Ukraine War: Europe Shackles Itself to America's Reckless Foreign Policy, w/ Prof Wolfgang Streeck

Two months into the war on Ukraine, why have Europeans allowed the US, which is of course not part of Europe, to dictate reckless policies against Russia over what are purely European issues? Is this a desperate last ditch effort to halt American and Western decline?
To discuss the future of Europe and the Western-dominated order, Rania Khalek was joined by Wolfgang Streeck, a sociologist and emeritus director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
Listen to every episode of Rania Khalek Dispatches anywhere you get podcasts.
Apple: apple.co/3zeYpeW
Spotify: spoti.fi/3za9DRK
TIME CODES
0:00 Intro
1:05 Germany’s about-face
5:13 40,000 US soldiers in Germany
7:57 Europe’s imperial core & periphery
17:25 US dictates vs European interests
26:41 Pouring weapons into Ukraine
31:51 EU vs NATO
38:55 America’s wars blow back on Europe
43:53 The power of the Ukrainian far right
51:37 Is neoliberalism collapsing?

[@BreakThroughNews]

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[@anthonyperkins7011]

Q 20

[@igorbt6706]

Europeans do not think, they just obey.

[@thaimayoree1494]

Puppet and slaves 😂😜😂🤣

[@tinaforbes1059]

Follow the money 💰.

[@amossimon3438]

I AN SO SUPPRISE THE LEADERS OF EUROPE.DIDN'T STOP AND THINK BEFORE THEY WENT AHEAD WITH THIS.DECISON TO EXPAND NATO. NOW EUROPE NEEDS U.S. TO PULL THEM OUT THIS MESS..EUROPE CAN'T EXPECT.U.S. TO DO THERE FIGHTING FOR THEM.U.S. HAS THERE OWN PROBLEMS.

[@thaimayoree1494]

Putin is not interested in Europe as long as far from his border. And nobody will interfere in this conflict. But Ursula is puppet, 🤣🤣

[@thaimayoree1494]

@@amossimon3438 this War is US between Russia..others are drag because of what we called NATO members. Very obvious.

[@sextoncardew903]

We westerners live in a crazy world. Americans have Joe, the British have Boris, the Australians have Schomo , the Canadians have Trudeau. It could not get worse.

[@alanhamford2538]

It will get worse. God willing.

[@kmy9738]

Don't you think this is all by design? Most people especially westerners have no idea how 5 eyes deep state control their government behind the scenes because they were too busy parroting propaganda narratives & talking points from the same power.

[@r.b9536]

A bunch of clowns really

[@pkwong1940]

@@alanhamford2538 It will get a lot worse, a great deal worse. WW111 is just around the corner. W111 must be fought on American soil

[@tinaforbes1059]

And they are all a bunch of brain dead politicians.

[@winstonskafte5505]

You would think they would have learned when England proudly followed the USA to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq .

[@tinaforbes1059]

Step forward Tony B-liar and George Bullshits .

[@mordecai4480]

😂😂

[@djtan3313]

Find any…?

[@basook6116]

Because US/UK false intels, there are over 1 million Iraqis people died

[@theresewalters1696]

Always hidden agendas. When it makes no sense ask who benefits.

[@danfarrand9072]

The willingness of European elites to agree to be a battlefield in service to American intrigues is contemptible.

[@LuanaMattey]

They have been bought and paid for unfortunately.

[@patricefrancq2277]

like we have any choice, we got socom and cia runnin around averywhere, why can't wasps stay home since the rest of the world is such a terrible place?? thx yankee for makin my continent the stage of your proxy wars AGAIN. yankees u gotta revolt the world needs an american revolution

[@JD-yz4kr]

It is masochism to the nth degree.

[@cmfrtblynmb02]

Russia started the fucking war. It is for some reason a detail for some

[@danl5592]

UK and USA planned the breed Nazis into the Ukraine Army . The knew that these ex football hooligans were stupid enough to go and fight the RUSSIANs for FREE. The TRUE. Ukrainian people were sacrificed by Zelensky for his USA master's

[@rachmondhoward2125]

Prof Streeck is so correct, especially his observation that questions the EU’s dependency on America whose politics and actions are unpredictable, reckless and self=centred and detrimental to the EU.

[@patrickholt2270]

And the whole of the EU as a US backed project is detrimental to European countries and workers.

[@derektay9828]

WHY??!!

[@jshield6416]

@@derektay9828 why what ?

[@maharajdurai461]

EU Parliament is becoming reckless and shockingly DUMB enough to follow US. only EU people can STOP EU PARLIAMENT. TIME FOR COLOUR REVOLUTION IN EUROPE.

[@thaimayoree1494]

European can stay out of this messed.this is not your War. But EU is puppet,.

[@johnswanson4266]

Trying to explain these realities to us in America makes you a " Putin puppet". You will get nothing more than brutal remarks aimed at ones character rather than discussing facts. When America says it's bringing " democracy" to someone, they're in deep trouble. Thank you Prof. Streeck

[@drmodestoesq]

Really? Japan and Italy and Germany were in deep trouble when America participated in bringing democracy to those countries?

[@johnswanson4266]

@@drmodestoesq That wasn't America alone. It was the allies. All of them. We had no choice but to act right! There was an alternative to our system and it was quite popular. I'm thinking like Iraq, Syria, Libya ,Afghanistan, Viet Nam, Somalia, Yemen, Chile, Venezuela, El Salvador. And don't forget we brought American values and democracy to the Native Americans on this continent. A democracy is the LAST thing America wants in its vassal states. What we want is obedience and subjugation

[@buzuxi]

Democracy is simply code word for imperialism. What most people want when they say democracy is to having limited government with a few constitutionally granted rights. This can be done with any form of government or with none. Europe is not a democracy as most nation states do not have monetary sovereignty and are yoked to the bureacracy in Brussels with a European president and its own laws extending to all it's member states.

[@violator2695]

I agree John Swanson.

[@aymanayman9000]

@@johnswanson4266 wow it's rare when you see an American who understands that I have 2 things to ask one of them is about how Americans deal with the fact they call Russia evil while they destroyed many countries even as recent as Obama administration, the other Is a long shot but I have evidence proves manipulating the satellite images of bucha the famous grave it's a report by BBC can you give it to any famous enough media I ask you since I think you know some of them since it's usually the case with people think like you I tried that myself sending for Russian and western media not the mainstream of course but I failed I don't ask for money I can tell you how to search for the report if you're afraid of clicking a link or give you the link directly again it proves the manipulation just that not all what happened there to be clear

[@clivemalunga6061]

Prof. Streeck is a wise man. We embrace him in the African continent, because of his positive views. Ohh!! he carried the interview with great precision. You are a star 🌟. We are informed, many thanks.

[@anamerican8399]

another putin PUPPET

[@doomslayer1984]

Did you see his comments where he agreed with Putin about the black lives matter movement being a terrorist organization?

[@SofaKingShit]

I was pro EU until recently. Peace project my ass.

[@geetee2694]

Peace for them, pieces for all others.

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

Same here. It could be wonderful, but it's infected with neoliberal totalitarianism on al levels.

[@mariadamen7886]

Nato: keep Russia out of Europe, America in and Germany (Europe) down. These 3 principles work every time.

[@michaeljones825]

@@mariadamen7886 hi Maria, long time since I have seen you in comments...That was a statement made by Lord Ismay 1st general secretary of NATO

[@basook6116]

mindless EU follow USA, now suffering the self sanctioning on Russia. NATO is dangerous to the free world

[@k.sagzee1214]

Is it not ironic that the continent which colonised the world - Europe - is now itself colonised by one of it's former colonies - the USA...

[@eileenmc4746]

Please BRICS enact Regime ststem change in usa as we are treated like indentured serfs in this settler colonizer mentality. It has come home to roost

[@magats209]

True, chickens have come home to roost

[@hajicamara5755]

Damn true!

[@ineshvaladolenc6559]

@@eileenmc4746 Do it yourself. You have most guns per person. Clean all the swamp. Washington DC, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street.

[@netzoned]

@bruce parka Obviously, you have no clue.

[@rogeroeyen]

I would not claim that Europe wants more US presence or influence. Some EU leaders do, but they no longer (or never have) represent the population of Europe and are rather occupied with their own power games than with the welfare of their constituents. Merkel was a skilled politician who could keep the US engagement in Europe in check, but she surrounded herself with weak political figures that were not able to challenge her dominion. Now that Merkel is out of the picture, Germany is left with weak and inexperienced leaders, who are not able to withstand the pressure of the US and the Atlantisists in the EU administration. Macron, who's a die-hard Atlantisist, is playing an odious role in this saga. With the UK out of the EU and Merkel out of the picture he's aiming to become the president of the EU, including a European military, which off coarse will be led by the French. In order to achieve his goals, he needs to weaken Germany, which is still the industrial powerhouse in Europe. He will be a fervent proponent of a total ban of Russian oil & gas, because he expects that it will have a minor effect on France, but will force Germany to de-industrialize, diminishing it’s influence on the EU discission making significantly. It's however far from certain that he can pull this off. He is very unpopular in France and not exactly loved by the rest of Europe. The reason why he was re-elected is only due to the fact that his opponent, Le Penn, is branded ultra-right. Actually she moved quite a bit to the center of the political spectrum and her program is virtually identical to that of the UK government. Once branded ultra-right, she is however not able to shake off the label. Beside this, the German industrialists are a powerhouse of their own an will probably put their government under pressure, or even force leaders as Scholz, Bearbock and Habeck to resign. Question is if they can find a politician who's able to stand his ground against Macron, the US and the rest of the EU ideologues and mend the fences with Russia, who's their natural partner since they can supply Germany with the necessary cheap energy and materials to keep the German industry afloat. For the moment, the majority of Europeans still seem to be in favor of Ukraine, but the propaganda is wearing off and support is already dissipating. Once the real effects of the conflict on their living standards can no longer be denied, the mood will surely change. The EU leaders will off coarse blame Putin, but not all Europeans are stupid and most of them will see right through their deception. Inflation is rampant and will get a lot worse if the EU doesn't change course, a lack of cheap Russian energy will decimate the European economy. Especially Germany and Italy will be hit hard, causing unemployment to increase to levels not seen since WWII. Flooding the European continent with millions of Ukrainian refugees will further degrade European living standards. The culmination of these factors will lead to massive uprisings, making the "Yellow Vest" manifestations look like a Sunday morning picknick, forcing governments to change their stance or even to resign. The EU is well on its way to self-destruction by far overreaching their mandate. The EU is not a democratic institute and the member states are so divers, not only in language and political convictions, but also in economic terms, that it's virtually impossible to find a common denominator. The first cracks are already visible and accepting Ukraine as a member state will only accelerate this process. There is off coarse always the possibility that the opposition will be brutally suppressed and that Europe goes completely authoritarian. High time for Europe to wake up and put an end to the rain of these ideologues who are not in the least interested in the welfare of the European citizens, but only try to increase their power.

[@rashmigupta9]

Well summarized but you forgot the role of US. US will not let Europe take any decisions in their own interest.

[@rogeroeyen]

​@@rashmigupta9 Thanks for your reply. You're perfectly right, but it's rather the fault of the spineless European leaders than of the US. Usually I start with the idea to write a short reaction, but it always seems to have a life of it's own and turns out way longer than originally intended. If I would put all my arguments in one post, I'd probably end up with a book instead of a post ;-). I didn't even mention the effects of the shortage of chemical fertilizer, which will probably become the greatest tragedy of this conflict.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

The issue is not the supposed Atlanticism of Macron who is rather more for beefing up the military capability of Europe given the prospect of Trump being elected again, disbanding NATO and handing chunks of Europe to Russia. The problem is rather the weakness of Germany which has been free-riding on defence spending, relying totally on the US for its protection while cosying up to Russia as a supplier of energy with a naive belief that through trade with Russia comes political change that would make it liberal and democratic. ‘Wandel durch Handel’ sounds nice but has not not worked in China or the Middle East either. Realism requires a recognition that outside of North America, Europe and a few Asian and Pacific countries, the world is a rather nasty place. Real Politik would suggest Europe still buy oil and gas from Russia because for all their talk about an energy transition they need to buy hydrocarbons for at least a few more decades from unsavoury regimes to the east or the south. Germany would do well to reconsider restarting a nuclear programme but exactly they can do that with the greens in power is not obvious.

[@rogeroeyen]

​@@patrickmccutcheon9361 I would more than welcome the dissolving NATO and was utterly disappointed when Trump did not go ahead with his treads to do so. NATO is not designed to protect Europe, but is merely a tool for the US to justify its illegal military exploits all over the world. Its purpose was to suppress Russia, keep Germany in check and keep Europe subservient to the US. That's exactly what they are doing now, cratering the European and especially the German economy in an effort to destroy Russia. The latter will fail epically. Russia will know a few difficult years, but will not collapse and will finally come out stronger than before. Unsurprisingly Europe followed US demands to the detriment of the living standards of the European citizens. Lloyd Austin made the US objectives pretty clear in his statements last week in Poland and Victoria Nuland made it crystal clear how the US stands against Europe. In its whole existence, NATO did not perform a single defensive action. They were instrumental and even leading in several offensive and mostly illegal military exploits, like the war on former Yugoslavia, Libya, Syria and Afghanistan and are now the major cause of the conflict in Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine would never have occurred if not for the US/NATO machinations in that country. Russia is not the USSR, is not a danger to the European continent. Europe doesn't need US protection against Russia and would be a lot better off if they throw the US out of Europe and form their own foreign policies. "Wandel durch Handel" works just fine as long as the US is not involved. China has done pretty well following that principle and pulled most of its citizens out of poverty, while the US is just going the other way. The middle east would be a prosperous region if it was not for the US who turned it in a devastated hell hole. It's pretty clear to me that it's actually the US's neo-colonial policy which is destroying the world. There is virtually no conflict in the world where the US is not involved, directly or indirectly. Russia has a strong defensive military, but aren't able and have no interest in occupying any country for longer periods of time. They do have a potent nuclear force, probably even stronger and more sophisticated than the US, but using this for offensive purposes is futile and counterproductive. Russia will use its nuclear arsenal if the situation runs out of control, but only as a last defense. Russia is just as democratic as the US and changing its political system is not a task for Europe or any other foreign power but for the people in Russia. Unlike the propaganda spread by the west, Putin has an approval rating of more than 80% (reported by a German polling company, which is not very Russia friendly for the moment), indicating that the Russian population is on average pretty happy with his decisions. Putin was the first one to acknowledge that there is still a lot that needs to be improved, but he pulled Russia out of the miserable swamp they were in after the fall of the Berlin wall and dramatically improved the living standards of the Russian population. The US is far from democratic, they have thrown all democratic principles overboard for the benefit of the rich and powerful. A recent study from the Prinston University on the effect of public support on proposed legislation showed that the public has no influence on the decision making of the US, whether proposals are supported by no one or by 100% of the population. The graph was a complete flatline. The graph for the effect of support by corporate America however nearly had a 100% correlation with the approved laws. Showing clearly that "by the people, for the people" is dead and burried in the US and morphed into "by the rich and powerful for the rich and powerful" no matter if the democrats or the republicans are sitting in the white house or congress. The last time I was in the US, my wife was disgusted by the poverty we saw in the LA and San Francisco area. I used to travel to the US every year and personally witnessed the deterioration of the situation of the living standards in the US. I also traveled to Russia and China and the contrast with what I saw in the US couldn't be more clear. Neither is the US a force for piece, Smedley Butter said it best in his time and the situation only deteriorated ever since. Fully agree with your stance on nuclear energy and it's crystal clear that Europe will need fosile fuels for a long time before they will get alternative green energy to a level that it can replace oil and gas.

[@verw719]

Well said

[@kughalumulatonu1259]

Thank you Rania and Wolfgang for the precise and crystal clarity on Europe and the US. From my point of view, Asia and Africa have learnt too much out of the Ukrainian drama.

[@hazelwray4184]

Learnt so much/a great deal - not, 'too much'

[@blardymunggas6884]

We in most part of Asia are supporting Russia quietly. We try to stay neutral on surface. However we know its safer to be an enemy of the US than a friend of the US

[@isabellum4676]

@@blardymunggas6884 that's the vibe I get from Indonesia as well.. People are fed up to be lectured by the US. Had a talk with my cousin the other day, 22 years old International relations student in Jakarta,we had a good rant about the US, gives me hope for humanity lol

[@jayeshmonlbs]

@@blardymunggas6884 India also just want to show itself as a west ally . But we are against war crimes from either sides.

[@blardymunggas6884]

@1xobile Please come and face off with Russia. I want to see how strong the US is. I dare bet the US will be wiped out very fast. Trust me, there are many other countries that will jump in to help Russia if Putin makes the first move. 80% of the world supports Russia. That is why only 45 out of 197 countries sanctioned Russia. Mainstream media won’t tell you that

[@bigred8438]

So, when are Europeans going to finally say enough is enough? And tell America to stand down.

[@grahamt5924]

America and Europe have very deep connections, so that will not happen.

[@leighparr7961]

This is America's proxy war they control nato in conjunction with their treasonous allies like the UK so they'll continue to do what the real world leaders, the trillionairre psychopaths behind the WEF tell them too.

[@MC-in8mc]

We need to be in BRICS 1st as they'll sanction us...

[@MC-in8mc]

@@grahamt5924 A deep connection like Europe being the abused wife and America being the husband beating the Sh*t out of her...😡

[@EvodioWalle]

Hey Europe, if you believe those sanctions will stick it to Putin, we've got some over-priced fracked gas to sell you.

[@tinaforbes1059]

Eu : Come on man , we are your best Buddy . You should sell it for less .

[@pinangsungai2116]

European Union you ask for it by not standing up for your right rather than surrender it to the USA.

[@CheriBerry1]

I’m American and i support Russia

[@zarhun7]

Australia same

[@bahtalorom]

I can tell you are a thinking person!

[@beesmonk]

@@bahtalorom 😂🤣

[@lealavaamalo4836]

LoveRammstein Ghost. What's stopping you from moving to Russia. Actually most white people in America are migrants from Europe escaping poverty, prosecution and problems happening in those countries at that and sadly still happeing.

[@percivald.persad8290]

@@lealavaamalo4836 You use the word "most" try educating yourself on a better understanding on America and Americans.

[@casteretpollux]

Professor Streek is a good contributor. It is clear now from the Ukraine War that the US is prepared to fight Russia to the last European. Nuland and Kagan , who appear to be running US foreign policy, are reportedly ready to gamble that Russia would not use nuclear weapons if attacked. First Russia, then India or China. The msm and traditional parties of the west are all rooting for this self destruction. An alternative alliance and plan for an alternative non capitalist system is urgently needed.

[@als5482]

what's so frightening is that Putin deliberately warned in 2019 that he will deliberately target US cities if attacked

[@casteretpollux]

@@als5482 Why did Putin think the US was going to launch a nuclear war on Russia? Could it be to do with the way the US unilaterally abandoned 3 nuclear treaties?

[@nurainiarsad7395]

this is why Asia is largely reticent. the US going ballistic over Russia and especially China, when those of us who actually may have reason to be concerned about China haven’t panicked yet, tells us that not a single one of us could ever achieve full prosperity and independence and potentially outpace the US in economy or technology etc. because they simply will never allow it, since China’s only sin is really just that it became better at a bunch of things than the US, without using all of the US’s value system, or agreeing to be its vassal. That could have been any single one of us. The US will never accept honest competition and gracefully letting another country lead because it’s simply better at some things. That’s what I’m taking away from seeing this, as an Asian.

[@als5482]

@@nurainiarsad7395 yes its nice to see you are clever. I'm ashamed as a white person that we cannot tolerate anyone beating us, whether chinese or russian

[@martinrye712]

@@als5482 I thought Russians were white

[@mortalkomment8028]

Streeck is one of Germany's leading intellectuals. Listen whenever he talks. You can learn a thing or two.

[@basook6116]

he should be next Germany's PM, who has interests of people of Germany and it's pride

[@WinchesterBoyy]

europe should have independent policy away from american influence

[@ineshvaladolenc6559]

Should, but it sold that with outsourcing its defense to America. Therefore not independent.

[@amossimon3438]

EUROPE CAN'T SEEN FUCTION ON THERE OWN.LAST 100 YEARS. ITS PULLING COUNTRIES LIKE U.S.DOWN U.S. HAS SET EUROPE FREE MAKE THERE OWN DECISIONS.

[@thaimayoree1494]

All the conflict and trouble are caused by United States, but Europe is puppet so drag.

[@dubokailegala]

I am glad that there is still rational people in Germany.

[@soanwahlee5089]

Too few to do any good for Peace.

[@jmsjms2735]

"Ametica's business is business.' The nature of that "business" is monetary imperialism. Europe is a competitor, and has been a target of hostile takeovers by the U.S. behemots (with DOJ helping with sanctions and anti-bribery campaigns) on the major comperitors since the WWIi. America is nobody's friend. This says it all: "Doing business is like going to war. If you’re looking for love, it’s better to get yourself a dog." ---Jeff Immelt, CEO of GE

[@DanQuestTM]

⚠️Didn't George Bush Jr said "we have no permanent friends, we have permanent inyerest"?

[@altergreenhorn]

EU is Us colonie since the beggining, it is not something new it is just more exposed now

[@Shivam-br5bk]

@Leah Peah where in Europe exactly? England?

[@Shivam-br5bk]

@Leah Peah The amount of wisdom and knowledge you have showered upon a pleb like me( a person from third world country and a shithole as said my fox news anchors) have forced me take a wild guess and I'm sorry i can't help it . You are bonde having blue eyes ageing around 35-45 from Midwest or maybe down south probably Texas, god fearing neighbour loveing ( only if they happens to be white) person?

[@thaimayoree1494]

@Leah Peah west..LOVE ONE ANOTHER??????OH, REALLY????? UNBELIEVABLE 😂😂🤣😂🤣

[@lizliz2052]

He is right. I mean a couple of days ago, news about Germany deciding to stop sending weapons to Ukraine was circulating all over the net. Then the US and 40 other allies had a meeting in Germany after which news came out that not only Germany will be sending more weapons, but the base will be located in Germany. says enough, no?

[@pianoman9685]

Love Professor Streech incredibly thought provoking as usual.

[@user-gu7rm3rf8c]

He is stupid. Western left helps China to control the world, soon China does

[@ronalddippenaar2381]

Prof Streech is brilliant!

[@bluemoon7076]

Wrong ! American foreign policy is not the cause of Europe’s agony . It’s your willingness to be poodles to America that’s hurting the people . EU will do anything to please the US even at the expense of the people …….. surely they shouldn’t complain .

[@yuchichan4815]

Great guest. Europe collectively enjoyed the spoils of colonialism. It has to take the curse that comes with it.

[@rippingtons60]

Yep, this is the chickens coming home to roost after centuries of Imperialism and Colonialism, better late than never.

[@dimitrimantheakis915]

Hahaha.....

[@drmodestoesq]

Does Russia have to take the curse of colonialism? Because they seem to be still attached to the idea of military imperialism.

[@elboon_80]

I wouldn't call it "curse"... more a sin ;)

[@georgegathungu8044]

If all the world leaders or all men and women see things this way we would all lieve happill8e ever after

[@TheDoubleBee]

36:08 - I love how Rania politely reminded Prof Streeck that the US, too, has a giant oligarchy problem. Great, informative interview!

[@amazingamazigh6847]

Jews posses 98% of US wealth!

[@YourCapybaraAmigo_17yrsago]

Thank you for another fine presentation Rania, I always appreciate hearing from both you and Eugene. If anyone would like further NATO-critical commentary of the ongoing conflict, I would like to recommend The New Atlas along with George Galloway, the Duran, and Richard Medhurst, among other western-critical independent media.

[@cashmerecat9269]

The New Atlas..a very concise and detailed plus informative channel..

[@hfur7758]

USA has been Shekeled long time back.

[@rashmigupta9]

The Gray Zone is good too.

[@ellengran6814]

Also take a listen to iEarlGray.

[@tinaforbes1059]

On it , thank you.

[@anilgajraj9691]

Its really amazing. In depth analysis of the Situation... Now I understand why nobody is wanting to stop the war and resolve the Conflict in Europe. Keep posting more informative videos. All the best for future Endeavors... STAY BLESSED...

[@destaergano3121]

This is the only media people should follow for information.

[@kolomentseva]

There is more good channels: Jimmy Dore Show, Richard Medhurst

[@josealbinosantosnogueira6013]

Portugal joined NATO right on the onset of that organization because, in spite of being a fascist dictatorship at the time, the Americans badly needed the Lages Air Base in the Azores in Mid Atlantic that functioned like a stationary aircraft carrier. It was used extensively as a stepping stone to Berlin during the Supply Airlift Operation when DDR shut off West Berlin. Spain joined only when many years later Franco died and a Democratic Regime was installed in the mid 70's. hence (again) the insufferable American hypocrisy!

[@dimitrimantheakis915]

Thank you Rania and also thank you for the superb and historically accurate observations and recommendations by a indeed wise Prof Streeck, why couldn't our Leaders in Europe think the same way, in the meantime the USA,is heading us towards a big mess.....just like they did in Korea Vietnam, Cambodia, Angola Congo, Ethiopia -Somalia Lebanon Syria Cyprus Guatemala- centra america, Yugoslavia, Iraq Afghanistan. Libya Yemen..for the USA we like it or not is controlled by the Industrial Military Complex....they need sales! They need conflict!!!....their current Secretary of Defence comes from the Armaments industry...A change must come SOON from withing the USA otherwise the world will suffer in the name of FREEDOM.....god have mercy on us

[@nygus3835]

The gentleman is so patiently clarifying the foggy political scene it's hard to switch off. Thank you, Sir. Appreciate your conclusions

[@yiyang6559]

Thank you Rania and Professor Streeck for the great talk!

[@LorimaRBG]

Germany 🇩🇪 is occupied territory from USA since 1945. You can always check when every chancellor is elected, 1st that he/she is doing is to going to travel to USA. Every single!

[@slavkas.6552]

So true but then all NATO member countries are occupied territories or colonies of USA! It’s a shame that people do not realise it even though their presidents do because they are put in governments of those countries by USA mafia government and that way US government has a say in every single NATO member country!

[@tinaforbes1059]

Or the 1st politician's in the world to congratulating the German chancellor would be The American president .

[@peterguava]

educate yourself your Post is BS

[@grahamt5924]

Do we want a strong Germany again.

[@maxdc988]

Seemed many people in European countries had lower mental capacity to elect politicians that act against their continent's interest.

[@gilberttessier1871]

and what about Biden..."leader of the free world!". 🤭

[@globalproductionsafrica4148]

Rania back with another fire 🔥 podcast🙏❤️

[@sbgskf]

Number of soldiers: West Germany is the most Americanized country in Europe. The military base at Ramstein is the LARGEST American base outside of the USA itself (not "one of the biggest" as stated here). Kind of tells you why Germany is not a truly soveriegn country. As an economic force, Germany could have long ago dumped this militaristic irrationality.

[@tinaforbes1059]

24000 in The UK.

[@mpemberton7760]

@@tinaforbes1059 It's more like 9700 in the UK.

[@tinaforbes1059]

@@mpemberton7760 Not entirely sure, to be truthful. That was the head counting numbers when I last checked.

[@thierrynolevaux9268]

Secretary General Lord Ismay put it best "NATO was created to keep the US in, Russia out and Germany down". Good thing Germany is re-arming. Russia is a stepping stone to China for NATO because we all know the US will sacrifice it's allies when taking on China.

[@PeTer-xd8nx]

That's wrong:Germany 35.000 troups Japan 47.000

[@NasirAhmedApu]

The host and the guest both are very thoughtful in their discussions. A very informative video. Thank you.

[@brandoncrusen9160]

This message approved by the Kremlin.

[@amubi]

Europe need to get out of NATO for their own good

[@adelaidesafoa3850]

I don't think they will , Judging by the way America has antagonize Russia , they won't . More European countries want to join.

[@susanarupolo2212]

Thank you both Rania and the professor. Very enlightening conversation.

[@theresewalters1696]

Excellent discussion. Historic context is so important. This man has a wealth of knowledge having lived through the times. I appreciate your respectful interview.

[@dougen9237]

When it comes to Ukraine, Rania seems a bit naive. If she watched Patrick Lancaster's documentary videos, she would see that most people in Mariupol call the Azov-infiltrated Ukrainian military "Nazis" or "fascists." To many Ukrainians, apparently, the "Nazis" are beyond simply "far right." For example, the influential special advisor to the head of the Ukrainian General Staff is Dmytro Yarosh, formerly the leader of Right Sector, which was created in tandem with the Social Nationalist Party. There is no way to confirm this, but Zelensky's bodyguards are rumored to be fascists, and he is widely believed to be required to ask fascist leaders -- as well as Biden -- before making any major decisions. Since the 2014 fascist-led coup, Ukrainian fascists have also been placed in high positions in the security apparatus and in the military in general. The fascists are now said to be able to cause the overthrow of any Ukrainian regime that strongly disagrees with them. And this process of fascist infiltration and empowerment is growing by the year. Moreover, the actions of the Zelensky are increasingly pro-fascist: he is now the most authoritarian head of state in Europe. And recently Zelensky signed a law taking away even more civil liberties from Russian- speaking Ukrainians and other minorities. How could Ukraine not be called an increasingly fascist state? I wish Rania had asked the wonderful German gentleman to try to visualize what Ukraine will be like in 2035 if it continues to become more and more fascist year after year. Ukraine already has the biggest and strongest army (as opposed to navy or air force) in Europe, and Zelensky recently said Ukraine will eventually become the most powerful nation in Europe. Will Ukraine manage to become the Fourth Reich and invade Russia and try to use its "Untermenschen" (a traditional German fascist term that is said to still be popular in Ukraine) as Ukraine's servants? Several Ukrainian fascist leaders have said on camera that their ultimate goal is to destroy Russia. What should progressives think about this possibility? The fascists in Ukraine are no longer a fringe element. They are becoming central to Ukraine's post-2014 society and polity. Please invite a guest who can deal with this emerging reality with the necessary amount of seriousness, insight, and forthrightness. Nazism and neo-Nazism must not become taboo subjects. They must be discussed and analyzed freely, thoroughly, and objectively.

[@dougen9237]

Sorry, Turkey's army may be larger at the moment, but Ukraine's army is growing in capability at a faster rate, and Ukraine has ample nuclear fuel on hand in its many nuclear reactors for possible nuclear weapons, as mentioned by Zelensky in Munich.

[@michaeljones825]

If you put "combating glorification" in your browser. This is a UN document dated after the coup in Ukraine

[@weylandyutani9622]

A lot can change in 13 years. There are so many factors to consider with the fascist element being just one. The fascists were reliant on outsiders such as the oligarch Kolomoisky and George Soros funding to carry out their propagandising of the Ukrainian population and the control of the media. Also understand that Ukraine is not one homogeneous country, there are different factions and groups with different interests. Certainly this war United them but what happens afterwards when the rebuilding starts. Ukraine is poorest country in Europe. It hopes to join the EU to reap the benefits , but with the bad economic problems Europe faces now it looks unlikely it will qualify to join in the near future until conditions change and after any economic restructuring takes place.

[@dougen9237]

Primary contact, not stupid at all. Zelensky raised the threat/boast at the Munich security conference earlier this year in front of world leaders. Ukraine has a number of very large nuclear power stations that could be used for fuel.

[@dougen9237]

@@michaeljones825 Good point. Canada has also sometimes voted No at the UN to combating Nazism, probably since the powerful Chrystia Freeland (Deputy PM) herself years ago attended OUN (Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists) summer camps for descendants of Ukrainian fascists and ultranationalists who immigrated to Canada right after WW II. The OUN collaborated with the Nazis in WWII (one served as Prime Minister of occupied Ukraine), and they participated in the massacre many tens of thousands of Jews and Poles, while more than 200,000 mainly west Ukrainians joined the Waffen SS and tried to overthrow the Soviet government. Post-2014 coup Ukraine is a failed state: not only is it broke and economically unviable, but the political intimidation of politicians by the various neo-Nazi and violent ultranationalist groups has been steadily growing year by year. They are still comparatively small in number but large in influence inside the small power elite in post-democratic Ukraine. Moreover, there are said to be more than 100,000 neo-Nazis and untranationalists in the Ukrainian military, many recruited from neo-Nazi and jihadi groups around the world. Moreover, all sorts of Jim Crow-type laws were passed after 2014 that severely discriminate against Ukrainian citizens who are ethically Russian. For example, ethnically Russian citizens are routinely said to be subhuman and have different genes than "real"/"pure" Ukrainians, and they are now unable to speak Russian in public, make political speeches in Russian, or publish books in Russian. Soon after the coup the Ukrainian Socialist Party and the Ukrainian Communist Party were outlawed, and Zelensky recently shut down 11 more opposition parties and three opposition TV stations. Ukraine seems to be at an economic and political dead end, unless a fascist dictatorship is acceptable to the Ukrainian people. Somehow I doubt it. I personally think that partition is the only answer. Western (ultranationalist) and eastern (ethnic Russian) Ukraine are radically different cultures (much of western Ukraine was part of the Austrian empire until the end of WWI), and they will never mix well. These two different cultures were unified only by the centralized power structure of the USSR. Now that the USSR is gone, the former Ukrainian SSR needs, I would think, to be divided up. Otherwise there may never be peace -- or freedom from neo-Nazism in the east. Apparently many Ukrainians have also begun to wonder about partition.

[@rashmigupta9]

Thank you so much for this great interview. First time I heard from a German perspective, even if not the government side. Prof Wolfgang has given me a new insight into this conflict.

[@holgol00]

Always thoughtful presentations, Rania. Thanks to you and Professor Streeck

[@e_valley2707]

Got to give some credit to von der Leyen for the European cuddling up with the US - can't respect someone who doesn't know where Yugoslavia was. Her actions appear prejudicial and outrageous - I guess a regular war fan girl.

[@niwa_s]

She's just 100% bought and has no concept of integrity or principles. It's evident in every single thing she does, not just with regard to this crisis.

[@imeldamayer-taylor2783]

Thank you , a great interview . Really sad, senseless war, Europeans behaviour , not understandable and I fear for our future in Europe.

[@id9139]

Do you think there will be Nuclesr War in EU?

[@hrgdavor]

nice echo chamber of ppl unable to process even one rational thought at a time.

[@MC-in8mc]

@@id9139 If there is it will also be in USUK because one triggers the other automatically. So it will be all over the world.😒 Russia won't start it. But America would!

[@zainiabdullah621]

In a democracy, the European Union or for whatever conclave of nations, has the freedom to choose, to prosper, or destroy its own economy and livelihood. It all depends on the its elites, whether they are intelligent enough and as well smart enough with very responsible thinking for its own netizens.

[@maharajdurai461]

EU Parliament is becoming reckless and shockingly DUMB enough to follow US. only EU people can STOP EU PARLIAMENT. TIME FOR COLOUR REVOLUTION IN EUROPE.

[@independentpatriot1775]

“Democracy” is a global racket.

[@altergreenhorn]

EU is Us colonie since the beggining, it is not something new it is just more exposed now, there is no major politician in the EU not blessing by the US.

[@adamwatson6916]

In a Democracy nobody votes for the destruction of their own economy. Elites controlling your country is not democracy. Nobody votes for elites to control their country. Destroying the economy is not what any voter wants eltes controlling your country is facism and anti democratic this is how terrible ideologies like communion and socialism become popular.

[@danfarrand9072]

Look at the history of Athenian democracy that happily voted to cut their own throats after cutting the throats of their children and wives.

[@priyadarshinichakraborti1825]

Thank you Rania for this insightful talk with professor Streeck. Your programs bring so much knowledge ❤️

[@imtiazem]

Hats off to Rania Khalek and a standing ovation to Prof Wolfgang Streeck

[@jon_nomad]

It may seem so obvious now but people will only wake up after a catastrophic disaster,... unfortunately.

[@johnbradshaw5900]

Another brilliant show! I'm actually pretty conservative but love BT news as I find the coverage and analysis to be excellent. In an era where the mainstream media is just pushing the 'current thing' narrative and politics is manipulated and controlled more than ever by a small clique I think maintaining the old left - right political paradigm is itself a distraction strategy. It's interesting that on more and more issues non-conformists trying to think for themselves are arriving at pretty much the same place even if the mainstream wants to label us as being polar opposites on the old political spectrum.

[@michaeljones825]

An example, Marie Le Penn's programme for government was very similar to that of the Conservative party of Britain's programme, yet Le Penn is described as "far right"

[@robert9ish]

@@michaeljones825 You know that but you don't know the woman's name?

[@pax4370]

Glad to see there is still sensible minds around. Europe should cherish people like Prof Wolfgang. May fight against facism continues✊ from India✊🇮🇳

[@tf-lv4zu]

wow great insightful interview. keep up the great work

[@fankullah]

This is a very valuable interview. It clarifies the situation and gets to the root of the Ukraine problem, which is much, much more far-reaching than Ukraine.

[@yttean98]

Prof Streeck is an expert(he wrote a few books on this subject) on Neoliberalism, you should spend more time on this subject.

[@eileenmc4746]

Please do so, neoliberalism ills has to be discussed more

[@shuaibchota4170]

Thank you so much for this very informed talk, interspersed with light humor. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@krisinmcirvin782]

We only have the U S oligarchy and government to thank for all this shit

[@wahidh.sharaf5311]

@Rania Khalek, I only discovered your channel very recently and I must say I am very impressed by the topics you touch upon, the high intellectual caliber of your interview partners, and your style of conducting your insight-generating interviews. Compliments!

[@pacoshuman7642]

Excellent presentation...it is so good to hear this kind of intelligent thought. Amazing and rare. Thank you Rania...again. BreakThrough News has become a staple (when I can find it :-) for me. (Just a small question...how can I contribute to your good work? I've looked here several times and am not seeing the usual 'donation' sources. Thank you).

[@milaong9618]

Europe has sworn cooperation/protection from USA over the continuous exploitation of Africa which Europe has been depending on since time in memorial. And also in some others colonies some European countries may still have. That is probably one reason why EU is so dependent on USA

[@criscastro8055]

Europeans like Germany should decide on their own and not be influenced by any other country including the US. The pipeline is very important and crucial to German economy it’s cheaper and easily accessible due to the pipeline, getting it from another country will be costly unless they produce their own.

[@earlfithian4911]

America did everything in its power to stop NS2 and in the end the only thing that would stop it was war. Germany is now the unwanted stepchild to the US, Poland has become the "favorite child" and will remain so as long as they do exactly what they are told.

[@criscastro8055]

@Neil Rusling yah it has become cheap specially to those countries who are smart and can not anymore stomach and do not abide to the dictators of this proxy war it’s a never ending war after Middle East and now Ukraine where millions of people died and left every country destroyed and people living in poverty. So tell me which of this country has a clean hand?

[@elmercy4968]

Well, as the Nordstream 2 pipeline showed, if Germany is really determined, they can simply build it, no matter if the US and the EU is against it. It's just easier to do what the US wants as long as no essential German interests are involved.

[@MaryJohanna]

Great interview, thank you Prof Streeck for presenting your thoughts on this.

[@oscarchelminski4116]

Thank you Rania and thank you Wolfgang, for informing the world.

[@robertyw2842]

Outstanding interview! Well done Rania Khalek and Wolfgang Streeck.

[@claudermiller]

This is a great conversation.

[@aksh9300]

Excellent interview. This stuff is invaluable, please keep on doing it.

[@JM-xd9ze]

Great discussion. Thank you, Rania.

[@gulliegulliver4546]

Excellent discussion, thank you.

[@B_Ruphe]

Professor Streeck's well-grounded reflections are a sobering antidote to the gung-ho optimism of the likes of Martyanov, Raevsky, the Alexanders at the Duran, Escobar and so on.

[@neovxr]

the professor is so wise and calm, and makes stunningly bright conclusions, while I myself am absolutely furious about the very things he helps me to see. because things are going really wrong, and at least he has the explanation about most of that, how it comes and how it works. my own contribution is an analogy: it is known that some angloamerican intellectuals say, that Germany and Russia have to be kept apart from each other. I won't comment on that thing here, there is a lot of controversy about that on many platforms, but what I want to do is add another concern, and it says: ** the Neocons and Ukraine have to be kept apart from each other. ** else, the least problem will be massive corruption, nepotism, and chaos, and the worst will be nuclear war.

[@juliocasim4330]

U.S are benefiting this war in ukraine does EU never thought this or they are just afraid of U.S.

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

The EU thinks it would still be a helpless toddler without the US, even though it isn't. It's fear of abandonment, even though the parent is highly abusive.

[@ineshvaladolenc6559]

Lots of arm twisting, and politicians not caring about their civilians, only for profit.

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

Great interview, chocked with wisdom. The 24/7 news cycle provides a constant churn of attention grabbing stimuli implanting residual memory imprints denuded of critical context. This is complex stuff and would never be aired on commercial TV.

[@pt20829]

So much clarity and wisdom. Thank you Prof.

[@pukahuroad3967]

Steinmeier is being given the cold shoulder by Zelensky but instead of holding firm to the "Steinmeier formula" he is publicly ingratiating himself in an attempt to find favour with his EU pals. The recent criticism of Putin by Steinmeier and his quote, "imperial madness" is a tragic indicator of how much the western block is not interested in peace.

[@truth-be-told]

Wonderful topic..no other media outlets are discussing this very important issue 👍

[@tinaforbes1059]

Try The Duran.

[@ElwoodAndersonNV]

This is the best video I've watched so far on the historic problems that have caused the current crisis and prospects for the future, and I've seen hundreds on the subject. It's a real jewel that deserves wide distribution and I will be doing my part so see that it gets done.

[@andrewbaldwin4454]

Than you for the interview, Rania. Professor Streeck talked about how the Americans have really moved the goalposts with respect to the Russia-Ukraine issue. If you look at the May 4 episode of Goodfellows, former Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges talks about driving Russia out of Crimea and the Donbass and Russia itself disappearing in five years. Far from being appalled by this, the von Clausewitz of Chicago, John Cochrane, started enthusing about Ukraine taking some of that Russian territory in the big Russia carve-up. This sounds like the ravings of lunatics, but American policy has been so irresponsible recently, who really knows what kind of weird ideas are being seriously contemplated now by the US government. Hodges was only recently serving as Lt. Gen. after all.

[@brianbrecknock9625]

The TRUTH! is Europe needs Ukraine and Russia at peace, to combat the coming DEPRESSION. The USA will retreat into isolationism. The Proxytution of the war (USA paying for the Ukraine Govt' ) Europeans need to stand up to the USA and not buy arms.. but to stock up on energy and food. As for Powell didn't he waste 2 Trillion Dollars and run from Afghanistan? ? we can count on him!

[@absolutejewel]

I hope Europe will come to its senses and rid itself from being controlled and directed by the US reckless and careless foreign policy

[@terryl858]

Thanking everyone

[@sarahali6413]

Thank you 🙏. Excellent program Great perspective. ✌️

[@krzystofsibilla3516]

Speaking the truth makes Rania Khalek truly beautiful.

[@mallyu987]

Been saying it all along, not because I hate Supremist Colonists, but because I UNDERSTAND them better than most, having been Assimilated into Colonist Society to WITNESS from Priviledged perch of Brit Soldier via Third World Eyes. Colonist claim to SUPREMACY goes beyond Systemic to CULTURAL & best strategy is to Leave them ALONE, ISOLATED by their own Sanctions, then make them APPLY & meet CONDITIONS before allowing them 'IN'. Anything else encourages them to Feel Entitled to be BOSS.

[@marimbaani9317]

Thank u

[@SteveSmith-mw5zk]

Great, Thanks Rania and professor Streeck

[@Tukemuth]

Such a valuable and wise guest, and Rania asked the exact questions I would ask. Perfect combination. Also, Rania is a beautiful name.

[@SH-jg5zq]

Amazing interview! Thanks!

[@smugbuddha]

great interview, learnt a lot, thank you

[@adamibrahim8263]

Wolfgang ist ein mutiger Deutscher. Danke Schoen Wolfgang. Danke Schoen

[@jongeism]

Brilliant Thank you for Video and Proff STEECK

[@zaq12321100]

Thank you Raina, allow me to comment on your point Europeans are still clinging to the US despite the hardship it brings to their economy. I must say the premises for the discussion are flawed by making the assumption that the US CORPORATION is not Europe. It is also flawed premises to assume in any discussion that the US CORPORATION is a country when it is not!the US CORPORATION deceivingly projects itself as America to the international world, most foreign countries are decived into thinking that the US CORPORATION is a country when it is not! Do the research and you would find that because of these flawed premises the entire discussion is warped. The US CORPORATION are custodians of the British Crown, hence it's foreign policy must always fashion the designs of UKEurope! That a fact!

[@naturebc]

Very well put!

[@yvesfree-assangescherdin6138]

Thanks for this interview!

[@domsilva5016]

One of the best YT channel. Congratulations!!!!!

[@johnwebber750]

A very good discussion, with an old man with wisdom. All said, however, I keep thinking. With what the US leaders have done, its citizens do have reaped the benefits. Yes, some more than others, still. Cheap oil and all that come with it - big cars, big american dreams, the fleet of gas guzzling aircraft carriers and their planes -, the prosperity, all the scientific advancements, the space discoveries, even sports achievements arguably, come from the strong dollar, which directly come from coercion of other nations, undermining the very democracy of those very nations in many cases (how ironic). The ability to print dollars as they like, no worries in the huge huge debt as the US give aid (isn't that strange?) to the effect that debt-based aid becomes a bargaining chip at the UN. All without caring to what happens to everybody else. It is all for the american interests. Yet every time america has an economic hiccup, the world gets a fever! Now, don't get me wrong. I am neither an american nor a westerner. But have been there multiple times multiple places over the past 40 years. (Also to far east countries). I enjoy the freedom of mind everytime I am there, which I don't get when I am home. (To the extent that I will be an outcast if I say what I should be free to say when I am home) I enjoy the company of people there etc. I am not complaining on those at all. It is clear, however, the democracy in the US is flawed for a long time. With the msm, the mic, the big pharma, the lobbying complex etc etc. It is a big country, after all. And democracy is a hard thing. All democratic experiments in the past (yes, there have been) have failed because it is not the natural state for society compared to a chaotic or authoritarian (or similar) state, which is why much of history has been of those. All the time it needs efforts to pull it back on line. Some times more than others. The 60's was one. 911 was another. I remember I wrote a comment like this to a bbc article then, saying something like.. "yes, america has a good moment now to do a good reflection before reacting appropriately. But unfortunately that will not happen. America will react inappropriately". How true. And now is another time. Powerless people are dying while powerful people are lying. The world is, as always, at the mercy of the american public. US policy will not change even with a change in its politics because the system has been damaged. It is now an opportunity for the american public to reset the system to what it should be. So that the legacy of the great american democratic experiment will be cherishable as american dominance becomes history, slowly but surely. For admit it or not, there is more blood in american's hands than that of other nations'. Great power comes with great responsibility. It is not free. ..mmm if you are still with me, Love and Peace.

[@tigistkebedegulma7942]

Thank you so much you opened so many eyes in this topic. Europe is colonized by US you like it or not

[@diegomontana9411]

EXCELLENT questions and EXCELLENT answers. Thank you to both of you,, Fascinating / Enlightening interview. 🙏👏

[@zenyzerfu6053]

Thank you both, for discussing openly! Makes me not to give up in humanity

[@Truthorfib]

Unfortunately the ones making the decisions are irrational and too emotional. I dont really understand how such people get the top positions in running the country.

[@LR-zz9sf]

If there is no logical reason for poticions to act in a certain way, than only obvious assumption is that they are blackmailed. We know how that works.

[@beesmonk]

Absolutely BRILLIANT guessed

[@kawesaeliyah5255]

Thanks for the show