Pod Save the World - Episode: North Korean “Storm Corps” Deploys to Russia
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Hosts: Tommy Vietor & Ben Rhodes
Produced by: Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of "Pod Save the World," hosts Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes delve deep into a series of pressing global developments. With the backdrop of an impending election day, the discussion spans a range of topics from North Korea's military maneuvers to the controversial policies in Israel, election interference, and significant political shifts in countries like Georgia and Japan. The episode also features an insightful interview with Jacob Soboroff about his new documentary on Trump's family separation policy.

North Korea’s Military Deployment to Russia

Timestamp: [04:45]

Key Discussion Points:

• Deployment Details: The Pentagon confirmed that approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia for training, with some already sent to the front lines in the Kursk region. NATO Secretary General highlighted that these troops are moving directly to a contested Russian territory previously captured by Ukraine.

• Storm Corps: The deployed units, known as the "Storm Corps," are elite Special Forces trained for invasions, particularly targeting South Korea. The Washington Post reported that Kim Jong Un has strategically sent these specialized units, aiming to bolster Russia’s military capabilities despite North Korea’s relatively smaller population.

• Implications: The collaboration signifies a potential escalation towards World War III scenarios. Ben Rhodes emphasized the blending of multiple conflict axes—Ukraine, the Middle East, and pivotal regions like Korea and Taiwan—raising global geopolitical stakes.

• Economic and Political Incentives: North Korea stands to gain significantly from Russia, receiving around $2,000 a month per soldier, making the deployment financially attractive despite the inherent risks of sending trained fighters into modern battlefields dominated by advanced technologies like FPV drones.

Notable Quotes:

• Tommy Vietor: "This seems to fall in that bucket. There's also some reporting that, that Russia is providing the Houthi rebels in Yemen with intelligence to help them target ships in the Red Sea. It's just the brazenness in the deepening of these alliances is really something." [07:45]

• Ben Rhodes: "This is blending that axis together. Russia, China, North Korea, Iran kind of form a group of countries... creating a mini little Warsaw Pact there." [07:43]

Elon Musk’s Communications with Vladimir Putin

Timestamp: [11:24]

Key Discussion Points:

• Allegations: The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk has had regular phone conversations with Vladimir Putin since 2022. These discussions reportedly included requests from Putin for favors such as restricting Starlink's satellite services over Taiwan.

• Security Concerns: Given Musk's substantial contracts with the U.S. government, including classified Pentagon work, these communications raise serious security concerns about potential breaches and influence operations.

• Misinformation and Influence: Ben Rhodes posited that these interactions could be part of a larger Russian influence operation, aiming to sway public opinion and spread disinformation through Musk's substantial social media presence.

Notable Quotes:

• Tommy Vietor: "This story, though, was wild to me... How you get away with that. I mean, aren't you going to get asked about those contacts?" [12:38]

• Ben Rhodes: "If you look at Elon Musk's track record on Russia, Ukraine over the last year or two, he is floating peace proposals that are eerily resembling of Vladimir Putin's peace proposals." [13:03]

Israel’s Legislative Move Against UNRWA

Timestamp: [21:00]

Key Discussion Points:

• New Legislation: The Israeli Knesset passed two laws effectively barring the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within Israel’s sovereign territory. This move is expected to cripple UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and adversely affect Palestinian refugees throughout the region.

• Humanitarian Impact: Jonathan Fowler, a spokesperson for UNRWA, articulated the severe consequences, including the cessation of food, shelter, healthcare, and education services in Gaza. The lack of operational UNRWA would not only destabilize Gaza but also have ripple effects across the broader Middle East.

• International Reaction: Countries like Spain, Germany, and the UK have criticized Israel's move, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis it would precipitate amidst ongoing conflicts and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Fowler (UNRWA Spokesperson): "If this legislation is implemented, it will have a direct operational and legal impact on UNRWA's services in the occupied Palestinian territory... the delivery of food, shelter and health care to most of Gaza's population would grind to a halt." [22:07]

• Ben Rhodes: "This UNRWA law should trigger no military assistance going to Israel based on what's written in US Law." [26:51]

Election Interference and Foreign Influence

Timestamp: [41:37]

Key Discussion Points:

• Global Actors: The episode highlights increased election interference efforts by Russia, China, and Iran, targeting various demographic groups in the U.S., including swing states and Hispanic voters.

• Technological Advancements: These foreign actors are utilizing advanced methods, including AI, to amplify their disinformation campaigns, exploiting platforms like Telegram and potentially leveraging figures like Elon Musk.

• Political Responses: Host Ben Rhodes critiques the insufficient and ineffective responses from U.S. institutions post-2016, arguing that foreign interference remains a persistent threat due to inadequate countermeasures.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes: "It's a world in which lots of people are going to interfere in our elections... it's fair game. Everybody can meddle in the US Election." [46:22]

• Tommy Vietor: "It is real weird. Let's move up this security clearance conversation a bit..." [49:31]

Georgia and Japan Elections: Implications and Outcomes

Timestamp: [51:40]

Georgia's Parliamentary Elections:

• Results: The pro-Russian Georgia Dream party secured 54% of the vote, gaining an outright majority in the parliament. However, the election faced allegations of fraud, voter intimidation, and administrative misuse, casting doubts on its legitimacy.

• Geopolitical Stakes: Controlling Georgia means dominating the South Caucasus and key energy pipelines. The results jeopardize Georgia's EU candidacy and strengthen Russian influence in the region.

• Local Response: Opposition leaders have called for protests, with significant domestic unrest anticipated due to widespread dissatisfaction with the election’s fairness.

Notable Quotes:

• Jacob Soboroff (Guest): "If you control Georgia, you control the South Caucasus and you control all this middle corridor and also all these pipelines... it's pretty clear that's what's being rejected by huge swaths of the Georgian population." [52:38]

Japan's Snap Election:

• Outcomes: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s attempt to stabilize the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) failed, resulting in the LDP losing its majority in the lower house for the first time since 1955.

• Contributing Factors: Recent scandals, including ties with the Unification Church and economic stagnation, fueled voter disillusionment. The snap election underscored the LDP’s long-standing dominance and highlighted the urgent need for political renewal in Japan.

• Future Implications: The LDP’s weakened position raises questions about Japan’s political stability and its ability to address critical issues like economic reform and demographic challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Rhodes: "It's very consequential and there are a lot of brave people in the streets and places like Tbilisi." [55:35]

Jacob Soboroff on Trump’s Family Separation Policy

Timestamp: [67:14]

Interview Highlights:

• Policy Genesis: The Trump administration's family separation policy was a continuation of earlier proposals, intensified by decades of stringent immigration enforcement. Politicians like Stephen Miller played pivotal roles in implementing the policy, which led to the separation of over 5,500 children from their parents.

• Humanitarian Crisis: Soboroff recounts firsthand accounts of the inhumane conditions faced by separated children, describing facilities as “incarceration centers” with children confined in deplorable conditions, leading to lifelong trauma.

• Lack of Accountability: Despite widespread condemnation and evidence of legal violations, there has been minimal accountability. The Biden administration's efforts to reunify families have been hampered by poor record-keeping and resistance from deported parents.

• Future Risks: Soboroff warns of the potential resurgence of such policies under a second Trump term, emphasizing the fragility of immigrant rights and the need for systemic reforms to prevent repeating these injustices.

Notable Quotes:

• Jacob Soboroff: "This policy was so deliberately harmful to children... it's as American as any other part of American history." [75:50]

• Jennifer Granholm: "We have to see this as part of a strategy to literally deny food and basic materials from reaching Palestinians. And we should name that. That is against American law." [26:51]

Climate Change and the Upcoming Elections

Timestamp: [65:21]

Key Discussion Points:

• Legislative Progress: Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted significant advancements in clean energy through the Biden-Harris administration’s legislative successes, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

• Economic and Environmental Impact: These laws have spurred the establishment of nearly 900 clean energy factories and the development of major projects like North America’s largest wind farm in Wyoming. The U.S. aims for 100% clean electricity by 2035, with a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

• Public Perception and Policy Stakes: The hosts stress the importance of the upcoming elections in determining the future of climate policy, emphasizing the stark contrasts between Trump’s dismissal of climate action and the administration’s proactive measures.

Notable Quotes:

• Jennifer Granholm: "We have about 900 factories that have announced they're coming to America or expanding in America to make solar panels or EVs or batteries." [97:28]

• Ben Rhodes: "It's hard to not be kind of enraged at the fact that we're even contemplating going with Trump." [93:52]

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Vietor and Rhodes emphasize the high stakes of the approaching elections, underscoring how the outcomes could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy, immigration reform, and climate action. The detailed discussions and expert insights provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate global dynamics shaping today's geopolitical landscape.

Final Thoughts:

• Engagement Call: The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and participate actively in the electoral process, leveraging tools like Vote Save America’s ballot initiative guides to make educated voting decisions.

• Upcoming Content: Listeners are teased about the final commentary on climate change and an exclusive interview with Jacob Soboroff, promising a deep dive into the human impacts of immigration policies.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Ben Rhodes: "This Storm Corps... raises the stakes of geopolitics." [07:43]

• Tommy Vietor: "You have to prepare yourself emotionally." [61:53]

• Jennifer Granholm: "We will continue to plant those trees of opportunity to save our planet." [98:38]

Resources Mentioned

• Documentary: Separated: An American Tragedy by Jacob Soboroff and directed by Errol Morris.
• Organizations: Vote Save America (votesaveamerica.com), UNRWA, Simplisafe, Indochino.

Final Notes

This episode of "Pod Save the World" offers a rich and engaging exploration of pivotal international events and policies, providing listeners with essential insights and critical analysis essential for understanding the complexities of current global affairs. Whether you’re familiar with the podcast or new to it, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and expert perspectives shared by hosts Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes.