Provoked with Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton
Episode 2: Murder by Policy: Empire of Violence: The Complicity of American Power
Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction and Context

In the second episode of Provoked, hosts Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton delve deep into the intricate web of American foreign policy, examining how it perpetuates cycles of violence globally. The conversation spans historical analogies, contemporary conflicts, and the psychological underpinnings that drive nations into perpetual war.

Scott Horton's Appearance on Tucker Carlson

Scott Horton begins by sharing his recent experience appearing on The Tucker Carlson Show. He remarks on the extensive three-hour interview, highlighting that while most discussions centered around Somalia and Yemen, he also ventured into historical comparisons.

"I think that's going to make it, you know, controversial, but I think I got it right."
(03:00)

He defends his critique of Winston Churchill, suggesting that Churchill's wartime policies bear unsettling similarities to modern American leadership, particularly in their complicity in violence.

Churchill vs. George W. Bush: Historical Parallels

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Churchill's wartime strategies, especially the implementation of a starvation blockade during World War II. Scott critiques the narrative that equates Churchill to a modern-day George W. Bush, arguing that Churchill's policies facilitated mass starvation and made the rationalization of atrocities easier for soldiers.

"Any army officer wants to do their job right and understand America's relationship with Russia has to read Provoked."
(01:36)

Darryl adds to this by emphasizing Churchill's role in escalating the war beyond Britain's capacity to win without American or Soviet intervention.

"Churchill's policy of having a starvation blockade, you know, it at least made it easier for men like that SS officer to rationalize what they were doing."
(05:17)

Propaganda, Historical Narratives, and Public Perception

Scott and Darryl discuss how historical narratives are shaped from a young age, citing the screening of Schindler's List in schools as a tool to instill emotional triggers that influence public perception of conflicts. They argue that these narratives simplify complex issues, leading to polarized views where criticizing figures like Churchill is misconstrued as sympathizing with Nazis.

"They're being inculcated, inculcating it into our children, generation after generation that you can watch their children be killed by the thousands and not only feel nothing, but actually cheer it on and support it."
(21:07)

Darryl further explains that idiomatic expressions like "death to America" are often misinterpreted outside their cultural context, exacerbating tensions and misunderstandings.

US Military Actions and Complicity in Global Violence

The hosts critique America's prolonged engagement in foreign conflicts, using Somalia as a primary example. Scott outlines the history of US involvement, highlighting how continuous bombing and support for warlords have destabilized the region without achieving the purported objectives.

"We've been bombing Somalia 44 times this year so far, and which is a higher rate than even the worst of the Obama years."
(46:55)

Darryl draws parallels between US actions in Somalia and historical atrocities, emphasizing the cyclical nature of violence fueled by policy decisions.

The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Case Study in Complicity

A substantial segment is dedicated to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The hosts argue that Israel's military actions against Palestinians, including the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields, mirror genocidal behaviors historically observed in other conflicts. They assert that American support for Israel exacerbates the violence and prolongs the suffering of Palestinians.

"Israeli forces kill 139 Palestinians in Gaza over 24 hours."
(34:08)

Scott criticizes the moral compass of American policymakers who support such actions, suggesting that these decisions tarnish America's legacy in history books.

"And so that's why we're always at war. It's not because the world's always messing with us. It's because we're messing with them."
(58:22)

Broader Implications for American Foreign Policy

The discussion broadens to address America's role as a global superpower perpetuating violence. Both hosts argue for a multipolar world where power is distributed among various nations, reducing the need for American interventionism. They lament the erosion of the Constitution and the shift towards a permanent state of emergency and war.

"America is the world empire. And even though the American people want to just mind our own business, this is the new world."
(58:22)

Darryl underscores the importance of national honor and historical memory, advocating for a foreign policy that does not sully America's reputation through unnecessary violence.

Closing Thoughts

In wrapping up, Scott and Darryl reflect on the future trajectory of American foreign policy and its global repercussions. They express concern over the normalization of violence and the diminishing public scrutiny of military actions. The episode concludes with a call to recognize and challenge the perpetuation of violence as a cornerstone of American power dynamics.

"You can't just hold to that old, to the old idea that, you know, this isn't something that we can possibly rethink or change in the way we approach."
(64:25)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Any army officer wants to do their job right and understand America's relationship with Russia has to read Provoked."
  (01:36)

• "Churchill's policy of having a starvation blockade, you know, it at least made it easier for men like that SS officer to rationalize what they were doing."
  (05:17)

• "They're being inculcated, inculcating it into our children, generation after generation that you can watch their children be killed by the thousands and not only feel nothing, but actually cheer it on and support it."
  (21:07)

• "We've been bombing Somalia 44 times this year so far, and which is a higher rate than even the worst of the Obama years."
  (46:55)

• "Israeli forces kill 139 Palestinians in Gaza over 24 hours."
  (34:08)

• "America is the world empire. And even though the American people want to just mind our own business, this is the new world."
  (58:22)

• "You can't just hold to that old, to the old idea that, you know, this isn't something that we can possibly rethink or change in the way we approach."
  (64:25)

Conclusion

Episode 2 of Provoked serves as a critical examination of American foreign policy's role in perpetuating global violence. Through historical parallels and contemporary analysis, Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton challenge listeners to reconsider entrenched narratives and advocate for a more conscientious and less interventionist approach to international relations.