Behind the Bastards: "It Could Happen Here Weekly 169" Summary

Release Date: February 15, 2025
Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Podcast Episode: It Could Happen Here Weekly 169

1. The Nature of Modern Imperialism and Trump's Unique Approach (03:05 - 05:10)

The episode opens with host Santi Damian introducing the theme of imperialism, focusing on how former President Donald Trump distinguishes his approach from traditional forms. Nathan King delves into Trump's use of tariffs not merely as economic tools but as political weapons aimed at consolidating power. He emphasizes that understanding trade requires looking beyond nation-states to the corporations that drive global economy dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"Free trade is about the free movement of capital and the unfree movement of people."
— Nathan King (11:00)

2. The Concept of the Spatial Fix and Capitalist Strategies (05:10 - 10:03)

King and James Stout discuss the "spatial fix," a concept popularized by geographer David Harvey, describing how capitalism relocates production to maintain profitability amidst declining domestic conditions. They highlight the US-Mexico and US-Canada trade relations, underscoring how multinational corporations exploit labor disparities across borders. The conversation points out that such trade practices primarily benefit ruling classes and exacerbate income inequality.

Notable Quote:

"Free trade is about the free movement of capital and the unfree movement of people."
— Nathan King (11:00)

3. Trump's Open Imperialism and the Shift from Soft to Hard Power (22:00 - 33:29)

The discussion shifts to Trump's blatant display of imperial ambitions, contrasting with previous US administrations that wielded soft power. They explore Trump's attempts to seize territories like Greenland and his aggressive stance towards Canada and Denmark. The hosts argue that Trump's approach represents a substantive break from America's historical imperial practices, emphasizing open and forceful dominance rather than subtle economic influence.

Notable Quote:

"Trump has turned on Rob Ford, a man who boldly answered the question, 'What if Trump smoked crack?'"
— Robert Evans (24:23)

4. Consolidation of Executive Power and the Threat to Democracy (33:30 - 47:53)

King and Stout analyze the Trump administration's efforts to centralize executive power through mechanisms like the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) and Schedule F, which reclassifies federal employees as political appointees. They discuss how these moves undermine democratic checks and balances, allowing Trump and his allies to reshape government agencies without congressional oversight. The conversation highlights the erosion of institutional safeguards and the potential for authoritarian control.

Notable Quote:

"The real Donald J. Trump would never have the guts to even think of doing this, and he's just too old."
— Curtis Yarvin (discussion, 26:53)

5. Attacks on the Federal Bureaucracy and Media Manipulation (47:53 - 71:37)

The hosts explore how the administration targets federal agencies like the FBI and USAID, replacing career employees with loyalists and restricting access to information. They examine Trump's defiance of judicial authority, illustrated by sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the weaponization of executive orders to suppress dissent. The conversation underscores the manipulation of media narratives to justify these actions, portraying them as efforts to enhance government efficiency while dismantling opposition.

Notable Quote:

"They have turned the administration into a corporate takeover of government which subsequently reshapes the structure of government akin to a corporation."
— Robert Evans (21:15)

6. The Role of Elon Musk in Government Overhaul (71:37 - 84:00)

Elon Musk's collaboration with Trump is scrutinized as they work together to undermine federal institutions. Musk's appointment to lead the Government Efficiency Commission is portrayed as a move to enforce rapid administrative changes without traditional checks. The hosts discuss how Musk's actions mimic his takeover of Twitter, emphasizing a disregard for institutional stability in favor of swift, unchecked reforms.

Notable Quote:

"Musk's operation is masked with the Silicon Valley language of efficiency. The inefficiencies of government are part of the point."
— Nathan King (32:12)

7. Implications for International Relations and Domestic Stability (84:00 - 114:00)

The episode transitions to discussing Trump's imperial ambitions abroad, notably his plans for Gaza and the potential establishment of American-controlled territories. The hosts analyze the catastrophic consequences of such actions, including forced displacement and genocide, drawing parallels to historical imperialist practices. Domestically, the dismantling of departments like Education threatens the foundational structures of American democracy.

Notable Quote:

"If Congress were to pass new legislation giving the President more centralized power, well, that would be a concerning thing."
— Mary Kay McBrayer (95:24)

8. Conclusion and Call to Action (114:00 - End)

In the closing segments, the hosts reflect on the alarming trajectory of US politics under Trump and Musk. They warn of the deepening constitutional crisis, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the rise of authoritarian governance. The episode serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to recognize and resist the dismantling of democratic safeguards.

Notable Quote:

"We are dealing with managing crumbles versus a full systems collapse."
— Nathan King (78:28)

Final Thoughts

"It Could Happen Here Weekly 169" presents a dystopian vision of American politics, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked executive power and corporate influence. Through detailed discussions and critical analysis, the episode warns of the fragility of democratic institutions and the ease with which they can be undermined in pursuit of personal and corporate agendas.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions and analyses.