The Victor Davis Hanson Show

Episode: Sovereignty and the Face of Deterrence
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Hosts: Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
Co-host (occasional): Sami Winc

Introduction

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler delve into critical discussions surrounding national sovereignty, deterrence in foreign policy, the role of elites in shaping outcomes, generational skills gaps, and the troubling rise of euthanasia in Canada. The conversation traverses historical analogies, contemporary political analysis, and societal observations, providing listeners with a comprehensive exploration of these pressing issues.

Global Order and Sovereignty

Marco Rubio's Confirmation and the Global Order

Jack Fowler initiates the discussion by referencing Marco Rubio's statement during his confirmation hearing, which critically assesses the post-World War II global order established by the United States. Rubio argues that the existing liberal world order is a "dangerous delusion" that compromises national sovereignty for a superficial sense of global unity.

Notable Quote:

"That was a dangerous delusion," – Marco Rubio (summarized by Jack Fowler) [02:30]

Victor Hanson echoes Rubio's sentiments, drawing parallels to historical attempts at global governance that ultimately failed to respect national sovereignty.

Key Points:

• The post-WWII order aimed to create stability and prevent another global conflict.
• Rubio criticizes the shift from national interests to a liberal globalist agenda.
• Hanson connects this to contemporary movements like the International Criminal Court and the Paris Climate Accord, asserting they undermine national sovereignty.

Quote with Timestamp:

"The primary mission is to get rid of sovereignty and turn over each nation's decision making to a panel of experts." – Victor Davis Hanson [08:44]

Elites and Policy Failures

Critique of the Modern Elite's Influence

The hosts discuss the role of modern elites in government and policy-making, questioning their effectiveness and alignment with national interests. Hanson argues that elites, often Ivy League-educated individuals, lack practical common sense and fail to translate operational military success into strategic victories.

Notable Quote:

"I don't think the elite consensus focuses on certificate certificates. Certification, not branding. Branding." – Victor Davis Hanson [34:30]

Key Points:

• Elites are often disconnected from practical, on-the-ground realities.
• Historical examples like Vietnam and Afghanistan are cited as failures driven by elite miscalculations.
• Hanson emphasizes the importance of common sense and practical skills over academic credentials in leadership.

Generational Skills Gap

Gen Z's Lack of Practical Skills

Addressing a poll from the New York Post, Jack Fowler brings up concerns about Gen Z's inability to perform basic tasks like changing a light bulb. Hanson reflects on his own experiences, noting that even actively teaching his children practical skills resulted in gaps compared to previous generations.

Notable Quote:

"What skills do they think would be valuable? Right. They just some kind of rhetorical flurries." – Victor Davis Hanson [46:54]

Key Points:

• A significant portion of Gen Z lacks basic DIY skills, leading to increased dependency on professionals.
• Hanson suggests integrating practical skills training into youth education to prepare for real-world challenges.
• The decline in hands-on skills is linked to broader societal issues, including economic and social friction between different societal classes.

War, Deterrence, and Foreign Policy

The Importance of Deterrence in Preventing Conflict

Hanson elaborates on the concept of deterrence, drawing from historical military strategies to argue that clear communication of military strength is essential to prevent adversaries from initiating conflicts.

Notable Quote:

"To deter them or make the necessary adjustments with alliances. However, if you're not candid about your real strength or weakness, then you can be misled." – Victor Davis Hanson [15:53]

Key Points:

• Effective deterrence requires transparent communication of military capabilities and intentions.
• Hanson criticizes current foreign policy for failing to adequately deter potential aggressors like China and Russia.
• Historical parallels to WWII demonstrate how misjudgments of national strength can lead to catastrophic conflicts.

Quote with Timestamp:

"We have this amount of nuclear weapons. We have hypersonic. We, we, we and we have to, to do that so they don't do something stupid." – Victor Davis Hanson [22:34]

Israel, Hamas, and Strategic Resolutions

Analyzing Israel's Response to Hamas and the Role of U.S. Policy

The conversation shifts to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, specifically critiquing Israel's response to Hamas. Hanson references an essay he authored for Mosaic magazine, responding to Ran Baratz's analysis of Israel's strategic shortcomings.

Notable Quote:

"We have to have the military strength to do that. And if you're spending money on DEI or you're spending money on green electric tanks or something, you're not going to be able to do that." – Victor Davis Hanson [23:13]

Key Points:

• Hanson advocates for overwhelming military action to decisively eliminate threats like Hamas.
• He criticizes U.S. foreign policy for constraining Israel's ability to achieve strategic victories.
• The importance of translating tactical successes into long-term strategic resolutions is emphasized.

Euthanasia and Canada's Healthcare Crisis

Canada's Euthanasia Trend Amidst Healthcare Failures

Later in the episode, Jack Fowler raises concerns about the rise of euthanasia in Canada, linking it to the country's struggling healthcare system. Approximately 15,000 people died from euthanasia in 2023, with many turning to it due to inadequate access to necessary medical procedures.

Notable Quote:

"It's very dangerous for humans to play God." – Victor Davis Hanson [77:26]

Key Points:

• The increase in euthanasia is portrayed as a response to the failure of Canada's healthcare system to provide timely and effective care.
• Hanson shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding euthanasia.
• He argues against state involvement in euthanasia, advocating for it to remain an individual choice without governmental interference.

Quote with Timestamp:

"And then number three, it's very ironic that the state that outlaws capital punishment for horrific murderers allows late term abortion in euthanasia." – Victor Davis Hanson [81:20]

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Hanson and Fowler reiterate the critical themes discussed, emphasizing the need for strong national sovereignty, practical skills education, effective deterrence in foreign policy, and ethical considerations surrounding euthanasia. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with Victor's extensive body of work on his website, The Blade of Perseus, and to stay informed through their various platforms.

Notable Quotes Recap

• "The primary mission is to get rid of sovereignty and turn over each nation's decision making to a panel of experts." – Victor Davis Hanson [08:44]
• "I don't think the elite consensus focuses on certificate certificates. Certification, not branding. Branding." – Victor Davis Hanson [34:30]
• "What skills do they think would be valuable? Right. They just some kind of rhetorical flurries." – Victor Davis Hanson [46:54]
• "To deter them or make the necessary adjustments with alliances. However, if you're not candid about your real strength or weakness, then you can be misled." – Victor Davis Hanson [15:53]
• "We have to have the military strength to do that. And if you're spending money on DEI or you're spending money on green electric tanks or something, you're not going to be able to do that." – Victor Davis Hanson [23:13]
• "It's very dangerous for humans to play God." – Victor Davis Hanson [77:26]
• "And then number three, it's very ironic that the state that outlaws capital punishment for horrific murderers allows late term abortion in euthanasia." – Victor Davis Hanson [81:20]

Additional Resources

• The Blade of Perseus: For exclusive essays, videos, and more from Victor Davis Hanson. Visit victorhanson.com.
• Follow Victor on Social Media:
  • X (formerly Twitter): @VDHansen
  • Facebook: VDH's Morning Cup
• Join the Victor Davis Hanson Fan Club: A community of over 60,000 members discussing insightful topics and sharing perspectives.

This episode offers a profound examination of contemporary geopolitical strategies, societal trends, and ethical dilemmas, anchored by Hanson’s historical expertise and critical analysis.