When you're investing in Empire and don't even know it, w/ Daniel Bessner

For decades Americans have been conditioned to support the idea of American Exceptionalism and the nation's obligation to promote its liberal values globally, even if it means war. This is at the very root of the American Empire, author and podcaster Daniel Bessner tells us in this week's episode. Movements are afoot to expose the narrative and start adjusting to new realities on the world stage — if only the Washington blob would get out of the way. In the first segment, Kelley and Dan talk about the violence in Baghdad this week and how the U.S. screwed up its chance to make amends for breaking Iraq after the 2003 invasion.

More from Bessner:

Empire Burlesque — Harper's Magazine, July 2022

American Empire is headed into the sunset — can we handle it? Q&A w/ Tevah Gevelber — Responsible Statecraft, 7/25/22

Ending primacy to end U.S. wars — The Quincy Institute, 4/7/22

The case against humane war — New Republic, 9/8/21