Behind the Bastards: It Could Happen Here Weekly 194 – Detailed Summary

Release Date: August 9, 2025
Host/Authors: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In episode 194 of "It Could Happen Here," hosted by Andrew Sage (also known as Andrewism on YouTube), James, and Robert Evans, the discussion delves deep into the pervasive issue of militarism and its implications on global and domestic fronts. The episode emphasizes the urgent need for anti-war strategies and the dismantling of militaristic policies entrenched within societies.

1. The Pervasiveness of Militariusm [02:42 – 08:35]

Definition and Implications

Andrew Sage begins by defining militarism as the belief or policy that a nation should maintain a strong military and be prepared to use it aggressively to defend or promote its interests. This often entails glorifying military virtues and prioritizing military strength over other societal aspects.

• Quote:
  "Militarism is a system that consists of having and maintaining military personnel. Its essential and avowed goal is the preparation for war." – Andrew Sage [06:15]

Global Consequences

The hosts illustrate the global repercussions of militarism by citing various conflicts:

• Syria: Alevis (Alawites) face substantial persecution.
• Palestine: Israel's actions amount to genocide.
• Ukraine: Russia's invasion causes widespread devastation.
• Myanmar and Sudan: Ongoing civil wars and ethnic conflicts.
• India and Pakistan: Struggle over Kashmir.

Colonialism and Militarism

They discuss how militarism is intertwined with colonialism, leading to oppression and suppression of dissent both abroad and domestically.

2. Historical Context and Lessons [08:36 – 14:35]

Anarchist Anti-Militarism

Andrew Sage references the anarchist movement's historical stance against militarism, highlighting efforts to:

• Denounce Militarism: Combat the glorification of war.
• Abolish Militaristic Regimes: Redirect resources from military to societal benefits.
• Promote Solidarity: Build international support against war.

Case Study: CNT in Spain

James shares insights from the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) during the 1930s Spanish Civil War, where anarchists:

• Avoided a Standing Army: Formed affinity groups and defense committees instead.

• Resisted Militarization: Maintained anti-militaristic principles even amidst escalating conflict.

• Quote:
  "We didn't establish anything more militarized than affinity groups to defend the community." – James [11:50]

3. Modern Anti-War Strategies [14:36 – 25:11]

Challenges of Traditional Protests

The discussion moves to the declining effectiveness of traditional protests in today's highly militarized and technologically advanced society.

• Counter Messaging: Importance of disrupting militaristic narratives through alternative media and trusted networks.

  • Quote:
    "The media will not be with you. It'll be trying to manufacture consent against any action you take." – Andrew Sage [17:22]

• Labor Power: Emphasizing the pivotal role of labor movements and strikes in combating militarism.

Building Alternatives

Andrew Sage advocates for:

• Social Revolution: Creating and supporting alternative social structures.

• Community Solidarity: Building strong local networks that resist militaristic influences.

• Protecting Labor Rights: Strengthening unions and worker cooperatives to undermine the military-industrial complex.

• Quote:
  "We have to build something else, something better, to replace the capitalist, statist, militarist order." – Andrew Sage [25:11]

4. The Future of Anti-Militarism and Solidarity [25:12 – 39:35]

Innovative Approaches

Exploring beyond traditional activism, the hosts discuss:

• Sabotage and Strikes: Implementing more direct actions like strikes and sabotage against militaristic systems.

  • Quote:
    "Wartime strikes and sabotage bring rank and file workers together outside of union structures." – Andrew Sage [35:35]

• Digital Solidarity: Leveraging alternative media and online platforms to spread anti-militarist messages without government interference.

Challenges Ahead

They acknowledge significant obstacles:

• AI and Surveillance: The rise of AI and increased surveillance make organizing more difficult.
• Union Domestication: Modern unions are often too reformist and scared to engage in radical actions.
• Global Solidarity: Building international alliances is crucial but challenging.

Hope Through Solidarity

Despite the challenges, the hosts remain optimistic about the potential for global solidarity movements to counter militarism. They stress the importance of:

• Material Support: Providing aid and support to communities affected by militarism.

• Educational Efforts: Continuing to educate the public about the dangers of militarism and the benefits of peace.

• Quote:
  "Our efforts to oppose are going to be the toothless as long as we don't have an underlying structure that we are building upon." – Andrew Sage [38:00]

Conclusion [39:00 – 39:35]

Andrew Sage wraps up the episode by reiterating the necessity of building alternative structures and fostering international solidarity to effectively combat militarism and promote a peaceful society.

• Final Quote:
  "What you do to oppose and what you propose, including counter messaging and building the commons, is essential for a social revolution." – Andrew Sage [39:00]

Key Takeaways:

1. Militarism as a Global Threat: Militarism not only fuels conflicts but also perpetuates systems of oppression and colonialism worldwide.
2. Historical Lessons: Movements like the CNT in Spain offer valuable lessons on resisting militarism without succumbing to it.
3. Evolving Strategies: Modern anti-war efforts must adapt beyond traditional protests, utilizing labor movements, alternative media, and direct actions.
4. Building Alternatives: Creating robust, alternative social structures is crucial for sustainable resistance against militaristic and capitalist systems.
5. Global Solidarity: International alliances and support systems are essential in the fight against global militarism.

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of militarism's impact and offers actionable strategies for individuals and communities striving for a peaceful, equitable world.