In the Context of Empire

Matt and Matt discuss a recent New York Times article, An American in Ukraine Finds the War He’s Been Searching For.. This article is every bit as terrible as the title indicates! Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts on this content! Find some of Matt M's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary, @MatthewConnors3 and @mattylongruns

We were privileged to be  joined by Bryce Greene to discuss the current U.S made crisis in Afghanistan and complicity of U.S media in prolonging the suffering of the Afghan people. Bryce is contributor to the media watchdog Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. His two recent articles titled NPR Distorts History of US Invasion of Afghanistan and NPR Devotes Almost Two Hours to Afghanistan Over Two Weeks—and 30 Seconds to US Starving Afghans are discussed in this episode. Discussed in this Episode: - Bryce's interest in media criticism specifically with regards to foreign policy - NPR's distortion of the beginnings of the US role in Afghanistan - NPR's obfuscation of the fact that the US is starving Afghans - The importance of criticizing liberal networks like NPR - Why it is so harmful for networks like NPR to distort the nefarious role played by the US in Afghanistan and many other nations victimized by the US empire.  Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts on this content! Find some of Matt M's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary  

Jon, and the Matts (Connors and McKenna) discuss current events in Ukraine and lend some of their unsolicited commentary on the crisis.  Discussed in this Episode: Jon’s trip to Vietnam - How’s it going? Updates? - Matt Connor's journey as an educator, left wing thinker, and anti-imperialist - Russia - Ukraine - US media coverage of the crisis - Worthy vs unworthy victims - “Russian disinformation” IE explaining relevant context - "Conspiratorial thinking" vs very obvious geopolitical and material goals in US foreign policy Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts on this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna- @mcktasty

Matt was joined by Bryce Greene to discuss the Russia- Ukraine crisis. Bryce Greene is a contributor to Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. Some of his recent articles include What You Should Really Know About Ukraine and Vox Omits US Military Role in African Instability. More of his work can be found at FAIR.  *NOTE: This episode was recorded on 2/22/22, the day before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The historical context and media critiques nonetheless remain relevant to the current crisis.* Discussed in this Episode: - Bryce's background and interest in media criticism through the lens of anti-imperialism - Patterns in US media's coverage of US foreign policy - US media misreporting Ukraine crisis- NATO expansion, 2014 Maidan Coup, Russian annexation of Crimea, civil war in the Donbas - Outlooks for the future Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna- @mcktasty

The band is back together! Jon rejoined the podcast to talk about his trip to Vietnam, what he hopes to accomplish and its implications for anti imperialist education in US. Matt also does his best at an explainer for the situation in Ukraine.  Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna- @mcktasty

Matt was joined by Justin Podur to discuss the terms "whataboutism," "tankies" and "moral equivalence" as useful tools for anti imperialists, despite imperialist attempts to dismiss them. Justin is the  founder of the Anti Empire Project and Anti Empire project Podcast. He is the author of America’s Wars on Democracy in Rwanda and the DR Congo and The Path of the Unarmed. He is the co-author of Extraordinary Threat: The U.S. Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela Justin is also an Associate Professor at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Discussed in this Episode: - The origins of "whataboutism," how it has been used, and why imperialists are so quick to dismiss it as a tactics - The racist origins of imperialists dismissing calls for racial equality as "whataboutism" throughout the the Cold War - A discussion about how literally EVERY BEHAVIOR the United States accuses other nations of are behaviors that US either engages in itself, or supports governments that do so.  - The value of "whatboutism" as a tool in argument - The charge of being a "tankie" or engaging in moral equivalence - Is calling out hypocrisy useful? There are endless examples, but do the imperialists actually care if they are behaving in obviously hypocritical ways? Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna- @mcktasty

Matt was joined by Alex Avina to discuss the treacherous legacy of US imperialism in Latin America. Alex currently an associate professor of history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. He is the author of Specters of Revolution: Peasant Guerillas and the Cold War in the Mexican Countryside. You can find his writing in many places including the Foreign Policy focused blog, Foreign Exchanges along with his own website. You can find his writing in many places including the Foreign Policy focused blog, Foreign Exchanges.  Discussed in this Episode: - The origins of Alex's interest in the history of imperialism in Latin America - Stages of US imperialism and the various forms it has taken - Latin America as a training ground for US empire  - The lesser known but crucially important examples of US imperialism in the hemisphere - The incredible capacity for hyporcrisy displayed by US liberals who while professing anti racism at home,  support incredibly racist US policies in Latin America - Possibilities for a brighter future in the hemisphere  Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna- @mcktasty 

Justin Podur and Joe Emersberger join Matt to discuss their excellent new book, Extraordinary Threat: The US Empire, the Media, and Twenty Years of Coup Attempts in Venezuela. Justin is the founder of the Anti Empire Project and Anti Empire project Podcast. He is also the author of America’s Wars on Democracy in Rwanda and the DR Congo and The Path of the Unarmed, He is also an associate professor at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Joe is a prolific anti imperialist author, primarily focused on Latin America. His writing can be found at FAIR, Counterpunch, Venezuelanalysis.com,, TeleSUR English and The Canary.  Discussed in this Episode:  - Justin and Joe's interest in Venezuela - The reality of the "once prosperous Venezuela that existed prior to Chavez. (also covered in Justin and Joe's article in FAIR)  - The accomplishments of Chavismo - The myth of fraudulent Venezuela elections - Actually, "whataboutism" is an extremely useful critique of US empire as it engages in projection in 100% of its accusations against other nations - The manner by which the US attempts to destabilize or overthrow governments,  and then cynically feigns outrage when targeted nations take any measures to defend their nations from subversion.  - The racist, classist and violent character of the Venezuelan opposition - The imperialists' 'cynical weaponization of human rights even when they appear genuinely concerned, IE the New York Times is upset about torture... because it limits the US credibility to bully other nations.  - The shameful role that US progressives (AOC, Bernie Sanders) have played in demonizing Venezuela - Hopes for the future of Chavismo and the Latin American left more broadly,  Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Music produced by Zac McKenna

As events in Afghanistan receive sudden US media attention, Matt was joined by a former student, Joey, to discuss the current situation and history of US imperialism in Central Asia.  Discussed in this Episode: - The ridiculous premise that was used and continues to be used to justify this two decade war - The numerous chances to avoid war that the United States actively chose to not pursue - The hollowness the excuses put forward for a US presence in Afghanistan - Steps forward, what can we do as US citizens? Mentioned in this Episode: Guardian- Taliban warned the US about 9/11 Al Jazeera - The Taliban offered to try Bin Laden PRIOR to 9/11 -Guardian: Taliban offered to give up OBL after 9/11 several times General Wesley Clark admits to the Neoconservative plan to take out "7 countries in 5 years." Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Find some of Matt's writing at CovertAction Magazine Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns This Episode's Music was Produced by Zac McKenna

Jon returns to the show to speak with Matt about a variety of topics relating to how to responsibly discuss US empire. They discussed how the topic of genocide is generally taught in US schools in a manner that rarely extends past the Holocaust, and almost never identifies the US' historic culpability in the crime past the notion that it "just stood by." Also discussed was Matt's recent post on the In the Context of Empire blog regarding how to responsibly talk about official US enemies. Referenced in this Episode: Matt's recent articles in Covert Action Magazine, U.S. Schools Support Genocide Denial and What To Do About It, and On Memorial Day, We Should Remember Most U.S. Wars Were Started for Resource Theft, Imperial Hubris and Racist Animus Matt's article on the In The Context of Empire blog, An Anti-Imperialist Guide for Discussing Official US Enemies Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

While still the darling of many liberals, in his time as president Barack Obama maintained a veil of progressive politics while prosecuting US wars and empire quite effectively. Matt was joined by Jeremy Kuzmarov to discuss the trail of blood and destruction left behind by the 44th president of the United States. Jeremy is a writer and managing editor at Covert Action Magazine. He is also the author of Obama’s Unending Wars and The Russians are Coming Again. His work can additionally be found at his website. Discussed in This Episode:  - Jeremy's background and interest in anti-imperialist writing - Barack Obama's background and faux antiwar stances  - The devastating imperial crimes of the Obama administration including the drone war, the continued devastation of Afghanistan, and the destruction of Libya - A critique of Intercept journalist Jeremy Scahill's recent breakdown of current US president Joe Biden's history with regards to imperialism - Several of Jeremy's recent articles about Biden's plan for Afghanistan, Obama's destruction of Libya, the heroic whistleblower Daniel Hale, and a breakdown of Joe Biden's record in foreign policy. Our Work:  Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns Read Matt's article's at Covert Action Magazine

Justin Podur joined Matt to discuss the ongoing violence visited upon Palestinians by the US backed Israeli government. Justin is the founder of the Anti Empire Project and the host of the  Anti Empire podcast. He is also the author of America’s Wars on Democracy in Rwanda and the DR Congo and The Path of the Unarmed, and Siege Breakers For his day job, Justin is an Associate Professor at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. Check out his website at podur.org   Discussed in this Episode:  -Zionism as an extension of Western imperialism  -How to deflate the most common pro Israel- anti Palestine propaganda tropes - The perpetual claims of victimhood by oppressors - Settler colonial states stick together - Shifting attitudes in the US towards Israel - Justin's resource for countering anti Palestinian propaganda  Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

Makasi and Matt were joined by Dr. Vijay Prashad to discuss a variety of topics including the United States' long war on the people of the Global South, the CIA's methods of regime change, and the current cold war with China. Dr. Prashad is the executive director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research and the chief correspondent at Globetrotter.  He is also the author of many books including The Poorer Nations, The Darker Nations, and Washington Bullets Discussed in This Episode: - Vijay's anti-imperialism origin story - Rethinking the Cold War - The various methods of regime change employed by the United States - The ongoing cold war with China and the hypercritical weaponization of human rights Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

Christine Ahn joined Matt to discuss the long history of US imperialism and violence on the Korean Peninsula. Christine is the  founder and director of the peace organization, Women Cross DMZ. Discussed in this Episode:  -Christine's background and interest in peace activism with a focus on the Korean Peninsula -The origins and mission of Women Cross DMZ - The genocidal behavior of the US in the conflict that Americans often call the "forgotten war" - The need to understand how trauma of US' industrial scale violence still affects the peninsula today - How should we talk about alleged human rights abuses by the Kim government? - Sarah Lazare's In These Times article featuring Christine, which discusses feminist imperialism, and why we need to be weary of it - Christine's article in The Nation, Anti Asian Violence in America is Rooted in US Imperialism Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

Justin Podur joined Matt to discuss imperialist propaganda, and how to provide a countervailing narrative.  Dr. Podur is the Associate Professor at York University's Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. He is also the founder of the Anti Empire Project and the host of the  Anti Empire Project Podcast.  Justin is the author of  America’s Wars on Democracy in Rwanda and the DR Congo, The Path of the Unarmed. and Siegebreakers. Discussed in this Episode: - Justin's background, interest in anti-imperialism, and the development of the Anti Empire Project - Expanding on Justin's Twitter thread about how anti- imperialists within the US empire should speak about the alleged human rights abuses of nations that are official US enemies - Complicating the traditional narrative on the US role in the Rwandan genocide - Connecting Justin's work on environmentalism  with his anti-imperialist efforts Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

In the US, it is often taken as fact that Iran has a nuclear weapons program, despite little evidence indicating that this is true, and mountains of evidence to the contrary. This myth has had devastating consequences for the Iranian people due to US sanctions that are justified through the nuclear weapons allegation. Dr. John Ghazvinian rejoined the show  to speak about this topic along with some other misunderstandings that have hindered the Iran-US relationship.  Dr. Ghazvinian is the executive director of the Middle East Center at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the author of Untapped, the Scramble for Africa’s Oil and most recently, America and Iran: A History from 1720 to the Present Discussed in this Episode: The Iran-Iraq War-the devastating effects on Iran and the US' involvement The intricacies of the Iranian political system Iranian Presidents Ahmadinejad and Khatami, misunderstandings and missed opportunities for peace Iran's phantom nuclear weapons- and the mountains of evidence that disprove this allegation Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns 

The United States has been at war for nearly every year of its existence. Nearly all of those wars have been offensive in nature. These wars have killed tens of millions of people, and traumatized exponentially more. While this acknowledging that the history of the US military is one of mass murder and devastation, one source of hope is the fact that throughout all of these wars, there has always been members from within the military who have resisted, and sought to undermine the efforts of the war state. Matt was joined by Chris Lombardi to speak about the long history of dissent from within the United States military. Chris is the author author of I ain’t Marchin Anymore,Dissenters, Deserters, and Objectors.  She also sits on the board at Center on Conscience and War. Discussed in this Episode: -Chris' background in and interest in telling the stories of dissenters from within the military and her work with conscientious objectors - The connection between domestic oppression and resistance to dissent in the military - Stories of various forms of resistance across US history from the American Revolution to the War on Terror.  Resources Mentioned in this Episode: GI Rights hotline wagingnonviolence.org Chris' website Our Work:  Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

Jon and Matt were joined by Dr. Shireen Al-Adeimi to discuss the history and recent updates in ongoing US, Saudi, and UAE war on Yemen. Dr. Al Adeimi is an assistant professor of education at Michigan State University. She also devotes much of her time to activism directed toward ending the genocidal war in Yemen. Her writing can be found at In These Times, and she has made many other media appearances on a variety of platforms including  Democracy Now. Discussed in this Episode: -A brief overview of the war and the complicity of the United States - Trump's designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization and the further human catastrophe that decision could cause  - The hypocrisy of the US designating the Houthis a terrorist organization while having fought on the same side as al Qaeda in Yemen, Libya, and Syria - Shireen's recent article in In These Times about Biden's recent announcement about ending US involvement in this war, and why there is cause for both hope and skepticism - The double standards held by the US that allow Saudi Arabia to get away with (mass) murder  - Accountability and the forms it could take - Shireen's outlook for the future of this crisis and lessons she has learned from her past 6 years of activism  Donate to: Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

Matt was joined by Janine Jackson for a discussion about the role US media plays in furthering US imperialism and warfare. Janine is a Program Director at the media watchdog Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. She is also the producer and Host of the weekly radio show Counterspin Discussed in this Episode: - Janine's background, her interest in media criticism, and the mission of FAIR - The ways by which the US media has become a servant to powerful interests without any need for official censorship. For more on this, check out FAIR's What’s Wrong With the News? - Assumptions about the United states and other nations that are at the core of US media's coverage of war and empire  - A case study: US media coverage (and failures) in the buildup to the 2003 invasion of Iraq - Outlook for media performance in the Biden era, and Janine's recent article, Trump Briefings? Always News. Biden Briefings? Not News. - The use of sanitizing language to manufacture consent for extremely violent practices such as "targeted sanctions" and "surgical strikes" - Tips for how to be a critical consumer of US media Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns

The military industrial congressional complex consists of war profiteers, both obvious and less apparent. Matt was joined by Christian Sorensen for a wide ranging conversation about some of the most nefarious aspects of the war industry. Christian is a veteran of the United States Air Force and the author of Understanding the War Industry. He is also a prolific investigator of government contracts offered within the MIC at warindustrymuster.com.  Discussed in this Episode: - Christian's background in going from a member of the Air Force to a prolific enemy of the war industry - The ways in which the war industry influences policy through the use of retired military personnel and lobbying Congress - The nefarious weaponization of "imperial feminism" to promote war and militarism - The complicity of mainstream media in promoting war - Christian's article, Who Are the Ultimate War Profiteers? U.S. Air Force Veteran Removes the Veil, about the lesser known role of the financial industry in propagating US imperial violence - Christian's list of euphemisms that serve to sanitize the violent behavior of the US empire  - Responding to critics... is this whole MIC thing a conspiracy theory? - Christian's and Matt's outlooks for the future Our Work: Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts to this content! Matt's related article about imperial euphemisms Social Media: Twitter- @JonTheContrary and  @Mattylongruns.