Just and UnJust Wars with Stephen Shalom

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Mark Fonseca Rendeiro
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Stephen R. Shalom

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.

On Becoming a Father and The Invasion of Ukraine

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Mark Fonseca Rendeiro
Rambling when he should be sleeping.

In a time of so much frustration, confusion and despair – a podcast is always appropriate. Especially when you couple that with the backdrop that this month I also became a father! So much joy on the one hand, so much struggle on the other, and then you have the incredibly unjust world taking another horrible turn. This monologue is the story of the rollercoaster month it has been and the mounting questions that obviously I am not equipped to answer but that doesn’t stop me from trying.

Future Co-Host

End of Summer Update

Remember when I used to record podcasts about social issues with guests from around the world? Well this is not one of those. I do discuss issues, in addition to things that have been going on; journeys, etc. All this from the comfort of my new home while making a dam fine cup of chai. If you enjoy me talking about life and the world for about 40 minutes, give this one a listen. Also you may enjoy Kate’s ukulele songs from hacker camp a few weeks ago. Well worth a listen!

Important announcement: a live podcast event this September 27th in Amsterdam! Yes. I’m launching the Realities Podcast (website almost ready), a production of citizenreporter, carrying on the tradition of this program’s candid, human conversations, only this time they will be done live with an audience! And you can be in that audience, if you can make it to Amsterdam in the coming month. Read all about it and sign up if you can be there for this most historic event.

Learning Russia from the Inside

Not since the cold war has the world needed to take a time-out from political posturing and the information game to get beyond the gate keepers and speak directly with the people referred to as “Russia”.  Not unlike 25 years ago, we in the west are once again talking about a people as if they cannot be spoken with and do not have a wide range of opinions and values. Over in Russia, similar is happening with what the media refer to as “the west”.

Enter the power of the podcast:

On today’s program I am coming to you from Moscow, the heart of the nation that so many are talking about these days with angry and confused tones. But this is not about Ukraine or Putin. This is about the city, life, culture, changes, and other developments that remind us of the wealth of things we citizens of planet earth have in common. Today we speak with my friend Victor, an resident and keen observer of this country and its culture, to hear what he sees and has seen.

Walking the Tight Rope of the Caucasus

OlafKIf you search for adventures in the Caucasus, it is his picture that should pop up first. From the loud taverns of Tblisi, to the shiny new streets of Gonzy and eventually to the  future Olympic village of Sochi, he has seen it all and shared many of his adventures with anyone that cares to know.  Now he has taken his greatest hits from the Caucasus and assembled them in book form (in Dutch).  The result is a hilarious, insightful, and often exciting journey in a region with so much diversity and such a rich history.

On today’s podcast I’m joined by none other than Olaf Koens, as we sit along the Amstel river in a windy afternoon, we talk about some of those adventures in that magical region of the world.

His book, (.nl) Koorddansen in de Kaukasus

Language and War in Georgia

Old Tbilisi
Wandering old Tbilisi

Driving outside of Tbilisi on the way to the ancient city Mtskheta, my hosts and I talk about Georgian language and how it has been effected by decades of Soviet Occupation and migration patterns. We also delve into Russian-Georgian relations today and how war is still very much part of the language and memory of the nation.

You can follow one of the guests on this episode via his twitter account. The other guest will remain anonymous.