This is what AI thinks this episode was about: In this episode of Citizen Reporter, host Bicycle Mark engages in a substantial dialogue with Steve Shalom, an emeritus professor known for his deep understanding of moral philosophy, particularly as it pertains to war. As they convene in January 2025, the conversation revolves around the concept of “just wars” and how society defines what constitutes a just versus an unjust conflict. Mark establishes the context by reflecting on the changing landscape of global conflicts and the need to discern moral justifications for wars.
Shalom opens the discussion by providing an overview of just war theory, highlighting the rarity of truly just wars throughout history. He explains the foundational criteria for determining the justice of a war, acknowledging that such determinations hinge on both legal and moral assessments. The dialogue probes the complex relationship between law and morality, drawing parallels to personal moral dilemma.
The conversation then deepens into three general moral approaches to war: realism, pacifism, and just war theory. The realist perspective advocates for doing whatever it takes to win a war, dismissing the notion of moral constraints as unrealistic. In contrast, pacifism rejects war under any circumstances, arguing that it is inherently immoral. Steve identifies just war theory as a middle ground, suggesting that while many wars may be unjust, certain criteria can render a war just based on context. This nuanced view leads to a comprehensive examination of historical and modern conflicts, including the significance of international laws established by entities such as the United Nations, which aim to regulate warfare and promote peace.
Mark and Steve navigate through the evolution of international norms concerning war, noting that while the UN charter ostensibly outlaws aggression, nations frequently disregard these laws. They discuss key historical instances, such as the 1990 Gulf War, where collective self-defense was invoked, and the discrepancies in enforcement regarding international law. They also reflect on the ineffectiveness of the UN Security Council due to veto powers, which complicates any potential interventions.
The notion of competing narratives in any conflict is also addressed. Steve articulates the challenges of discerning the legitimacy of claims to self-defense, especially in contemporary contexts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They underline that while public opinion may sway narratives, it is ultimately the collective decision-making processes within international bodies that shape the application of just war theory.
As the discussion progresses, Mark draws parallels between historical wars, notably World War II, often cited as a model of just war. They deliberate on the complexities surrounding the justifications of U.S. actions in later conflicts such as Vietnam and Iraq, articulating the moral debates that arise from actions taken under the guise of self-defense or humanitarian intervention. This further leads to an exploration of how the standards of just war have shifted over time, particularly with the increased scrutiny of civilian casualties and ethics in warfare.
The episode concludes with a poignant discussion regarding the psychological impacts of violence and trauma on societies involved in conflict. Steve underscores the cyclical nature of violence and how immediate reactions to trauma can cloud moral judgments, making a case for the long-term consequences of military actions that often go unaddressed in political discourse. Mark reflects on historical media reactions following September 11, 2001, demonstrating how public sentiment can lead to the justification of extreme measures.
Together, Mark and Steve encourage a deeper exploration of just war theory and its relevance in current geopolitical dynamics, advocating for thoughtful consideration of the moral implications of warfare in our increasingly complicated world. They express a commitment to continue these critical conversations as global conflicts evolve, highlighting the importance of dialogue in understanding the ethics of war. (End of AI statatement)
You can also just listen for yourself to figure out if the above summary is accurate.
“We’ve been here before!” Hanna Braun said to herself back in 1948 as Arab residents were expelled from Haifa. She had been a member of the Hagana before the Israeli army had been formally created – before there was even an Israel. She had escaped Germany at the height of the Nazi era, and tells marvelous tales of life in Palestine and how the dream of a secular, multicultural, state was stolen away by a select group who saw violence and hate as tools with which to build a nation. When she was old enough to fully understand what had happened, she dedicated her life to fighting injustice and increasing understanding on both sides. Hanna Braun was a friend of this podcast who taught us about a time in history and an experience that no school book has ever been allowed to publish. She passed away in November of 2011 at the age of 84. This podcast features our first ever conversation, recorded in February 2006, about her life growing up, and what led her to become such an outspoken activist and deciated humanitarian.
Hanna Braun. In early 2006 this name was recommended to me by an enthusiastic listener who said something to the effect of “you should really interview her.” I did some reading and learned a bit about who Hanna Braun was, an stubborn old lady who had grown up in Berlin during the rise of Hitler, then moved to Palestine when it was under British control, and then lived the creation of the state of Israel. However the real story of Hanna Braun is one of resistance and speaking out – as she witnessed injustice run rampant in this newly created state. Beyond injustice, Hanna explains what few people are old enough to recall – this was not the original plan, the dream of a secular inclusive state was co-opted and would never be realized.
I had the great privilege to speak with Hanna for 2 fantastic hours for this podcast all those years ago (including during the most recent Israeli military incursion into Lebanon). We spoke about her life and the lessons learned from all that she lived through. We spoke about the beautiful moments and of course – her life’s work – exposing the injustices and the suffering in Palestine that deserve the world’s attention. Hanna was dedicated not only to speaking about it, but taking action herself; organizing projects and participating in demonstrations, conferences, meetings and more. She was an inspiring figure who taught me more about history than any school book in high school ever did.
Hanna died just over a week ago at the age of 84. I hadn’t spoken to her in a few years, but I have thought of her often whenever someone asks about my most favorite interview. I was very much looking forward to having her back on the program and hear more from her all these years later. Instead her voice as well as her words will have to suffice. Her memoir, “Weeds Don’t Perish – Memoirs of a Defiant Old Woman Author” was published just 2 months ago. I intend to read it, pass it on to my loved ones, continue to pass on the message, and carry on speaking out, just as Hanna did.
In 1999 the news came out that there were significant natural gas supplies off the coast of Gaza. Negotiation soon took place between the Palestinian Authority, Israel, British Gas, and a Athens based company. The deal they produced would have given the PA 10% of the profits, though it was to be put in a special trust fund that only the Fatah political party could touch. However that deal was never signed, and in 2006 Hamas was the big winner in legislative elections, and they immediately declared the deal unfair and demanded it be renegotiated. The other parties would not renegotiate.
Meanwhile at the same time, Israel’s gas reserves off their coast are set to run out in only a few years. And a recent import deal they made with an Egyptian gas company, was declared illegal by an Egyptian court and that important source had been shut down.
Now we are over 20 days into an Israeli military operation which has been explained as an effort to hunt down Hamas who are a danger to the security of Israel. Hardly anywhere in the mainstream media is there mention of the very big issue of gas resources and the supply situation Israel finds itself in.Continue reading “bm292 The Battle for Gaza Gas Reserves”
The Wire gives alot of great examples of the type of behavior and power struggles that take place in all levels of life.? In this video, I look at 2 particular Wire characters and who they represent, and juxtapose that with what is happening in the middle east. Yes, Im serious.
There are many events that take place in this world that we… myself included.. can describe as crimes. Crimes take many forms and have different degrees. Among these forms, one of the most horrendous in my eyes – becuase it is so tacidly approved of and glorified in our collective culture, is war.? Stop with the World War II references, there hasn’t been a just war since… since.. how can anyone call a war just? It is a contradiction in terms, especially in 2009, when as a world we know so much more about why things happen, why people suffer and who benefits in keeping in that way.? It is not a mystery of why one group hates another, there are very clear causes and those causes are rarely addressed because too many people profit from perpetuating hatred and conflict.Continue reading “More War Crimes”