Summary of "This Is Not a Drill (w/ Roger Waters)" | The Chris Hedges Report

Release Date: July 30, 2025

In this poignant episode of The Chris Hedges Report, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges engages in a profound dialogue with Roger Waters, the iconic co-founder of Pink Floyd, renowned for his unwavering activism and outspoken criticism of political and social injustices. The conversation delves deep into themes of authoritarianism, corporate malfeasance, human rights, and the enduring struggle for truth and love in a world increasingly dominated by oppression.

1. Roger Waters: A Staunch Defender of the Oppressed

[00:10] Chris Hedges introduces Roger Waters, highlighting his long-standing advocacy for Palestinian rights and his critical stance against the apartheid policies of Israel. Hedges underscores Waters' involvement in various movements, including signing the open letter Artists Against Apartheid and supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Despite facing severe backlash—from being labeled a terrorist supporter to having his concerts and publications systematically suppressed—Waters remains resolute in his mission for justice.

Notable Quote:

"Membership in or public support for [Palestine Action] is now classified as a criminal offense and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine." — Chris Hedges [00:10]

2. The Rising Tide of Authoritarianism and the Threat of War

The conversation pivots to the alarming rise of authoritarianism globally. Waters expresses deep concern over NATO's militaristic posturing, citing a recent statement from a NATO general predicting a potential world war by 2027 driven by Russian aggression. He criticizes the escalation of military spending, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the perpetual cycle of war fueled by capitalism.

Notable Quote:

"They [the ruling powers] have been doing it ever since I was alive, practically... they're absolutely going gangbusters to make certain that war is permanent, because that's how they make their living." — Roger Waters [05:28]

3. Capitalism’s Perilous Grip on Society

Waters elaborates on how capitalism not only perpetuates war but also disregards fundamental human rights. He contrasts his belief in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the government's apathy towards these ideals, emphasizing the system's prioritization of profit over human welfare.

Notable Quote:

"My platform is tiny. It's the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 10 December 1948. I believe in it. I support it. They don't. They never have." — Roger Waters [05:28]

4. The Imperative of Socialism and Collective Solidarity

Both Hedges and Waters converge on the necessity of socialism as a countermeasure to rampant capitalism. They argue that only through collective action and solidarity can ordinary people resist the oppressive structures imposed by the elite. Waters passionately advocates for a world grounded in mutual care and community, starkly opposing the selfish accumulation of wealth.

Notable Quote:

"I want to live in a world where my children can go to school and we can talk to one another and, you know, maybe go for a swim in the river, a weekend." — Roger Waters [05:28]

5. Combating Corporate Influence and War Profiteering

The discussion shifts to the insidious influence of corporations like Raytheon, Grumman, and Palantir, which profit immensely from war and conflict. Waters criticizes the manipulation of media and public perception by moguls such as Rupert Murdoch, who bolster war efforts for personal gain.

Notable Quote:

"They have no interest in human rights... but we have love and truth on our side." — Roger Waters [37:56]

6. Historical Parallels: Imperialism and Genocide

Waters draws unsettling parallels between current events and historical instances of imperialism and genocide. He likens the atrocities in Gaza to the brutal conquests of the European colonial powers, asserting that the imperialist mindset remains unchanged since the 15th century.

Notable Quote:

"The idea that it's okay to murder indigenous people in order to steal everything that they've got and to take over territory is something that the imperialist mind of the white European can't seem to let go of." — Roger Waters [25:24]

7. Suppression of Activism and Free Speech

Addressing the contemporary threats to free speech, Hedges and Waters discuss the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, which they argue is being weaponized to silence legitimate criticism of Israeli policies. They lament the swift adoption of such measures in the United States, observing firsthand their own experiences of being silenced during testimonies against the measure.

Notable Quote:

"Opposing the IHRA definition, because it doesn't believe in human rights. It believes in genocide." — Roger Waters [37:56]

8. The Power of Propaganda vs. Truth and Love

A significant portion of the dialogue centers on the battle between entrenched propaganda machines and the genuine pursuit of truth and love. Waters posits that while forces like Rupert Murdoch and political figures like Trump wield propaganda effectively, the enduring messages of truth and love championed by individuals like Hedges and himself hold the potential to inspire collective resistance.

Notable Quote:

"All they have on their side is greed and hatred and lies." — Roger Waters [37:56]

9. Personal Reflections: Legacy of Love and Truth

In a heartfelt exchange, Waters and Hedges reflect on their personal backgrounds and the influences of their parents. Both recount how their upbringings instilled in them a profound sense of responsibility, love for humanity, and unwavering commitment to truth—a legacy they carry into their activism and art.

Notable Quote:

"Your father would be proud of you... we have love in our hearts, and so do millions and millions of us." — Roger Waters [40:49]

10. The Necessity of Continued Resistance

Concluding their conversation, Hedges and Waters emphasize the critical need for ongoing resistance against authoritarian and oppressive forces. They acknowledge the daunting challenges but remain steadfast in their belief that maintaining love, truth, and solidarity is essential for any meaningful change.

Notable Quote:

"We have to make as much noise while showing it as possible to encourage the young... this is not who I am, so I don't know, let you know, let's see what happens today and tomorrow and the day after that." — Roger Waters [24:46]

Closing Remarks

Chris Hedges wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to the production team and directing listeners to his Substack for further insights. The episode serves as a compelling call to action, urging individuals worldwide to stand against injustice, uphold human rights, and foster a society rooted in compassion and truth.

Key Takeaways:

• Persistent Activism: Roger Waters exemplifies relentless activism in the face of severe opposition, advocating for oppressed communities despite governmental and societal pushback.

• Authoritarian Threats: The dialogue underscores the growing threats of authoritarianism and militarism, highlighting the urgent need for collective resistance.

• Capitalism's Flaws: A critical examination of capitalism reveals its role in perpetuating war and neglecting human welfare, advocating for socialist principles as a remedy.

• Historical Lessons: Drawing parallels with historical imperialism, the conversation emphasizes the dangers of unchecked power and the recurring patterns of oppression.

• Defending Free Speech: The episode highlights the ongoing battle to preserve free speech and combat the misuse of definitions like IHRA to suppress legitimate critiques.

• Power of Love and Truth: Ultimately, the discussion champions love and truth as potent forces against tyranny and oppression, inspiring hope for transformative change.

This episode of The Chris Hedges Report serves as a stirring reminder of the power of individual and collective action in the fight against systemic injustice. Through the eloquent and impassioned dialogue between Chris Hedges and Roger Waters, listeners are encouraged to remain vigilant, informed, and united in their pursuit of a more just and humane world.