Is NATO Pushing Towards War? Pepe Escobar Discusses Global Geopolitics

This discussion features Pepe Escobar, a geopolitical analyst, sharing his views from Italy on the current state of international relations, particularly concerning NATO, Russia, and the potential for conflict. He touches on the perceived lack of concern from European elites regarding US military actions and the growing presence of NATO bases in Italy.

Key Takeaways

• European elites seem unconcerned about US military actions and NATO’s expansion.
• Italy is described as "NATO occupied territory," with significant US military bases.
• A NATO military commander suggested the possibility of a preemptive attack on Russia.
• Russia, under Putin, stated readiness for war if Europe initiates it, warning of a swift end.
• The US envoys’ meeting with Putin was seen as an attempt to gain concessions, which Russia is unlikely to grant.
• There’s a discussion about international capital seeking safe havens, potentially in Russia, amidst global economic shifts.
• Italy, historically a cultural powerhouse, is seen as having lost sovereignty to NATO and the EU.
• Nations like Hungary and Slovakia are resisting the EU/NATO bloc, prioritizing national sovereignty.

Europe’s Stance on International Affairs

Pepe Escobar, speaking from northern Italy, notes a distinct lack of concern from European elites, including the Italian government, regarding actions like the US military’s operations in the Caribbean. He contrasts this with public opinion, which he suggests is a different story. Escobar is in Italy to promote his book, "The Multipolar Century," aiming to inform European readers about global shifts outside their continent.

He highlights the significant presence of NATO bases in Italy, particularly in the Friuli region, which borders Slovenia and Austria. These bases, some underground, are seen as expanding, leading to discussions about Italy becoming increasingly militarized with non-Italian forces. Escobar mentions that Sicily is even referred to as "American government occupied territory" by Pentagon commanders.

NATO’s Provocations and Russia’s Response

A major point of discussion is a statement by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, an Italian admiral, who suggested NATO is considering a preemptive attack against Russia. Escobar finds this statement "demented," especially given Russia’s stated readiness for war if initiated by Europe. President Putin has been quoted saying that while Russia is not planning war with Europe, they are prepared if Europe starts one, and such a conflict would be "over very quickly," unlike the situation in Ukraine.

Escobar believes Russia doesn’t need nuclear weapons to respond to a preemptive strike, citing their hypersonic capabilities that could target NATO command centers within minutes. He interprets these provocations from NATO as signs of desperation.

The Trump Envoys’ Meeting with Putin

The conversation also touches on the five-hour meeting between Russian President Putin and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to Russian negotiator Ushakov, the meeting was mutually agreed to be leak-free from the Russian side, though leaks were expected from the US. Ushakov described the discussions as largely unproductive, with many points being forcefully rejected by Russia. The core Russian conditions, set in June of the previous year, include no NATO for Ukraine, demilitarization, immediate elections, a non-Russophobic government in Kyiv, and denazification, which is expected to take generations.

Escobar suggests that the US envoys were trying to secure concessions from Russia, which are unlikely to be granted. He also offers an alternative interpretation of Kushner’s involvement: salvaging international capital by finding secure places to invest, potentially in Russia, as Europe is seen as economically unstable and China is also a challenge.

Loss of Sovereignty in Europe

Escobar argues that many Western European nations, including Italy, have experienced a significant loss of sovereignty due to the influence of NATO and the European Union. He describes Italy as a "NATO colony," where textbooks no longer highlight its historical glories but focus on its integration into NATO and the EU. This loss of sovereignty, he contends, is a major theme among progressive thinkers in Italy, who are often excluded from mainstream media.

He points to figures like Hungary’s Victor Orban and Slovakia’s Fico as examples of leaders trying to retain national sovereignty against the EU-NATO bloc. In contrast, he sees countries like France, Germany, and Italy as having foreign policies dictated by entities controlled by the EU and NATO.

The Future Outlook

Escobar views the current geopolitical situation as a "kabuki" or "circus" with no immediate resolution, while military progress continues in Ukraine. He believes that NATO and the EU are facing a strategic defeat against Russia and are in a desperate state. The options for them are seen as either seizing Russian funds or further burdening European taxpayers to finance the war machine, with the latter potentially leading to widespread unrest. The discussion ends with a reflection on the nature of power, capital, and the ongoing geopolitical struggles.