The Victor Davis Hanson Show: "Around the World at Christmas" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
Co-host: Sammy Wink
Guest: Sami Winc (on selected episodes)

Introduction

In the episode titled "Around the World at Christmas," Victor Davis Hanson and his co-hosts delve deep into significant global political and social events, analyzing current developments and their historical contexts. The discussion is primarily academic yet accessible, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on international affairs.

1. Iran’s Escalating Threat and U.S. Policy Failures

Timestamp: 02:23 – 09:56

Victor Hanson opens the conversation by critiquing the Biden administration's approach to the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran. He argues that previous policies, especially the Iran nuclear deal initiated under Obama, inadvertently empowered Iran by lifting sanctions and facilitating financial growth. This, according to Hanson, enabled Iran to fund terrorism through groups like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.

Notable Quote:

"They passed the Iran deal. It was a way of saying that Iran can have the bomb in 10 years."
— Victor Davis Hanson [02:23]

Hanson contends that the subsequent increase in Iranian missile capabilities and terrorist activities culminated in the October 7th attacks against Israel. He criticizes the Biden administration for inconsistent support of Israel, simultaneously advocating for strong military backing while limiting the scale of retaliation.

Key Points:

• Empowerment of Iran: Lifting sanctions led to increased missile development and terrorism funding.
• Israel’s Retaliation: Strong military response decimated Hezbollah and Hamas infrastructure.
• Future Implications: Israel now possesses significant military superiority over Iran, raising questions about future engagements and the sustainability of Iran’s regime amidst internal economic struggles.

Notable Quote:

"Iran now is terrified. All of its surrogates, all of them are inert."
— Victor Davis Hanson [09:05]

2. The Saudi Terrorist Attack in Germany

Timestamp: 11:45 – 18:52

The discussion shifts to a recent terrorist attack in Germany perpetrated by a Saudi national targeting a Christmas marketplace. Hanson analyzes the motivations behind the attack, suggesting it stems from a complex disillusionment with both Western societies and Islamic doctrines.

Notable Quote:

"Think about the sustainability of this. You're a Western society... the entire 500 million person Middle East does not work."
— Victor Davis Hanson [11:45]

Key Points:

• Incoherent Motives: The attacker’s professed atheism contrasts with the violent targeting of a religious celebration.
• Western Societal Challenges: Failure to integrate Middle Eastern immigrants leads to cultural segregations and increased tensions.
• Proposed Solutions: Hanson advocates for stricter immigration controls, emphasizing law enforcement over cultural assimilation efforts to mitigate such threats.

Notable Quote:

"Freedom is not a suicide pact."
— Victor Davis Hanson [11:45]

3. Israel’s Strategic Military Actions

Timestamp: 20:05 – 29:24

Returning to the Middle East, the hosts discuss Israel's military strategies post-October 7th attacks. Hanson praises Israel's decisive actions in dismantling terrorist networks and emphasizes the tenuous position of Iran.

Notable Quote:

"Israel is in the most ascendant position that I can think of since the 67 Day War."
— Victor Davis Hanson [21:11]

Key Points:

• Effective Military Response: Targeted bombings and missile strikes have significantly weakened Hezbollah and Hamas.
• Iran’s Vulnerability: Economic hardships and military setbacks render Iran's regime unstable.
• Future Prospects: Speculation on whether Israel will escalate its actions against Iran, potentially neutralizing nuclear threats.

Notable Quote:

"Israel is in a position that any time it wants, it can take out whatever it wants in Iran."
— Victor Davis Hanson [21:11]

4. Ukraine Conflict and NATO’s Role

Timestamp: 29:24 – 40:56

The conversation transitions to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, with Hanson critiquing the Biden administration's handling and expressing skepticism about NATO's effectiveness.

Notable Quote:

"Ukraine is not going to militarily defeat Russia. The only way it could is if NATO and the United States gave them weapons that would threaten the homeland of Russia."
— Victor Davis Hanson [30:39]

Key Points:

• Warfare Realities: Drawing parallels with historical battles, Hanson underscores the high human and infrastructural costs of prolonged conflict.
• Sanctions and Support: Criticism of the belief that sanctions alone would bankrupt Putin, noting continued Russian resilience and resource advantages.
• Potential Resolutions: Suggestions include establishing a demilitarized zone and excluding Ukraine from NATO to de-escalate tensions.

Notable Quote:

"The western one third of Ukraine was Roman Catholic, Polish speaking... borders are fluid and his historical claims back and forth."
— Victor Davis Hanson [30:39]

5. Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Proposals

Timestamp: 42:14 – 53:57

Hanson shifts focus to former President Donald Trump's unconventional foreign policy ideas, such as reclaiming the Panama Canal and purchasing Greenland. He interprets these moves as attempts to counter Chinese influence and reassert American strategic dominance.

Notable Quote:

"Greenland already has an independence movement, so they may want to get out anyway."
— Victor Davis Hanson [42:38]

Key Points:

• Greenland Purchase: Trump's interest in Greenland is seen as strategic, leveraging NATO's existing protection to potentially assert control over its natural resources and geopolitical position.
• Panama Canal: Advocated as vital for maintaining American military and commercial supremacy, critiquing Panama's current agreements favoring Chinese interests.
• Implications: Hanson suggests these proposals are part of a broader strategy to prevent adversaries like China from dominating critical global chokepoints.

Notable Quote:

"He's trolling the Danes nonstop. He wants people to understand what Panama is doing and put pressure on them."
— Victor Davis Hanson [42:38]

6. Critique of Biden’s State Department and Appearances

Timestamp: 53:57 – 71:26

Hanson criticizes the Biden administration’s State Department, highlighting perceived incompetence and political bias. He recounts his own experience with the American Battle Monuments Commission and contrasts it with current diplomatic appointments he views as ineffectual.

Notable Quote:

"We have somebody, Tom Connor, a professor at Hillsdale who's retired... he would be exactly what Donald Trump needs right now."
— Victor Davis Hanson [54:07]

Key Points:

• Ambassador Appointments: Hanson argues that Trump’s appointments, particularly of individuals like Tom Connor, are more qualified and loyal compared to politically influenced State Department nominees.
• Institutional Failures: He references incidents like the Vindman hearings and the handling of the Benghazi disaster to illustrate systemic issues within the current diplomatic corps.
• Call for Reform: Advocates for appointing individuals with genuine expertise and loyalty rather than politically motivated figures to enhance diplomatic effectiveness.

Notable Quote:

"The State Department below the political appointments of Marco Rubio will be anti-Trump. It's just the culture."
— Victor Davis Hanson [53:57]

7. East Palestine Train Derailment and Environmental Policies

Timestamp: 71:26 – 78:30

In the final segment, Hanson addresses the East Palestine train derailment, linking it to broader environmental and policy failures. He criticizes the cancellation of pipelines like Keystone, highlighting the increased risk associated with transporting hazardous materials via rail.

Notable Quote:

"Transporing oil by pipeline makes a lot more sense than rail car."
— Victor Davis Hanson [73:05]

Key Points:

• Accident Analysis: The derailment underscores the dangers of rail transport for combustible substances compared to pipelines.
• Policy Critique: Hanson argues that Democrats’ environmental policies, which favor rail over pipelines, inadvertently increase the likelihood of such accidents.
• Economic and Safety Concerns: Emphasizes the need for secure and efficient transportation methods to prevent future environmental disasters.

Notable Quote:

"What happened in East Palestine isn't surprising. Both the accident and the Democrats' desire to ignore those affected by it."
— Victor Davis Hanson [73:05]

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 78:11 – End

As the episode wraps up, Hanson reflects on Donald Trump's resilience and the effectiveness of his strategies in the face of political adversities. He underscores the importance of addressing the needs of neglected communities, citing the East Palestine response as a pivotal moment that resonated with voters.

Notable Quote:

"We are going to take care of you. That was an iconic moment."
— Victor Davis Hanson [78:30]

Hanson encourages listeners to engage with his writings on his website, "The Blade of Perseus," where he continues to explore current and historical topics in depth.

Final Thoughts:

• Resilience of Leadership: Highlights how Trump’s direct engagement with affected communities bolstered his support base.
• Ongoing Challenges: Acknowledges the continuous need for strategic foreign policies to maintain global stability.
• Call to Action: Invites listeners to further explore and support his analytical work through his online platforms.

Notable Quotes Overview

• Iran Empowerment: "They passed the Iran deal. It was a way of saying that Iran can have the bomb in 10 years."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [02:23]

• Middle Eastern Immigration: "Freedom is not a suicide pact."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [11:45]

• Israel’s Military Strategy: "Israel is in the most ascendant position that I can think of since the 67 Day War."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [21:11]

• Greenland Acquisition: "Greenland already has an independence movement, so they may want to get out anyway."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [42:38]

• State Department Critique: "The State Department below the political appointments of Marco Rubio will be anti-Trump. It's just the culture."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [53:57]

• East Palestine Derailment: "What happened in East Palestine isn't surprising. Both the accident and the Democrats' desire to ignore those affected by it."
  — Victor Davis Hanson [73:05]

Final Notes

This episode of "The Victor Davis Hanson Show" offers a comprehensive analysis of critical international issues, blending historical context with current events. Hanson's perspectives provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding U.S. foreign policy, international conflicts, and political dynamics.

For more detailed discussions and ongoing analyses, listeners are encouraged to visit VictorHansen.com and explore his extensive range of articles and publications.