to our own understanding of the world.

[@Pookleberry]

Churchill acknowledged the tide-turning effort of the Russian people at the Potsdam conference in 1945. "I believe and I have always believed that it was the Red Army that tore the guts out of the filthy Nazi" When this was translated to Stalin and the Russian delegation, they went completely wild with joy, with cheering and slapping of backs.

[@nindger4270]

I'm impressed by how Mr Hitchens makes very ordinary statements seem revelatory through the way he phrases and frames them. "The EU is being *dominated* by Germany" sounds rather more alarming than "Germany is the country with the largest population and economy in the EU". But that's all he's saying. In his blog, he's very clear that there is no hidden German imperialist agenda (this quote is from a 2014 blog entry): "Germany isn't allowed to have an expansionist foreign policy. [...] Germany's rejection of such things is quite genuine." He uses the word "dominate" in its meaning "to be the largest, most important, or most noticeable part of something", not as "to have control over a place or person" (Cambridge Dictionary). But he leaves the interpretation of the word to those who hear it, who mostly choose to understand it as the latter. In the end, the whole talk boils down to this: Germany is a large country in Europe. It has certain interests, which are basically the same interests all countries have: security, prosperity, etc. In the past, Germany has used war as a means to further those interests. In recent years, it has used treaties and negotiations instead. I'm quite sure that Mr Hitchens would agree that the exact same statements could be made about Britain, France, etc. It's all quite underwhelming once you peel away the sensationalist wording.

[@cattelona100]

does that mean Germany is the most dominant country within the eu by virtue of its large population & economy ?

[@Spark_Iskra_z_Polski]

Germany Is wreaking havoc at least with Central-East-South EU nations. In Poland they own most media. They buy out municipal companies or village areas in bank debt. They buy a lot of flats and houses in Poland. This reminds of prewar preparations for voting the region of Silesia as an entity independent of Poland. Just as now Katalonia is trying to separate itself from Spain and it cannot be certain it is really the natives that fight for it. Germany has always fed on propaganda, takeover, invasion, subjugation and manipulation. I do not expect ANY good from this country. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. As a Pole I know our history of German-Polish relations and it is very much a little red riding hood story without the good hunter to save us from the wolf. Our only hope lies in God and East-South European Cooperation before the imperialist wolves whet their appetite. We had better not trust in unreliable treaties or friendships with the West. We should have learnt the painful lesson of being left alone to be devoured.

[@nindger4270]

@@Spark_Iskra_z_Polski *Private* *businesses* based in Germany are buying property and other businesses in Poland. I'm sure they do. Much like French, American and Chinese businesses, for example, are buying real estate and businesses in Germany and Poland alike, and like businesses from everywhere else are doing everywhere on the planet when they think it's a good investment. But sure, it's all an elaborate scheme to establish world domination by buying apartments somewhere in Poland.

[@Spark_Iskra_z_Polski]

@@nindger4270 Time will show.

[@Spark_Iskra_z_Polski]

@Pazusky Who told you Poles hate Germans? What nonsense is that? It has always been the other way round. Learn history better. Poles have always been neutral to their neighbours. We never attacked nations, never looted them, never forbade them to be what they are. Moreover, we are not taking anybody's money. We take what we are ENTITLED to and it is not for free. Moreover, as far as history is concerned it was Germany that wanted all we had, our lives included. You want to whitewash a murderer and claim his victims' childrrn have no right to justice? We have always wanted to be left alone. But the German spirit cannot be put. It always desires other nations' possessions and more Lebensraum. They cannot be, I do not mean individuals but the overall Teutonic sheepfold, satisfied with their Own. Germany is just like other empires: a greedy thief and a murderer. The sooner they repent, the better. They called themselves GREAT but their fall is as great as their crimes. What is going on in there is only the intro to the fall. Watch out! There is no peace for the ungodly. It is an immoral nation that can live on blood money and claim superiority when in fact they have nothing to boost of. At least not in front of their victims. There is nothing I have got from Germans that they have not owned me and my nation. Their debt is eternal. Get it at last, you the man with a Polish sounding name. I do wonder btw how many Germans are actually Polish/Slavic stolen children who were taken from families in war time to be germanized and now they and their offspring are not even aware of their RICH Slavic heritage and the TRAUMA their forefathers went through. I have both PUR German and germanized family. I have also met some sweet Germans but IN GENERAL I would never trust this country or nation or even individuals because history has repeated itself FAR too many times and Poles have always been taken in by words of friendship and they have always been duped in their naivety and kindheartedness. Three occupations for 200 years, two world wars, Millions of the dead, mutilated lives, destroyed economy and national identity. Misery and deprivation caused by the greedy neighbours. And you, man with a Polish name, have the AUDACITY to mention dirty German blood money that can never be washed clean?!? Shame on you, little man. Shame on you.

[@CrankCase08]

Peter Hitchens is completely wrong in conflating the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus with Crimea rejoining Russia. In Crimea, the population itself held a plebiscite and voted 96.77% in favour of reunion with Russia, and which never experienced an invasion of occupation, as had been the case with Turkey on Cyprus..

[@Epicrandomness1111]

He was pointing to those who would treat the Crimean situation as such, that the Turkish did the same as they believe the Russians did, that in international legal terms it was the same thing. This is accurate.

[@nixl3518]

CrankCase08 Though very true what you say about Cyprus , it was only a smaller lie compared to everything else he said making this speech! Peter is a self-aggrandizer looking for ways to match up with his brother! It can’t be done; he doesn’t have the intestinal fortitude. You must realize that he is a Russian agent from all that he has been saying!

[@CrankCase08]

@@nixl3518 Russian agent? Nonsense! He's even misrepresented Russian actions with regard to Crimea.

[@nixl3518]

CrankCase08 I take your nonsense and raise you 6 nonsenses!! In other words saying that it’s nonsense does not make it nonsense! All you have to do is listen to what he says and then you will eat your words!

[@CrankCase08]

@@nixl3518 I didn't merely state that it's nonsense - I justified it too. Christopher Hitchens fanboys are so odd.

[@CyrillCassin]

Not Enough People Have Heard This!

[@nixl3518]

Cyrill Cassin I would say too many people have heard this! It’s one it’s one stupid theory on top of another. It sounds so good but it’s mythology, the modern kind!

[@jamesbirkett8412]

Many like me had a day prison not a place of learning. I thank you for your education and a good deal of mine.

[@Jubilo1]

As brilliant as his brother without the cruelty or being snide.

[@justgivemethetruth]

But not any more correct. Love both of them, but they are both irrational on some issues.

[@mogznwaz]

Christopher Hitchens understood the importance of ridicule as a weapon against the 'sacred' and 'holy' to show them up for what they are. Ridiculous delusions. He wielded that weapon like a master.

[@BakerWase]

The snideness is what made Hitch, "Hitch" and the lack of it leaves Peter as "Peter" instead of taking up the "Hitch" title.

[@lalwkl]

@@mogznwaz, 'Ridicule' being the operative word. Christopher Hitchens was utterly ignorant and incapable of engaging in rational debate with serious Christians, hence his use of ridicule and other rhetorical devices as a substitute for philosophical argumentation. His ineptness was exposed in a most brutal fashion by William Lane Craig. When it comes to the 'big questions' he had zero sense of compulsion to act seriously and examine the logical consequences of his own worldview. When it came down to religion, Christopher was no more sophisticated than that great pantomime 'New Atheist' Dickie Dawkins. 'The Four Horsemen'? Do me a favour.

[@smyffmawzz]

Steady on!!

[@Mike-tb5gj]

This man knows his stuff!! Do we all see now why we should not really watch TV news, or read newspapers? Our media (mediocres) feed us information which they think we need - not ALL the story, just the pieces of data which will encourage a particular opinion. I do not have anything to do with them, apart from reading the football scores (they cannot lie about those, can they??!!!!) Germany and France have long since been the driving force behind the corrupt, power-hungry and without doubt, political union that is ploughing like a juggernaut, through the people of Europe, without any pretence of reference to them. As this man says, German ambition has never diminished and France will always go with the bully, for fear of not being able to withstand the reaction if they don't - typical. This thoroughly undemocratic institution is still supported and adored by millions - evidently some 15.4 million in the UK......and they call "leavers" THICK?????!!!!!! Add to those, the treacherous and self-seeking MPs who are acting directly against the votes of their constituents in many cases and we have another "coup" - this time, being acted out in the UK. Hence the virulent propaganda and smears aimed at those who wish to release themselves from this tyranny (ignorant, did not know what they were voting for, "wrong", racist, bigoted, etc). The usual worn-out labels....is that all they have???!!!!!!! Cretins, but perhaps very clever cretins....these quislings will seek to feather their respective nests by any means available to them. (apologies for the oxymoron!)

[@geraldmoore2681]

Hitchens is absolutely spot on in everything in this post.Should be made compulsory viewing.

[@burtingtune]

+gerald moore I agree, Whenever I watch PH at length, I am torn between the feeling of enjoying what I am listening to and a feeling of despair that his views, in detail and at length, aren't made available to a much larger audience.

[@MrMielten]

A one-sided construction of his "reality" is nothing that should be made compulsory.

[@eddykelly4082]

This man must have a brain as big as a small planet, the facts, the deep knowledge of a host of subjects, and the articulation of them, that just pour like liquid gold from his mouth, is nothing short of miraculous.

[@normiedeathsquad40]

This talk could have been given today and could still be accused of clairvoyant like foresight.

[@kennis7945]

at last the true history of the world wars.

[@nixl3518]

Yes you’re so right everything is a conspiracy theory and we live in a dream! You got it!

[@ivan2795]

@@nixl3518 ?

[@nixl3518]

@@ivan2795 ?

[@Hello_there_obi]

I will remember this as one of those pivotal moments. When the world pitches on its axis and your views tilt. I could feel my mind exploding. What an onslaught. Now I need to go and do my own research...bloody hell Peter. I'm so glad there were two Hitchens brothers. I do miss Chris and aligned with him more as an atheist, but my respect for you is equal.

[@CANNIBoy]

It matters not, the calm heads of the passengers upon the bus; those speaking, writing, discussing and debating global issues so passively. For is it not the bus drivers’ themselves who bare ultimately responsibility for the direction we passengers’ shall take? And when the bus drivers’ have between them, a hidden dialect, those politely speaking, writing, discussing and debating such issues shall find themselves wherever the bus drivers’ desire. #bilderberg18

[@clintrichardsonclintfromny203]

Brexit going on 3 years now. Still believe in Democracy?

[@stumbling]

Yes. Ticking a box on a piece of paper has caused the colossus of anti-British fifth-columnists to expose itself and has kept it reeling for three years. I'd say that is proof of democracy's potency. Even when they attempt to deny democracy it exhausts them and they will suffer because of it. There is no going back, we will get Brexit one way or another. The bumpiness of the ride is only proof of that not a contradiction.

[@clintrichardsonclintfromny203]

@@stumbling I wish you god speed in getting your country back.

[@superexcel5550]

Brexit was as undemocratic as not going through with it.

[@drahcirnevarc9152]

@Markyboy McGill What's your point?

[@drahcirnevarc9152]

My belief in democracy was restored on the 12th December 2019.

[@njd2342]

I was enthralled by Peter's cogent analysis.

[@matriputra2624]

Watching this in August 2022, I find Peter Hitchens prescient in his analysis of the problems in Eastern Europe, which has now led to the Ukraine war.

[@CM_Burns]

52:27 Hitchens accurately predicts Merkel not being around within 5 years (by 2020) and he is correct!!!!

[@Tridhos]

Feta Cheezz Yeah a right Nostradamus who would have guessed that by 2020 Merkel would no longer be Chancellor of Germany. She has been in power since 2005 which is more than most leaders including the blessed Margaret.

[@LazyJack2003]

@Feta: Really? As far as I can see she will still be Germany´s chancellor in 2020 AND 2021, which is when Germany will have its next election.

[@shikharsrivastava3558]

Still the Chancellor..

[@viggosimonsen]

Great program. Peter Hitchens is never boring to listen to. At least as great a thinker as his brother

[@trueg66]

It's very strange that people take this seriously. Peter Hitchens is a master at telling facts, but unfortunately he doesn't tell them all. If people reason like Mr. Hitchens, then you can just as easily prove that Keele is the city where all world events are determined. It is a matter of bending facts a little, forgetting some facts and then asking some rhetorical questions and responding to existing prejudices. The number of facts that should be corrected is too much to do in a comment here, but we have to trust that the viewers do some research themselves.

[@clintrichardsonclintfromny203]

Much of the research and groundwork was previously laid by Christopher Story

[@masssa9111]

Typical comment of a wanker who doesn't actually know anything about whay they're talking about. If you had a clue you'd have actually listed some specific disagreements. You don't sound even half as smart as you think you do.

[@trueg66]

@@masssa9111 There is really no beginning to refute all untruths. How do I prove that there is an independent press in the EU? Mr. Hitchens says it doesn't exist, but proving his inequality is rather difficult. His entire argument is not based on facts but on assumptions. To regard France as a sort of second-rate country that faithfully follows Germany in its foreign policy is so far beyond the truth that everyone should see it. If Mr. Hitchens claims this kind of thing, then he has to come up with evidence and he doesn't.

[@dr.elizabethmartin7118]

Thanks, Super.........I am fascinated to hear this because I had come to this conclusion mself, and have never heard ANYONE say this! I thought it was just me...............cheers

[@nixl3518]

Dr. Elizabeth Martin then you haven’t been listening to the Russians! Everything Peter said is a Russian perspective of the world which is utterly stupid!

[@pulmo1]

What an insightful analysis. It has given me a broader appreciation of our current situation.

[@nixl3518]

Dermot Killian The perspective is purely Russian so I suggest you use some caution than being so gullible!

[@seanmoran6510]

@@nixl3518 your perspective is ? How is it Russian Surely it’s German And no I’m not anti german

[@nixl3518]

@@seanmoran6510 How is it German??? The guy went to Russia to Look like he's doing something worthy, then he got brainwashed not unlike Trump and began to blubber Russian conspiracy theories!! I don't care what you are, I just look at a spade and I call it. This is a charlatan trying to differentiate himself thru whatever means from his brother and the result is all this garbage!! Nobody takes him seriously! "German" is a subsequent conspiratorial interpretation to give room for Bori's alternate universe!

[@ianhenson724]

Another brilliant Lesson. Maybe its me and i am getting older so i digest these matter more i dont know. What i do get from this is there is a lot of worry ahead and that my Children will be part of it. I am 52 and a Leaver of Europe because I see the corruption and the Politics that ruin it, ruin everything to be fair just like my Dad told me all those years ago when we where sat there fishing. If there is a God i will ask him why Man was Put on this earth because all i see is a people destroying each other, Maybe it is religion and if there wasnt religion would we be a better People. I lost my dear Mother last year but she did say often the trouble hasn't started yet, and what is going on now is only the start. Shame we haven't the leaders as intelligent as Peter. Great Video.

[@jaycee3521]

Believe him now?

[@PBCBlount]

I believe.

[@normamimosa5991]

This is interesting. One learns something everyday, especially with the loss of professional journalism. Every summary I have read about the situation in Crimea pointed out that not only did they hold a referendum, but also that the rate of participation was extremely high -- over 90% as I recall -- and that the vote for accession to Russia was also over 90%.

[@nixl3518]

Yeah! A real referendum under the point of a gun.

[@nixl3518]

Reggie Cyde that’s just not true and the proof is in the geography! The only way to get to Crimea is through Ukraine. The Soviets liked Crimea because it gave them a warm water port which resulted in a population of Russians living there. That does not make Crimea Russian!! Did you bother checking a map before Uttering such nonsense?

[@normamimosa5991]

@@nixl3518 The map certainly has a part to play in the Russian administration of Crimea. Crimea has been populated by a majority of Russians for generations. They voted overwhelmingly (90%+) in a referendum with over 90% voter participation for Russian administration.

[@normamimosa5991]

@@nixl3518 Not so. The vast majority of the population of Crimea is Russian.

[@normamimosa5991]

@@nixl3518 Ukraine was once part of the USSR.

[@aarfeld]

A very thoughtful lecture with many important points raised. Much to consider in its wake.

[@samlangford9434]

at 21.40 Peter is incorrect. The EU is built on "The Kalergi Plan" not on how Peter is claiming.

[@cornelis1950]

Correct Sam!

[@MrSimeonk]

An interesting proposition and while it could be seen as nefarious probably inevitable as well. That said 70% of UK population would have voted against the Treaty of Lisbon if given a referendum in the 2000s but this vote has been watered down to barely 50-50 in a decade supporting the "Kalergi plan" theory.

[@justgivemethetruth]

you might explain what the Kalergi Plan is ... is that the Cabinet of Dr Kalergi? ;-)

[@richardjames5006]

justgivemethetruth www.westernspring.co.uk/the-coudenhove-kalergi-plan-the-genocide-of-the-peoples-of-europe/

[@11Kralle]

I always thought it rather to be built on a Ferengi-Plan...

[@NikoHL]

Very interesting lecture.. I started to veer away from accepted Narratives (BBC, CNN, etc) a couple of years ago and increasingly Q our Govt's perspective. Especially towards Saudi, Iraq, & Russia.

[@bubbercakes528]

Might have different views from his late,great brother, but the supremely ferocious and wonderful wit must be a strong family trait! Whether or not one agrees with him, one is never bored.

[@user-jk4yp6fh4h]

Quite an accurate historical and political account. Thanks from Moscow, Russia.

[@nixl3518]

Дмитрий Соколов Yes because that’s a Russian perspective, a Russian fake news perspective. None of what he said is true. It’s what you’ve been taught in Russia. No one else in the west has been taught this garbage that he is trying to pass as facts. Conspiracy theories are always more fun than the truth.

[@miketalley5476]

Since this video was made, "multiculti" has failed rather spectacularly in Germany. Mr. Hitchens was correct in predicting that this one factor would bring Merkel's downfall.

[@davidelliott5843]

Just watched this again. How prophetic was Peter's final answer at 1:18 to the inevitable referendum question.

[@lostinfens]

50 years ago, it was Charles De Gaulle who famously said "Non!" when GB was seeking entry into the common market.How the world has changed, Angela Merkel is now the most powerful figure within & the de facto leader of the EU.Also I lived for years in Germany & they do call us "Island Monkeys"-bless them.

[@mikey673442]

This is a very good lecture on Europe and it’s very complex history. Anyone wanting to learn and understand European history should listen to the full debate. I’ve always enjoyed listening to Mr Hitchens. Wether you agree with him or not he definitely makes you rethink your views. Mr Hitchens does not follow a party line. He is critical of all wings of politics. Very interesting. Thank You.

[@nixl3518]

Astro Peanut he just happens to agree with every Russian point of view! It might be interesting but it’s false and you should exercise some critical thinking rather than just absorbing words from the Russian mouthpiece.

[@mikey673442]

nixl grow up. Your simplistic ignorance is woeful. But your the expert? Stop believing in bogeymen.

[@nixl3518]

Astro Peanut I’m older than you and better at thinking than you think! Bogeyman my foot! You just don’t know how to respond to an accusation that is spot on and it seems u have no defense either!

[@margaretmaeda2548]

I learn so much from Peter Hitchens and I admire the way he didn’t allow the solitary woman questioner to be squashed by the chairman.

[@thealexanderbond]

It is weird how international relations work. The UK and Russia should be the biggest allies in Europe, since they been on the same side in wars for hundreds of years. However the UK is actually much friendlier with countries like Germany and France, who have they have been fighting for centuries.

[@didierlemoine6771]

mays be they prefer the future !

[@jasonflitcroft2467]

Keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer

[@brunopinkhof630]

Many Flemings were against the EU in the late seventies. Because it was a very Flemish city in the past. But we want to trade with the UK of coarse. They are going to far for us and we don't want to pay a eurotax or having a European army.

[@galileo_rs]

Although I agree with the 99% of what the presenter stated I believe he downplayed the Germany's role in the '90s. He mentions it briefly as a comment to a criticism. Ukraine today is a clear parallel to Croatia and Yugoslavia in the '90s. Crimea and parallels to "Kosovo" are quite obvious. The leading role of Germany in all of those and especially the Germany's support (in money and weapons) for it former Nazi allies is obvious to anyone who has any idea about history of Europe. The Germany's complete disrespect for sovereignty of other nations is best shown with the destruction of Greece. While the British play their games very much like they did in the 1930's, the Europe will be faced with the same monster for the 3rd time. And once more that problem will be solved with Slavic blood. Unfortunately this time the fascism is global as the USA elite is (once again) on the side of Germany. When the next war ends we can all hope that we will have a planet to live on.

[@ulathomas37]

Dragan Milivojević May Europe especially East-Europe be for ever vigilant and watchful of Germany, because Germany itself has no measure, no moral and no intelligence in world politics. Never ever let them gain the overhand; they are lethal. Read History and the trail of the disaster they have caused.

[@clive7092]

Those Hitchens boys - what a pair! Christopher arguably more charismatic, but Peter is the one you invite to dinner without worrying about fist-fights. Both fascinating and brilliant, but with Peter it's easier to concentrate on content, without being distracted by form.

[@ronald3836]

One had excellent judgement, the other has not.

[@Knappa22]

I actually take what he says about Germany being the inevitable dominant power in Europe. But what is also plain is that in a world of coalescing super-blocs who do we cast our lot in with? Trump’s America? Putin (who murders people on our island)? China and its horrors? I think, given what is feasible, the most pragmatic option is remaining in the EU. I could not see the questioners in the audience but they all sounded like old men. The Brexit generation. The last whimper in the prolonged nervous breakdown the English have been having since Suez.

[@radicalrodriguez5912]

Is that your attempt at analysis? Hmm

[@ebberman7672]

We don't need to cast our lot with anyone. We should stay independent.

[@gx2music]

My home country - Ireland - has to get its budget approved by the German Parliament.

[@user-nf9xc7ww7m]

Please elaborate. If this is so, why hasn't your PM filed a case with the european court of justice? It is unconstitutional and I've never heard of this.

[@aminaz1778]

44 million muslim in Europe this is worrying

[@MrGold-lo6vc]

Invasion of peace

[@Joker-yw9hl]

You'd be surprised how many Christians are still in the Middle East, despite violence from organisations such as ISIS etc. For example, 20% of the Egyptian population is Christian

[@rhenierkloppers8870]

@@Joker-yw9hl They're largely peaceful, muslims - they have conflicting culture and some just don't integrate (of course some do) so, not so much.

[@mikeschneider1624]

One of the most though provoking speeches i ever heard. on the United Kindgom on Russia on Germany on the USA on the European Union ... will spend the rest of my life being influenced by this speech

[@horatioredgreenblue2130]

Great talk, good man. If only he got more of a fair platform in the mass media.

[@jamesfox9092]

There are currently six to ten EU countries that are turning away from EU open boarders and unlimited migrants entry to all EU countries. What if the UK goes HARD BREXIT and offers remaining in EU members a one billion £ credit line if they HARD EXIT the EU, first quartly draw-down available first week they are offically out of the EU. Credit line is limited to UK grown or manufactured product.

[@fwblok836]

Scared going alone A billion is nothing for countries

[@carolinenorman6141]

People talking truth and common sense are getting called far right

[@jasonuren3479]

And still it continues

[@tbdkuphk]

In some harmless and certainly inoffensive purpose, i may say that 'Peter Hitchens is the continuation or Christopher Hitchens througb other means, and vis versa'.... One can feel the similarity in many ways, yet totally different in others. I've learned to look at many topics in a new way thanks to Peter, thought in many cases the evidence were there all the time. But i guess that the biggest gift getting from him was the understanding that reason will not win, one can be leaniant with the revelation that facts and proofs wont convince many, march of folly is never ending and that is the 'normal' way of life.

[@MrOohgaryneville]

possibly (no, definitely) the most cogent discussion of foreign policy i have ever had the privilege to hear.

[@nixl3518]

tommy boyd Most likely because it’s the only one you’ve heard! You should listen to other Russian perspectives. They’re all basically the same!

[@Twirlyhead]

Not the main thrust of the talk but I have to answer it. The mantra that the Red Army beat Germany in WW2 is way oversimplified and rather biased in the manner it is applied here. Allied air forces were battering German industry and towns and the German necessity to deal with that constituted another _front_ . Allied aid to the USSR was coming in from every available, angle the great importance of which was/is hugely downplayed by the Russians for propaganda reasons. The Axis defeat in North Africa was of the same magnitude as Stalingrad. The German navy was reduced almost entirely to a U-Boat war against the Western Allies which Germany lost. Then the allied invasions of Italy, Southern France and Normandy were squeezing Germany with a certainty of defeat and a little spoken imperative to stop the Soviets getting all the way to the Atlantic. Yes, the Soviets played a massive role in defeating the Axis in WW2 but the Allied effort was exactly what it says on the tin: an _allied effort_ and it is arguable or even doubtful whether any of the main allies would have succeeded without the other two.

[@thijsroeloffzen5300]

The British can be proud with the Brexit.

[@gonkgonk3532]

Brexit was never going to be allowed to happen. That was clear the morning after the referendum results came in. A second referendum to cancel the first result was always inevitable. Now that May's deal was hammered in Parliament, Brexit is all but dead and cancelled. Keep voting until the "correct" result is achieved and those who voted leave are totally cowed into submission..

[@CollaterlieSisters]

Can the British be proud with the Brexit? Can the proud British with the Brexit be?

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Not really. Everyone is laughing or cringing.

[@Mr71paul71]

Brexit will happen one way or another !!! put it this way the political classes can deliver brexit as instructed by the British people, or they will be removed from Parliament by the British people backing a ultra national right wing leader who is bound to spring up and destroy the current liberal democracy in the coming elections over the next decade !!!!

[@user-nf9xc7ww7m]

Waiting for SCEXIT (Scotland's exit from the UK). Why should Scotland be governed by essentially an english institution? Why should Scotland surrender its sovereignty to continue being a UK member? Same arguments against EU work against UK as well.

[@SBCBears]

Peter was wrong. George Bush did NOT say that the French have no word for "entrepreneur".

[@sanniepstein4835]

Lol

[@stevebrindle1724]

An intelligent and thought-provoking lecture that exposes today's Russophobia for what it really is!

[@noheadgaming7393]

More like a putinphobia a lot of people dont have a problem wit russia but with putin

[@portorico6593]

I agree entirely with peter's little piece about russia, i am a great admirer of russia and its people, and i am scottish, so my country has been at the wrong end of imperialism for over a thousand years, and in fact russia has allways been a lover of all things scottish, i mean they adore rabbi burns, for a start off, any country that appreciates our rabbi is ok with me, and both countries have the same patron saint

[@ronaldschultenover8137]

I live in USA and I love Scotland and the people I wear Scottish tweeds and Shetland sweaters. I hope Scotland will gain independence soon.

[@jasonivancontreras9340]

Yes a continuation of the German dominated regime but above Germany is the US and it was the US that encouraged this project.

[@dedosdigital]

One could argue that above the US is ' fascist international ' or what the Nazi movement has morphed into or is part of . Just what is "the US " , is not a simple question to answer .

[@iraqattacks]

more correctly the insidious corrupting influence of that piece of shit rockafeller

[@PalofGrrr]

He underestimates the German Army. It took the British Empire, the USA and the USSR to defeat Germany. So without GB and later the USA, The Germans would have taken Russia and I think that Stalin knew that. That is NOT to say that his later points are not of interest and well worth thinking on

[@perperson199]

True

[@N9mber]

The Hitchens family is strong, strong indeed.

[@nixl3518]

John Mabus Not anymore! Only the feeble one has survived!

[@nixl3518]

@Patchworth No, You do! How old are you 20?? His bro was an international personality; Peter is a local flop!

[@mackmccormack2670]

Ignore the Hitchen brothers at your peril, we need these very gifted people, sadly we have lost Christopher RIP.

[@paulie-g]

The first time I've seen a prominent British intellectual acknowledge Europe's unpayable debt to the Russian people for their sacrifice in WW2.

[@ColinMill1]

Then you have not read much by, for example, Max Hastings.

[@paulie-g]

@@historia7194 Why would I ask Nazi collaborator nations? The Finns were running round the Russian North measuring skulls and stuffing people not deemed sufficiently Finnic into 5 different concentration death camps. Latvians and Lithuanians had proto-fascist dictatorships before the war and started murdering Jews before the Germans even got there. They and the Estonians enlisted in the Waffen SS en masse and committed war crimes that even Germans found repugnant. Plenty of Poles were thankful post-war as the Germans abducted and enslaved 1-2 million Poles. There are a million Soviet dead buried in Poland, and they should rightly be grateful for their sacrifice even if they're not happy with the economic management of the Soviet-aligned gov't in the 70s and 80s. That they are not today is not a function of anything the Soviet people did, it's a function of their longstanding inferiority complex vis a vis Russia who they hold responsible for the failure of their own imperial albitions and the rewriting of history done by the nationalists post-dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. Poles had two resistance orgs - Armija Lidowa and Armija Krajowa (financed, organised and run out of London). The latter did virtually nothing to combat the Nazis, rescue the Jews or the Poles from being abducted into slavery in Germany, choosing to save their resources to shoot Soviets in the back as they liberated Auschwitz. Take a wild guess how much I care about their descendants' opinions. If you can't understand that Nazism represented an absolute evil - unique in world history- that, if it had succeeded, would have wiped out humanity as a concept (an explicit ideological goal), you have a malfunctioning moral compass and I can't help you.

[@ToxicSapien]

All students studying the First World War and 20th Century Europe should watch this excellent presentation by the brilliant Peter Hitchens. The presentation also gives the correct strategic opinion on the Ukraine and the reason behind Russia's actions in the 21st Century.

[@newcjon]

Re the last question - keep the faith Peter! We'll do just fine outside this sclerotic antidemocratic union!

[@Komnenos1234]

+newcjon Do you think Britain will leave? I'm a Canadian and I have no idea what the situation looks like on the ground.

[@SuperMan-xf1eg]

+Christoph Wilhelm Though people would vote to remain, if they believe that Cameron's phony re-negotiation is considered "successful" by the media and politicians. Not everyone have a "real understanding of politics", in fact, probably the majority don't. Not many people care if their own country is independent/sovereign or not. Considering that people can be tricked into voting for a majority Tory government last year, it should be easy for the elites to fool the majority of the people into staying in the EU as well.

[@RichardABW]

+Komnenos1234 People are scared of change and largely not interested in politics anyway. Some (not all) polls have 'Leave' ahead. I gather that in 1975 the leave side had a significant majority, before the fear got turned up.

[@newcjon]

+Richard Williams Yes I think the remain side were about a third of the vote at the beginning and about two thirds at the end of the 1975 referendum.

[@richardpreston7333]

No, the majority rose when the facts turned up. Project Fear won in 2016.

[@ulicadluga]

Mr. Hitchens. Please explain how the EU removed the presumption of innocence from Common Law. Wasn't it our Prime Minister Tony Blair who robbed us of "Habeas Corpus"? When we enter into European treaties about basic rights, that affects the way in which some of our laws are made. Even outside the EU we would have to respect the European Convention on Human Rights, because it is a treaty independent of EU membership. Perhaps you are bothered by matters such as the right of prisoners to vote. In some way that issue trivialised the purpose and main concepts of our law making. We make our own laws, just as Germany does, but we have simply agreed on certain standards when making them. Historically, surely you would agree that similar treaties (Hague Convention and the Geneva Convention) had to be adhered to for moral and practical reasons, although using poison gas or dum dum bullets or killing P.O.W.s might have been more effective.

[@scottsound4711]

Ahhh man I wish his Bro was still with us 😔

[@marky711]

Wow, what an eye opener. Wish I knew our History before deciding to break a away, think I'd still vote the same way but it's better to know the facts in order to see what's likely coming. A few more dots have been joined together and America's "special" relationship with Germany accounts for most of their bizarre Foreign Procedures and antagonistic Campaign against Russia. Just wish us in The U.K didn't have to go along with it. Thanks for posting Ich danke dir sehr. Spasibo bol'shoye.

[@markyaremko8031]

A theory that tries to explain everything explains nothing. To those familiar with Peter’s brother, the quote is his (though he did not think of it). To those familiar with Peter’s writing, this whole lecture of his is a summation of many of his pet theories. I must say I enjoyed watching it and I am glad he puts forward this perspective. Unlike many other’s that mutter similar things, usually they are Kremlin lackies. Peter is not, never was, and never would be. Let me start by stating that almost everything Peter says is factually correct to a certain extent. The only thing he gets wrong totally is the notion of “Russia having cordial border relations with most of its neighbours”, this is nonsense. Never mind Ukraine. Russia goes out of its way with needless military exercises along many borders. It tries to lay claim to various parts of the North that is considered international, it floats submarines off the cost of Sweden, and of course, in Russian Thanksgiving, the Turkey shoots you. There are several major flaws in Peter’s thesis: -The First World War had many causes and many reasons of why it was fought. German expansionism was only one of them. -The bloody sequel of the Great War, that being WWII, also had many causes. -The notion that the EU and its “military branch” NATO (his words, not mine) have as its main objective to project German power and some sort of neo-Lebenstraum of previously unfinished business is patently absurd. Within the EU, Germans are many times hesitant to take the lead. And attributing everything the EU does as “German” is as goofy as Putin’s belief that the CIA is behind every revolution, coup, or worker’s strike. Neither Washington nor Berlin have such an all encompassing reach Peter continues this Putinesque notion of the Maidan being orchestrated by outside interference is complete nonsense. Yes, billions were spent on civil society organizations in Ukraine by the US and EU (and Russia spent billions on empowering oligarchs in Ukraine and other means). But what sparked the Maidan - Yankuvich’s surprise refusal to sign the EU Association agreement - nobody really foresaw. The rallying call afterwards by Ukrainian journalist Mustafa Nayem to go to the streets in Kiev was only met by a few hundred students, and what got things really rolling was the brutal police crackdown days later. Nobody in Langely saw any of this coming nor did they know what to do early on when it did. Overall, it was a grass-roots movement with broad support from various groups in Ukraine. Anne Applebaum rightly dismisses this notion of “a coup” because “why did Yankovich flee?”. The only reason I can think of is his paranoia of Ukrainian Right Sector activists killing him. But they were not that powerful, not backed by the West in any way, and it was Yankovich’s party afterwards that appointed a temporary government afterwards with no Right Sector representatives. With Yankovich gone, I am baffled as to how an Anglo-Saxon can argue that free and fair elections afterwards were not the rightful course of action. Peter’s theory sounds really convincing but contains several fatal flaws. If Germans are so dominant within the EU (and its so called military wing NATO), then Ukraine would never have even been offered the EU Association agreement. Germans have gone to great lengths to keep Ukraine in Russia’s orbit, the veto Bush’s attempt to put Ukraine into NATO, and for EU expansion to not include anything east of the Polish-Ukrainian border. They even have a word for it - Putinverstehener. A large part of the German public also sympathizes with Ukraine being non-aligned, non EU, non NATO, and would not care if they were in some sort of Russian camp. The fact is the biggest cheerleaders for Ukraine in the EU are all the non-German ones. The second fatal flaw of Peter’s theory is assuming that Putin is a rational actor pursuing national objectives. Nonsense. First, his chief objective is money and power. He could care less about the life of the average Russian. Two, he’s highly emotional, erratic or as Merkel said “in a different world”. Saying that Putin’s Russia has national interests that should be taken into account is like assuming Saudi Arabia is a secular republic. If Putin really cared about Russian national interests, he would have been more like Adenauer rather than being a sort of fascist dictator of the 1930s Europe. If Sevastopol was really that important, than they would have actually invested money into it (all its ships are essential museum pieces and the recent Syrian airstrikes prove Russian cruise missiles are garbage). Instead, Putin poured money into his Black Sea estate. Some statesman. Third, this notion of “bodies of water” as security. Well, this is all true. But really, does he not know of how many SAMS Russia has on its borders? How effective the S-400 system is? The fact remains that Russia’s most secure borders are the ones of NATO states. If they want to worry about borders, they should be more concerned about the Caucauses or the Far East - Russia has 25 million there while China over 200 million and growing. Overall, I stand with the German fellow who after the lecture in the question and answer period said “this is all a bunch of nonsense”.

[@Thericecakeman]

A very well articulate rebuttal and I concur with most of what you write.

[@mikewellwood1412]

Great lecture and question time, and congratulations to the organisers for getting the audio right. It so often isn't the case in many similar settings.

[@brianbozo2447]

Peter is so well read. The kind of person who always informs as well as entertains.

[@viggosimonsen]

His key point is spot on. After visiting Russia and Eastern Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain, I remember to have concluded exactly the same - in exactly the same words: What the Germans didn't achieve with military force, they have now realized with peaceful economic power. Go to any major city between Berlin and Vladivostok - and you will find a Lidl or an Aldi. The Germans were there almost the very moment the curtain fell. Surely, their immense and powerful industrial and logistic machinery was all prepared years in advance, knowing that this opportunity would arise and it was only a question of time - and before any other European player could move in - they had already planted their commercial flags. The countries were hungering for glorious German welfare and goods - and Germany was 100% ready for the expansion into new 'Lebensraum'.

[@DocKing87]

Amazing hearing this 4 years after it was held. Hitchens is very accurate in his predictions.

[@nixl3518]

Scott King You’re joking of course! Everything he said is a lie, everything!

[@DocKing87]

nixl yes, “everything he said is a lie” you’ve really changed my mind to believe nothing Hitchens says.

[@nixl3518]

Scott King That you don’t recognize the lies is your problem!

[@ObserverDingue]

Hitchens' presentation of the European geopolitical context is excellent. As to his equating leaving the EU with "independence" he is ridiculously naive and vacuous. The Brexit project was and still is driven by US interests. One can bemoan a perceived loss of independence - "limited sovereignty" - as a member state of the EU but to wish this not to be the case one is obligated to describe what would replace it if the UK leaves: absolute vassalage to American corporatism, militarism and the kind of deregulated, low tax economy that renders fully half of the US population poverty stricken and lacking in the basic provision of services that define a "civilised" state. That is where Brexit, if it happens, would take the UK. Leaving the EU or remaining a member is a choice between two things. Hitchens' description of the Kiev coup in 2014 is very accurate and not apologetic to the contrived and false narrative our media wish us to accept. Surely he can conceive of whether we stay in the EU or become a US vassal with the same pragmatic realism...? It would seem that his petty nationalism prevents him from being able to do so. In today's world there cannot be an "independent" UK, we live in a world of co-dependence. Despite disagreeing with Hitchens' conclusions as to the place of the UK in relation to the EU, his presentation is really interesting.