Episode 13: Some 740 Billion Dollar Questions with Stephen Semler

In the Context of Empire

Jon and Matt are joined by Stephen Semler to discuss the "Defense" budget. Stephen is the co-founder of the Security Policy Reform Institute. He also publishes the newsletter, Speaking Security where he scrutinizes the military industrial complex, and promotes ideas for a progressive US foreign policy.

Specifically discussed:

- The Pentagon budget: How much goes to private contractors? How much goes to "the troops?" Why is this a problem?

- How sanitizing language like "defense," "overseas contingency operations," and :"contractor" allows for an extremely destructive foreign policy

- The biggest welfare queens of the arms industry

- Why progressive politicians such as "The Squad" have a special responsibility on these issues

- How American Exceptionalism, the belief in US' "good intentions," and the assumption that the US should be the arbiter of morality to the world enable the permanent war state

- Why it is a fallacy to believe that pouring exorbitant sums of money into "defense is either supporting the troops or keeping Americans safe

- Would reinstitution of the draft serve to radically change US foreign policy? Are there other ways to bridge civilian-military divide?

- Why labeling progressive skeptics of American militarism as "isolationists" is incredibly inaccurate

- Stephen's policy prescriptions for dismantling the military industrial congressional think tank complex

Stephen's Information: Please Support His Work!

Security Policy Reform Institute (SPRI) - Grassroots funded (No defense industry $!) think tank that Stephen cofounded to promote progressive Foreign Policy. Support them on Patreon!

Follow SPRI on Twitter!

Stephen's newsletter "Speaking Security" Subscribe for regular, concise, and incredibly informative articles

Stephen's Twitter handle. Follow him!

Mentioned in this Episode:

The military is the most trusted Institution in American society

The "Bear Patrol" on the Simpsons is the perfect analogue for the Pentagon budget

The United States has been at war for all but 11 years of its history

The real cost of this extremely high military for the American people

Neera Tanden (President of Center for American Progress think tank) suggests that Libya should pay back the United States with its oil revenue

Our Work:

Read our "In the Context of Empire" blog with corresponding and expanded posts related to this content!

Social Media: Twitter- @Mattylongruns.