Guest #58 | Scott Horton. Authenticity.
America’s foreign policy wasn’t built for peace—it was built for profit. In this deep-dive episode, Scott Horton dismantles the myths of moral war-making and exposes how neoconservatives, defense contractors, and Zionist influence have hijacked U.S. strategy for decades. From JFK and Kissinger to Gaza, Ukraine, and Trump’s compromises, this is a no-holds-barred breakdown of the empire’s true motives.
🎙️ From Cold War Myths to Modern Empire | Scott Horton on Neocons, Israel, and the Military-Industrial Machine.
📄 Episode Overview
In Episode #058, Ray sits down with antiwar radio host, author, and foreign policy expert Scott Horton to unpack the evolution of U.S. foreign policy from the Cold War era to present-day conflicts. The conversation dives deep into the roots of American interventionism, the influence of the neoconservative movement, and the military-industrial complex's grip on global warfare narratives. This is a must-listen episode for those questioning the dominant media narratives and seeking deeper truths about power and empire.
🌟 Key Takeaways
• The Cold War's end was a missed opportunity to scale back American militarism. • Neoconservatives played a critical role in reshaping U.S. foreign policy for empire building. • Israel, defense contractors, and U.S. political factions often align interests at the expense of peace.
🧠 Summary
Scott Horton brings his signature depth and clarity to this wide-ranging conversation with Ray. Beginning with the Cold War and its aftermath, Scott explains how the U.S. chose imperial dominance over peace dividends. He highlights the role of figures like Ron Paul, the ideological roots of neoconservatism, and how the "Wolfowitz Doctrine" shaped America's unipolar ambitions.
They explore the interplay between U.S. foreign policy, defense industry profiteering, and political opportunism. From the wars in Iraq and Libya to the ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, Horton dissects how misinformation and strategic manipulation fuel endless conflict. He also delves into Israel's long-term regional ambitions and how bipartisan politics in the U.S. often serve military and Zionist interests under the guise of moral imperatives.
🔎 Practical Tips
• Question mainstream war narratives and seek out independent journalism. • Read books like "Enough Already" and "Provoked" to understand deep history. • Follow non-interventionist thinkers like Ron Paul and Thomas Massie for alternative viewpoints.
📚 Research Spotlight
Scott references Chalmers Johnson's seminal trilogy: Blowback, The Sorrows of Empire, and Nemesis, which forecasted the costs of U.S. imperial overreach and the consequences of ignoring global resentment.
❓FAQ
Q: Who are the neoconservatives, and why are they influential?
A: Originally former Trotskyites, neocons shifted rightward, embedding themselves in defense think tanks and policy circles. Their agenda focuses on spreading American hegemony, often via military means.
Q: What is the military-industrial complex, and why does it matter?
A: It refers to the network of defense contractors, lobbyists, and political enablers profiting from continuous U.S. military engagements.
Q: Why is Israel frequently discussed in relation to U.S. foreign policy?
A: U.S.-Israel relations involve deep political, military, and ideological ties. Many neoconservatives advocate strongly for Israeli interests, influencing American interventions and aid policies.
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
• 00:00 – Opening & Welcome
• 03:15 – Cold War's End & The Missed Peace Dividend
• 10:30 – The Rise of the Neoconservatives
• 18:45 – Iraq, Libya, and Manufactured Enemies
• 27:00 – The Wolfowitz Doctrine & Endless Wars
• 35:00 – Israel's Role & Settler Ambitions
• 42:50 – Democrats, Republicans, and the Uniparty
• 50:20 – Iran, China, and What's Coming Next
• 59:15 – Final Reflections & Closing
🧬 Final Thought
This episode reveals how truth, history, and strategy intersect in unexpected ways. When we understand who benefits from war, we begin to see the paths not taken.
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