Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem – Episode Featuring Scott Horton: "Provoked"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Part Of The Problem, hosted by Dave Smith of the GaS Digital Network, Dave welcomes Scott Horton, a renowned libertarian thinker and author. The primary focus of their discussion centers around Scott Horton's newly released book, Provoked, which delves into the intricate web of U.S. foreign policy, the origins of the current conflict in Ukraine, and challenges prevailing narratives about Russian aggression.

Overview of Scott Horton's Book: "Provoked"

Scott Horton introduces Provoked as a comprehensive analysis of the factors leading up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He emphasizes the book's extensive research, comprising over 7,800 citations and numerous firsthand accounts, aiming to present a well-substantiated narrative that counters mainstream media portrayals.

[02:31] Scott Horton: "I really just have a stack of 8,000 note cards... trying to tell the story just through facts."

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Provoked vs. Unprovoked Invasion

   Horton argues that the term "unprovoked" is a mischaracterization of Russia's actions. Instead, he posits that a series of provocations by the U.S. and NATO expansions have systematically edged Russia into a corner, leading to the current conflict.

   [07:43] Scott Horton: "There is no coherent argument that Vladimir Putin wasn't provoked into this invasion."

2. Historical Context of U.S. Foreign Policy Failures

   The conversation traces U.S. foreign policy missteps from the collapse of the Soviet Union to recent events in Ukraine. Horton highlights interventions like the Rose Revolution in Georgia, NATO's eastward expansion, and policies during the Bush and Clinton administrations that he believes have destabilized regions and antagonized Russia.

   [08:55] Scott Horton: "White separatist Randy Weaver... framed him just so they could extort him into being an informant against somebody else."

3. Critique of Media and Intelligence Narratives

   Horton and Smith critique the media's portrayal of events like Russiagate, suggesting that these narratives were manipulated to justify political agendas. They argue that intelligence reports have been selectively interpreted or misrepresented to fit predetermined conclusions about Russian interference.

   [14:00] Scott Horton: "I give the Other guys side of the story... you can really stand on, I hope."

4. Russiagate and Its Implications

   The episode delves deep into the Russiagate controversy, with Horton asserting that the FBI and intelligence agencies fabricated evidence to frame Donald Trump. He references John Durham's report, expressing frustration that it undermined his extensive research.

   [20:35] Scott Horton: "They tried to frame him just so they could extort him... They are the criminals. Full story. That's it."

5. Influence of Political Donors and Operatives

   Discussing the role of significant political donors like Miriam Adelson, Horton suggests that substantial financial contributions sway policy decisions and appointments within the U.S. government, sidelining qualified individuals who might advocate for more balanced foreign policies.

   [75:31] Scott Horton: "Miriam Adelson wrote a check for $100 million. So she gets to decide who's in the cat."

Notable Quotes

• Scott Horton on Writing "Provoked":

  [04:00] Scott Horton: "I have the advanced copy... it's a masterpiece, dude."

• Dave Smith on Media Manipulation:

  [11:02] Dave Smith: "Nobody really is. Nobody out there is going to be like, I've found flaws in Scott Horton's book... but it does just seem that there is no coherent argument that Vladimir Putin wasn't provoked."

• Scott Horton on Intelligence Community:

  [20:58] Scott Horton: "I'm right... Robert Kagan admits that I'm right about everything."

Analysis of U.S. Foreign Policy Failures

Horton meticulously outlines how successive U.S. administrations have pursued policies that inadvertently or deliberately provoked adversaries. From fostering uprisings in Eastern Europe to aggressive NATO expansions, he argues these actions have destabilized regions and incited hostile reactions from nations like Russia.

[25:23] Scott Horton: "Why would he [Putin] wait eight years... he could've taken Crimea outright if that was his goal."

Critique of Russiagate and Its Aftermath

The discussion highlights how Russiagate has been perpetuated despite lacking substantial evidence, emphasizing how intelligence agencies have pushed narratives to target political figures. Horton criticizes the lack of accountability within these agencies and the swift dismissal of dissenting voices like John Durham.

[40:01] Dave Smith: "Major things like that... but it does just seem that there is no coherent argument that Vladimir Putin wasn't provoked into this invasion."

Influence of Political Donors

Horton touches upon the pervasive influence of wealthy donors in shaping U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that financial power translates into political leverage that often goes unchecked and overlooks qualified, perhaps more balanced, policymakers.

[75:18] Dave Smith: "She's an Israeli who inherited money from her dead husband who ran a casino in China... Americans Christian conservatives obey."

Conclusion and Future Projects

Towards the end of the episode, Horton and Smith express enthusiasm for future discussions, particularly focusing on topics like shock therapy and color revolutions. They encourage listeners to explore Horton's book for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding current international conflicts and U.S. foreign policy.

[80:04] Dave Smith: "I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is... you’re going to understand what's going on in this conflict better than 99.9999% of people out there."

Final Remarks

Dave Smith extends heartfelt praise to Scott Horton for his thorough research and impactful work, underscoring the value of Horton's contributions to libertarian thought and critical analysis of international affairs. The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to purchase Provoked and stay tuned for forthcoming episodes that will delve deeper into the subjects introduced.

[81:48] Scott Horton: "Peace."

Where to Find More

• Book Purchase: Available on Amazon and ScottHorton.org
• Scott Horton's Projects: Visit LibertarianInstitute.org for more resources and upcoming publications.
• Subscribe: For in-depth analyses and future discussions, subscribe to the Scott Horton Show on YouTube.

This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Dave Smith and Scott Horton, highlighting the critical examination of U.S. foreign policy, media narratives, and the geopolitical tensions leading to the Ukraine conflict. Through insightful dialogue and compelling arguments, the episode invites listeners to rethink conventional perspectives and explore alternative narratives through Scott Horton’s Provoked.